Hailstorms are a common problem for car owners. Hail damage can be unsightly, and can even reduce the value of your vehicle. There are many ways to repair hail damage on your car, and some of them you can do yourself. Here's a guide to repairing auto hail damage.
Assessing the damage is the first step to repairing auto hail. Take note of any dents or dings you see as you walk around your car. You can use a flashlight to see the damage more clearly. You may be able repair small dents that are not too deep. If the damage is extensive, or the dents are very deep, it may be necessary to take your vehicle to a professional body shop.
You'll need some tools if you decide to fix the damage yourself. Most auto parts stores sell a dent repair kit that includes all the tools needed to fix minor dents. Follow the instructions that come with the kit. This usually involves applying a special glue to a tab and attaching it to the dent. Then, using a pulling device, you pull out the dent. Once the dent has been removed, you can use a rubber hammer to smooth out any remaining bumps.
The "hot and cool" method is another way to repair hail damage on your car. This method involves heating up the dented area using a hairdryer, until it is warm to the touch. You then quickly cool the area using compressed air. The sudden temperature change can cause metal to contract, and the dent to pop out. This method is best for small, shallow dents. It may not work on larger or deeper ones.
If the damage is too serious for you to fix yourself, you will need to take your vehicle to a professional auto-body shop. The damage will be repaired using a process known as paintless dent removal (PDR). PDR involves the use of specialized tools that gently massage the dents from the inside. This method can remove even large dents from the car without damaging its paint. If the paint is chipped or cracked, the body shop will need to repaint that area.
Repairing auto hail damage is a simple task if you have the correct tools and the damage is not severe. For more severe damage it is best to have your car looked at by a professional. Remember to fix hail damage as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and to maintain the value of your car.