Hail is beautiful when it falls from skies and hits the ground, but when it hits your car, things can really get ugly. As beautiful as hail is, it can leave your car roof dented, affecting not only its appearance but also its value. If you've been experiencing hail damage, you’re probably in a frenzy, but worry not as I’ll be sharing some tips on how to repair hail damage on your car roof without incurring so much cost.
1. Locate the affected area
Start by assessing the severity of the damage on your car roof. Check to see if it's a small or large dent. Small hailstone dents have a diameter of less than one inch while large hailstone dents exceed an inch.
2. DIY approach
For small hailstone dents, you can repair it yourself. You don’t need to be a master car mechanic to do it. First, wash your car roof to remove any dirt or debris. Next, use a blow dryer or heat gun to apply heat to the dented area. Once the area is heated, use a plunger or your hands to press the dent out from the inside. Important tip, make sure to press gently and avoid applying too much pressure.
3. Use a vacuum cleaner instead
If the idea of pulling out dents by hand doesn't appeal to you, another easy way to remove dents from your car roof is to use a vacuum. The process is simple, just attach a vacuum to the affected area and let it suck out the dent.
4. Paintless Dent Repair
If the affected area is too large for a vacuum or you are not comfortable trying to fix the Hail damage on your own, you can visit an auto shop that does Paintless Dent Repair. This is a fast and affordable way to repair your hail damage. Paintless Dent Repair does not need any replacement panels, sanding or re-painting
. A skilled technician uses special tools to massage the dents back to their original shape without damaging the paint job. Larger dents may cost more, but it is still capped at a fraction of the cost of traditional body repairs.
5. Traditional dent repairs
If you've tried every DIY option and still not satisfied with how your car roof looks, it might be time to seek the services of an auto body shop. Traditional body repairs include removing the affected panel or part of the car roof and replacing it with a new one. This process is more time-consuming and expensive than paintless dent repair, and as such, can cost a whole lot more.
6. Submit an insurance claim
If you purchased comprehensive auto insurance, there's a good chance you are covered for car hail damage. Get in touch with your insurance provider, let them know about the hail damage so you can submit a claim.
Final thoughts
Hailstones are unpredictable, and as such, you can't predict when they will hit your car roof or how bad the impact will be. But when they do, you don't have to be intimidated or upset. With these tips, repairing hail damage on your car roof can be done without incurring massive costs. Get your car fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to its roof, windscreen and other parts.
