As winter turns to spring, the weather can quickly change throughout the day. All vehicles sustain wear and tear from the weather over time, but the most damaging element car owners face is hail. Since spring is Ohio’s storm season, hail storms are frequent and can damage your car if they aren’t protected. To preserve your auto glass and other vehicle components, use the following tips to protect your car from hail storms.

How to Protect Your Vehicle From Hail

1. Always Check the Weather Before Driving

Sign up for weather alerts on your phone during the hail season. A weather app, like the Weather Network app, can send a notification as soon as a meteorologist suspects a hail storm. If you aren’t going to work, or have an emergency, it’s best to stay home to prevent damage to your auto glass and the rest of your vehicle. However, if you do need to leave the house, drive carefully or pull over when the storm becomes severe.

2. Find Cover While Driving

As soon as hail starts to come down while driving, seek shelter. A freeway or overpass provides adequate protection from a storm if you’re near the highway, but be sure to pull off to the right side away from traffic. In a pinch, park on the opposite side of a large building away from where the wind is blowing, which is the direction in which the ice is falling. If you’re close to home or in the countryside, drive into the storm, which is the direction in which the ice is falling, to protect your side windows. Windshields are made of more durable auto glass and are more likely to withstand harsh weather conditions.

3. Cover the Vehicle

If you do not have a garage, carport, or covered shelter, this leaves your vehicle susceptible to the elements. However, a car cover can prevent dented metal, cracked glass, or chipped paint during a storm. Opt for covers that are 100% waterproof with adjustable drawstrings for adequate coverage. This will allow you to easily cover your car before a storm and remove it when you need to drive again.

When you’re looking for an auto glass replacement due to hail, other weather conditions, or from fallen branches or rocks, choose Cooper’s Glass Service in Chillicothe, OH. For over 50 years, these commercial and auto glass replacement specialists have served Pike and Ross counties with various glass solutions, including repair and replacement. Visit their website for more information on their services, or call today at (740) 775-1991 to schedule an initial appointment.