What Are the 10 Common Causes of Car Overheating?

A car overheating is one of the common problems car owners and drivers face. The cooling system of your car is always under pressure and high temperature that may cause engine overheating problems over time.

 

Here are ten common causes that lead to a car engine overheating:

1. Leaks in the Cooling System

If you have a leak in the cooling system of your car, the coolant drips through the puncture, and air enters the system through the leak. This causes an airlock in the cooling system and makes it difficult for the coolant to push through the system to reach the engine, thus causing it to overheat.</p

2. Incorrect Coolant Concentration

Always use the correct type of coolant in your vehicle as well as remember to use the right mixture of coolant and distilled water.

3. Loose Coolant Hose Clamp

Having a loose clamp on your car coolant hose can also be a reason for engine overheating. The clamps tend to loosen up or even break over time, so be sure to replace them when you notice it loosening.

4. A Faulty Thermostat

If you have a faulty thermostat that remains closed, the coolant will not be able to pass through the system. This can result in your car engine overheating.

5. Clogged or Cracked Car Radiator

A car’s radiator pulls heat away from the rest of the cooling system. If it is not working correctly due to leaks and clogging, it can lead to car overheating.

6. Worn Out or Burst Hoses

Hoses that are worn out or have cracks will leave you with a leaky engine that will obstruct the coolant’s flow through the system and cause car overheating.

The primary function of a radiator fan is to pull air across the radiator to help reduce the coolant’s temperature. Therefore, if you have a faulty radiator fan, it will lead to engine overheating.

8. Loose or Broken Belts

If a belt is loose or broken, it will not maintain the correct volume of coolant flow and cause overheating.

9. A Faulty Water Pump

A water pump is often considered as the heart of your cooling system. If it’s not operating correctly, it can cause your vehicle to overheat.

10. Low Oil Level

Engine oil helps with the cooling process and avoids the buildup of excessive heat. It also keeps various parts of the engine properly lubricated, reduces friction, and overheating. So, your car can overheat if your oil levels are low.

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5 TIPS TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS ON THE ROAD

Car accidents can be particularly devastating. Even minor accidents can be costly to the drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. The risks of car accidents are real.

The fact is that car accidents can be prevented by taking simple precautions. In this article, we have shared five tips that can help in avoiding auto accidents.

1. Remain Vigilant When Driving

When driving, you should keep your focus on the road. Avoid letting anything distract you from driving. The car is the last place that you should be multitasking. You should never use your cell phone when driving — even if it’s a hands-free model. Talking while driving will distract you from focusing on the road. So, put away the phone, and make sure that it’s turned off before driving.

2. Never Exceed the Speed Limit

The purpose of a speed limit is simple: to avoid accidents. Exceeding the speed limit increases the chances of an accident. Apart from consuming more gas, driving at a high speed can put the lives of others in danger. You will have less reaction time to avoid rollovers and collisions when driving the car at a fast speed.

3. Select a Safe Car

Apart from good driving behavior, you must select a car that has excellent safety features. A car with electronic stability control can reduce the risk of a fatal rollover by about 80 percent. Also, you should look for other safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. You will cut the risk of a serious car accident by half when you select a reliable and safe car.

4. Don’t Drink and Drive

Another advice to avoid a car accident is to never drink and drive. Majority of crashes involve drunk driving; most of which turn out to be fatal. Driving while drunk impairs the senses. This makes it highly likely that you will make mistakes when driving, resulting in a car crash. So, never drive when drunk.

5. Ignore Crazy Drivers

Some drivers tend to do crazy stuff such as cutting other drivers, breaking the signal, and speeding. You should avoid these crazy drivers when driving. If they get behind your car and honk the horn, you should let them pass. The quicker you get away from these reckless drivers, the safer you will be.

The above tips can greatly help in reducing the risk of a car accident. In case you have been injured in a car accident caused due to another person, consider contacting an experienced car accident attorney. An attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve for the injuries sustained in an accident caused due to another person’s negligence

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5 Tips to Keep Your Tires Cool This Summer

Without a doubt, extreme temperatures can affect your car, including your tires. Tires expand and contract as temperatures rise and fall, and they typically can handle those variations without much problem.

Yet, those temperature extremes can also lead to tire failure, which may happen at the most inopportune time, such as when you are on the highway far from home.

Taking care of your tires will ensure that your trip goes as planned, barring any other problems that may suddenly arise. To that end, we have listed some of the more useful tips to help keep your tires cool this summer.

Tire Care Tips for Summer

1. Inflate your tires to the proper level.

What confounds not a few drivers are the inflation rates for tires. On the sidewalls themselves, there are recommended inflation levels embossed by the manufacturer.

However, the inflation rate you should use or PSI is what the car manufacturer identifies as being correct. In this case, it is information found in your owner’s manual or on a placard located on the driver’s door jamb or in the glove box.

2. Purchase a quality tire pressure gauge.

There are tire pressure gauges and then there are tire pressures gauges. Some gauges are cheaply made and may not render a correct number. Others are better constructed and will deliver the most accurate reading every time.

3. Check your tires when they are cold.

To get an accurate reading on air pressure, only check your tires when they are still cold. Drive more than a mile to a tire pump and you will get an inaccurate reading. That reading may cause you to over-inflate your tires, which can lead to premature wear.

In a worst-case scenario, it could also lead to tire failure.

4. Be consistent with your tire care.

Tires, like the rest of your car, need maintenance. You should rotate your tires about once every 6,000 miles or twice per year. The front end should be aligned if you have hit potholes and the tires may need to be balanced from time to time.

In between, you should inspect the tires and check inflation levels. A monthly check is typically sufficient, but do this more often if you drive a lot.

5. Be mindful of hard-to-find punctures.

If one tire is constantly losing air, that’s a sure sign that it has a puncture and may eventually fail. On closer inspection, you may find that the tire has a nail, hidden away within the grooves or otherwise out of sight. Remove the nail and seal the puncture. You can do this yourself or take it to a garage for work.

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How To Know If Your Car Is Leaking Gas

Is your car leaking gas? If so, it’s important to find out where the leak is coming from and how to fix it. Otherwise, you could be putting yourself and others at risk.

In this article, we’ll show you how to identify and fix a gas leak in a car. A gas leak in a car is when fuel escapes from the system through a hole or crack.

Can You Drive A Car With A Gas Leak?

It’s not safe to drive a car with a gas leak. If the leak is bad enough, you could run out of gas and be stranded on the side of the road. Even if the leak is not that bad, you are still wasting gas (and money) every time you drive. It can lead to several problems, including:

1.     Reduced gas mileage

When your car leaks gas, it is not running as efficiently as it could be. This leads to reduced gas mileage and increased emissions.

2.     Engine damage

If the gas leak comes from the engine, it could cause severe damage.

3.     Fire hazard

A gas leak is a fire hazard. If there is a spark, the gas could ignite and cause an explosion. So, if you think your car is leaking gas, getting it fixed as soon as possible is important.

What Can Cause A Gas Leak In A Car?

A gas leak in your car can be a serious problem, and it is important to know what can cause it. Here are some of the most common causes of gas discharge in cars:

1. Faulty Fuel Tank

A faulty fuel tank can often cause gas discharge. If your fuel tank is damaged, it can cause gasoline to leak out.

2. Loose Fuel Cap

Another common cause of gas discharge is a loose fuel cap. If your fuel cap is not tight, it can allow gasoline to escape from the tank.

3. Leaking Fuel Line

Gasoline can also leak from a damaged or leaking fuel line. Fuel lines can become damaged over time, and if they are not properly maintained, they can develop leaks.

4. Damaged Carburetor

A damaged carburetor can also cause a gas leak. The carburetor is responsible for mixing air and gasoline to create the fuel mixture that powers your engine. If it is damaged, it can allow gasoline to leak into the engine.

5. Faulty Intake Manifold

The intake manifold is another part of the car that can cause a gas leak. The intake manifold draws air into the engine and also mixes it with gasoline. If the intake manifold is damaged, gasoline can leak into the engine.

A damaged carburetor can also cause a gas leak. The carburetor is responsible for mixing air and gasoline to create the fuel mixture that powers your engine. If it is damaged, it can allow gasoline to leak into the engine.

6. Cracked Exhaust Manifold

A gas leak can also be caused by a cracked exhaust manifold. The exhaust manifold collects the exhaust gases from the engine and directs them out of the car. If the manifold is cracked, it can allow gasoline to leak into the engine.

7. Damaged Fuel Injectors

Gasoline can also leak from damaged fuel injectors. The fuel injectors are responsible for injecting gasoline into the engine. If they are damaged, they can allow gasoline to leak into the engine.

8. Leaking Fuel Pump

The fuel pump is what pumps gasoline from the tank to the engine. When the fuel pump is leaking, it can allow gasoline to leak into the engine.

9. Faulty Oxygen Sensor

The oxygen sensor is responsible for monitoring the oxygen content of the exhaust gases. If the sensor is damaged, gasoline can leak into the engine.

10. Damaged Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter is responsible for converting the toxic gases in the exhaust into less harmful gases. If the converter is damaged, gasoline can leak into the engine.

These are just some of the most common causes of car gas leaking. If you think you have a gas discharge, it is essential to have it checked out by a mechanic immediately. Gas leaking can be hazardous and can cause serious damage to your car.

How To Fix A Gas Leak In A Car

If you have a gas leak in your car, it’s important to take care of it right away. A gas leak can be dangerous and can cause your car to catch on fire. Here are some tips on how to fix a gas leak in your car.

1.     Find the source of the leak

If you see gasoline leaking from your car, it’s important to find the source of the leak. The most common place for a gas leak is at the fuel line. Check the fuel line to see if there are any cracks or leaks.

2.     Replace the damaged part

If you find a crack in the fuel line, you will need to replace the damaged part. You can buy a new fuel line at your local auto parts store.

3.     Check for leaks in other areas

Once you have replaced the fuel line, it’s important to check for leaks in other areas of your car. Check the hoses and fittings to make sure they are tight. Also, check the gas tank to see if there are any leaks.

4.     Fix any other leaks

If you find any other leaks, it’s important to fix them as soon as possible. Leaks in the exhaust system can be dangerous and can cause your car to catch on fire.

5.     Check for leaks regularly

It’s important to check for leaks regularly. Gas discharge can be dangerous and can cause your car to catch on fire. So, it’s important to check for leaks often and to fix them as soon as possible.

6.     Be safe

If you have a gas leak, it is important to protect yourself. Gasoline is flammable and can cause your car to catch on fire. So, it’s important to be careful when handling gasoline. If you see gasoline leaking from your car, don’t try to fix it yourself. Call a tow truck or a mechanic to help you.

Signs Of A Gas Leak In A Car

When you’re driving, the last thing you want to think about is your car leaking gas. But, if you smell gasoline while you’re on the road, it’s important to take action immediately. Here are some signs of a gas leak in a car so you can be prepared:

1.     The smell of gasoline

This is the most obvious sign that there may be a gas leak in your car. If you notice a strong gasoline smell, pull over and investigate immediately.

2.     Lower fuel efficiency

If your car is leaking gas, it will have to refuel more often. Keep track of your mileage and how much gas you’re using to see if there’s a drop in fuel efficiency.

3.     Higher engine temperature

A gas leak can cause your engine to run hotter than usual. If you notice the temperature gauge on your dashboard climbing, pull over and check for a leak.

4.     Engine misfires

Another symptom of a gas leak is engine misfires. If your car starts to sputter or stall, it could be because there’s not enough gas reaching the engine.

5.     Visual leaks

If you can see gasoline dripping from your car, that’s a sure sign of a leak. Check under the hood and around the fuel tank for any signs of a leak.

5.     Visual leaks

If you can see gasoline dripping from your car, that’s a sure sign of a leak. Check under the hood and around the fuel tank for any signs of a leak.

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5 Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Car’s Transmission Healthy

Automatic transmission issues can take place in numerous forms. Each symptom can have a number of probable causes, some involving extensive repairs and some only needing an alteration or minimal service. Here are some simple precautions you can take to keep your transmission in tip-top shape.

1. Schedule Routine Maintenance.

This is vital to the long-term performance of your vehicle. Change your transmission fluid every 15,000 miles or once a year.

2. Keep Up With Transmission Flushes.

Changing your fluids is essential! Low fluids mean future difficulties. Be sure to address low transmission fluid as quickly as possible and avoid driving your vehicle when fluid is below the recommended level. A simple seal replacement could fix the issue and save you money on repairs in the future.

3. Stop Completely Before Shifting From Reverse To Drive.

When backing out of a parking spot, or anytime you’re in reverse, be sure to stop completely before shifting into drive. We all become fearful when we hear that frightful “engine drop.” Attempting to come to a complete stop between gears will prevent that unwarranted strain.

4. Don’t Ride The Brake.

When driving with your foot on the brake pedal, your transmission has to work harder. Also, utilize your emergency brake when parking on an incline to reduce stress on the parking linkage.

5. Keep Your Engine Accurately Tuned.

An issue with engine functionality can, at times, show symptoms comparable to a transmission problem as well as strain the transmission itself. A well running engine works hand in hand with a well running transmission.

Investing in the maintenance of your automatic transmission as well as receiving thorough inspections from your professional technician will only benefit you and the life span of your vehicle. When in doubt, always ask technical advice to ensure your transmission is serviced and repaired both correctly and economically.

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How to Stay Safe Driving Home From Fourth of July Festivities

Ah, the Fourth of July. Full of picnics, parties, swimming, boating, and fireworks. The perfect day.

Then comes the drive home.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says the Fourth of July is the deadliest day of the year when it comes to vehicle crashes. Why? Four reasons.

  1. More vehicles are on the road.
  2. More drivers are driving in areas beyond their regular commute.
  3. More people are using their cell phones while driving.
  4. More people have been drinking throughout the day.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that one-third of all automobile accidents are due to impaired drivers. Even if they don’t hit anyone directly, they cause wrecks. They drive erratically, speeding up and slowing down, swerving, weaving, and crossing into other lanes. Their times are diminished. Usually they’re drowsy from too much alcohol and often fall asleep at the wheel.

That’s why it’s so important to be especially defensive when driving home from your Fourth of July holiday. Here are the top 10 tips to help you do so:

  1. Stay Where You Are
    If possible, don’t drive at all. If it’s a three-day weekend and you’re spending it out of town, stay overnight at a motel or campground and drive home the following morning.
  2. Don’t Ride Your Motorcycle
    Leave your bike at home and drive your car instead. Motorcyclists are at particular risk on the Fourth of July since it’s the middle of summer. Even if you wear a regulation helmet and protective clothing, you’re still far more vulnerable to being involved in a wreck than if you were in a car.
  3. Drive Home Early
    The earlier you drive on the Fourth of July, the better. The later you leave for home, the likelier you will encounter impaired drivers.
  4. Always Wear Your Seat Belt
    This one’s a no-brainer, but people tend to relax their driving habits during the summer and don’t always buckle up.
  5. Never Text or Use Your Cell Phone While Driving
    Taking your hands off the steering wheel and taking your eyes off the road to text is very dangerous. Talking on your cell phone while driving also is dangerous, even though many people have the misconception that a hands-free device is safe to use. It isn’t. While certainly better than holding your cell, having phone conversations while driving distracts you from concentrating on what’s ahead, behind, and to the sides of you.
  6. Maintain Safe Following Distances
    If possible, stay several car lengths behind the vehicle(s) in front of you. That way you’ll have a much better chance of seeing erratic driving and avoiding its consequences.
  7. Be Extra Careful When Approaching Intersections
    Impaired drivers are not known for obeying traffic signals and signs. Be particularly vigilant when coming to an intersection. Be aware of vehicles coming from cross streets or roads. Don’t assume they’re going to stop, even if they appear to be slowing down.
  8. Cooperate at Checkpoints
    Many states and municipalities set up police checkpoints on holidays. Don’t be irritated if you come to one. The officers are foregoing their own holiday to protect you. Be courteous to them and produce your driver’s license and insurance card when asked.
  9. Be the Designated Driver
    Volunteer to be the designated driver at parties or establishments where alcohol is being served. Then stick to it and don’t drink. Even a couple of beers can impair your driving ability. Besides, it’s hard to keep track once you’ve started.
  10. Don’t Drink and Drive
    You’ve heard it all your life, so listen. If you’ve had anything to drink and don’t have a designated driver to get you home, call a cab, Uber, or Lyft. It’s well worth the price.

By following these 10 tips, your safe arrival home will be the perfect ending to your perfect Fourth of July.

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5 tips for avoiding distracted driving

Distracted driving can pull your attention from the road and put others in danger. Knowing how to avoid distractions is vital for keeping employees safe on the road. Our tips can help.

1 Recognize the risks

Using an electronic device, drowsiness, eating and drinking, and focusing on other passengers in the vehicle are among the riskiest driving distractions.

2 Turn off the phone

Power off cell phones and other mobile electronic devices until you reach your destination or pull over in a safe and legal place if you cannot wait to talk or text. Cell phone blocking technology can help by preventing calling, texting, or using the Internet when driving.

3 Keep calm

Stay calm in stressful driving situations and don’t respond in kind to another driver’s erratic or aggressive driving. Keep your distance and let the driver go first if they are determined to do so.

4 Prepare for your trip

Preprogram music and navigation systems, and familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s safety features before setting out. Clear the vehicle of any unnecessary or loose objects.

5 Identify distracted drivers

Look out for motorists who are drifting from their lanes, driving at inconsistent speeds, or are preoccupied by other distracted behaviors. If you think the distracted driver is a danger to others, pull over in a safe place and call 3-1-1.

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How to Adjust Your Mirrors Properly to Have Clear Visibility

There is a reason driver’s education teachers hound you about checking your mirrors. Your side and rear-view mirrors are among the most important safety features on your vehicle. Without them, you would only be able to view a fraction of the roadway at a time and your odds of a collision would skyrocket. While glancing from side to side and upwards every few seconds may be a bit awkward at first, developing the habit of correctly using your mirrors is a top priority.

Before you hit the road, you must adjust your side and rearview mirrors so that you have clear visibility in each of them. Here’s how:

How to Adjust Your Mirrors Properly

– Sit in the driver’s seat. Position the seat and steering wheel so that you are comfortable and have access to the gear shifter, brake pedal, and accelerator.

-Gently maneuver the rear view mirror so that you can see directly out of the middle of your back windshield without moving your head. The goal is to be able to quickly glance from the road in front of you to the road behind you without having to move or turn your body.

-Locate the levers or buttons that adjust the side mirrors. Many newer models have a small lever or joy-stick on the driver’s side door that electronically adjusts the side mirrors. Older models often require you to manually adjust them using a lever or by pressing on the mirror itself.

-Adjust the driver’s side mirror first. Make adjustments then sit back in the driver’s seat to ensure that you can see the road behind you and a small sliver of the side of your car.

-Next, adjust the passenger side mirror. If you have to adjust it manually, you may need to move between the passenger’s and driver’s seats until it is properly adjusted.

-After all mirrors have been adjusted, sit in the driver’s seat and look in each, starting with the driver’s side mirror. You should view everything behind you in segments as you glance along.

 

 

(https://driving-tests.org/)

 

 

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5 Tips for Driving in Heavy Rain

Rain may not seem all that dangerous to drive in, but in fact rain causes a large number of car accidents due to limited visibility, reduced roadway friction, and standing water. Follow these five tips for driving in heavy rain to keep you and your passengers as safe as possible.

1. Slow Down

The most important thing you can do to stay safe in inclement weather is to slow down. Rainy conditions create slick roads, increasing the amount of time it takes your car to come to a complete stop. Give yourself more following distance than you usually would, and adjust your speed so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop at traffic lights. Remember that the posted speed limit is for ideal driving conditions and isn’t always the right speed in the rain. If other cars are driving faster than you’re comfortable with, drive in the right lane so they can pass you safely.

2. Turn Your Lights On

It’s best practice to turn on your headlights any time you need to use your windshield wipers. In fact, it’s the law in some states! Rain makes it harder for other drivers to see your vehicle, especially if your car is a neutral color like silver or white. Turn on your headlights so that other drivers can see you and avoid a collision.

3. Avoid Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is most common during the first few minutes of rainfall as the roads develop a slick layer of water and oil. If you wait a while before heading out, the rain will wash away the oil and other substances that got stirred up and the roads will become safer to drive on. However, you can still hydroplane if you’re driving too fast or you hit standing water. If you start hydroplaning, let off the gas and gently steer in the direction you want to go. Avoid jerking the steering wheel or hitting the brakes as these can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

4. Don’t Drive Through Standing Water

It only takes a couple of inches of standing water to make your car lose control. Driving through standing water can not only cause you to hydroplane, but it can also cause damage to the engine and electrical components if water gets pushed up into your engine. Since it’s difficult to tell how deep standing water on the road is, and it only takes about a foot of water to sweep a car away, it’s recommended to never drive through water if you can’t see the painted markings on the road.

5. When in Doubt, Stay Off the Roads

If it’s raining so heavily that you can’t see clearly or you can’t safely handle your vehicle, pull over to a safe spot and wait for the worst of the storm to pass. If there is a risk of flash flooding, move to higher ground, leave your car, and find a safe place indoors. Never drive through flood waters, and never drive in conditions you don’t feel safe in.

Many drivers underestimate the dangers of driving in rain, leading to thousands of accidents every year. Remember these tips for driving in the rain and you’ll never be caught unprepared.

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12 Tips to Protect Your Car from Hail Damage 

You hear the weather report call for hail—and not just any old hail, either. We’re talking about monster, “golf ball-sized” hail that takes no prisoner. It’s the type of hailstorm that you wouldn’t wish upon your own worst enemy… yet your car is sitting in the driveway, uncovered, with only thoughts and prayers to keep it safeguarded from hailstones.

Wondering what you can do or use to keep your vehicle safe in a hailstorm? Here’s how to protect your car from hail and prevent excessive vehicle repair costs.

Is your vehicle in the driveway because you’ve had to forgo cleaning your garage due to work/school/pottery classes/baptisms/choir practice/whatever other responsibility or hobby you have? Instead of getting your hands dirty, you can choose to downsize to a smaller vehicle.

1) Go Small

Is your vehicle in the driveway because you’ve had to forgo cleaning your garage due to work/school/pottery classes/baptisms/choir practice/whatever other responsibility or hobby you have? Instead of getting your hands dirty, you can choose to downsize to a smaller vehicle.

Even the best deterrents and preventative measures may not be enough to protect your car from hail. If your vehicle’s become the victim of a hail-and-run in the Kansas City area, be sure to have it towed to a professional collision center or auto body shop near you that works with your insurance company. Contact McCarthy Collision Centers at 1-800-NEW-AGAIN, and we’ll do what we do best: Get you back on the road.

2) Always have adequate insurance coverage

Does car insurance cover hail damage? If you have opted for full comprehensive auto insurance, you should be covered. However, if you only have an auto liability policy, repairing dents or windshield damage from hail will likely come out of your pocket. Be sure to speak with your insurance agent prior to spring if you’d like to be financially protected from hail.

3) Don’t use rocks as weights

Instead of folding blankets into car doors and windows, people will sometimes use “heavy” rocks to keep blankets in place. This is a terrible idea. The blankets can easily grab wind and lift the rocks up; as you’d guess, that would leave your vehicle unprotected from both hail and the flying rocks.

4) Know where the closest indoor parking garage is

If you simply can’t hail-roof your car—whether that’s due to lack of time, resources or a general sense of post-2020 apathy—you should pay the small fee to park your car in a nearby parking garage or covered lot. The $5 or $10 fee is far less than the costs of paintless dent repair or hail dent removal.

5) Put plywood on your roof rack

If you own an SUV with a roof rack or crossbars, you can buy a cheap, 6-foot-long plywood board and attach it to the top. This will offer a little protection from hail dents on your roof, hood, and windshields, but you’re open to smashed windows and mirrors, as well as dents along the car’s side.

Note: It’s important to secure the plywood properly! Windy conditions will put lots of stress on flat objects like plywood, and if not adequately secured, it may cause more damage than the hail itself. It can also break apart and fly into other objects, vehicles, or homes.

6) Park under a tree

In storms, it’s not advisable to park under or near trees, as limbs can easily snap and fall onto your car, causing a significant amount of damage. However, if the upcoming hailstorm isn’t going to be accompanied by high winds and lightning, trees can offer a moderate amount of protection from hailstones.

Note: Hailstorms are usually accompanied by wind and potential lightning. Park under trees at your own risk.

7) Fold your side mirrors in

Hail can easily crack side-view mirrors, as they’re quite thin and flimsy. Folding them in will help to protect the reflective part, though the mirror’s casing will be at the mercy of Mother Nature.

8) Towels are an option

Use the same tactic as the blanket and fold all towels into the car securely. You may need to get creative here, as you’ll obviously have many more towels to secure down.

9) Cardboard boxes work

The rule of using cardboard as a hail protector is simple: Make sure the cardboard is thick and sturdy. With hail, you’ll likely get rain, and thin, cheap cardboard will absolutely disintegrate when it gets wet. A thicker panel of cardboard, like that of a corrugated appliance box, offers better survivability in hailstorms.

To support the cardboard on your car, consider attaching strings or bungee cords to door handles (pull them over the roof to attach each side).

10) Use floor mats or rugs on windows

If you don’t have enough (or large enough) blankets, you can mitigate some of the more major hail damage by using your car’s floor mats as a hail windshield cover. Put the softer, carpeted side on the window, and the hard rubberized side facing up. Hail hates rubber (so we heard).

11) Try a “hail blanket”

Purchasing a hail cover for your vehicle is an investment. On the cheap, you can try substituting that cover with a thick blanket. To ensure you have adequate vehicle coverage from hail, be sure to tuck the blanket ends into the door, under the hood, inside the trunk lid, and even in the windows. Close them tightly, ensuring you have access to door handles to reenter your vehicle once the storm passes.

Note: Do not duct tape blankets to your car! Some other “how to protect your car from hail” articles may suggest this, but it’s not good advice. The adhesive on duct tape can certainly peel away car paint, and the tape itself will be difficult to remove once the hail stops. Use the tactics above to get the best protection from hail with a blanket.

12) Buy a hail car cover

Do car covers protect against hail? You betcha. If you don’t have a place to shelter your vehicle, like a garage or even a covered parking spot (that you paid an arm and a leg for), a hail protection car cover may prevent shattered windshields and hail dents on your vehicle. Or, at a minimum, you’ll only be looking at minor hail damage to your vehicle.

You have several options for hail covers, including expensive products like this inflatable car cover for hail, the Hail Protector System ($400), as well as cheaper protectors like this multi-layer cover ($70).

We recommend OEM car covers that are designed to fit snugly around your specific model.

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