TOP TIPS TO CARE FOR YOUR CAR’S BRAKE SYSTEM

The health of your brake system is crucial to the performance and safety of your car. Poor brake system maintenance not only compromises the efficiency and longevity of your vehicle, but is also a major cause of road accidents.

The brake system is somewhat complex, but fairly easy to maintain. It is critical that you have your brake system inspected regularly and necessary repairs done on time. Some of the key components in the brake system include brake pads, brake lines, master cylinder, rotors and calipers.

Key Brake System Maintenance Tips

1. Have Brake Pads and Rotors Checked Regularly

Due to its nature of operation the braking system endures a lot of wear. Brake pads and rotors form the point of contact between the braking system and the tires. These two components wear more quickly and hence require more attention and maintenance. Brake pads endure a lot of heat which causes a lot of wear. It’s critical that you use high-quality brake pads that offer sufficient resistance to wear.

If you notice you need to apply a lot of pressure to your brake pedal, an increase in your stopping distance or a burning smell you need to have your brake pads and rotors checked.

2. Get a Brake Fluid Flush

When you step on your brake pedal, pressure builds up and is transmitted through brake fluid from the master cylinder, via brake lines and into the calipers. These in turn transmits this pressure to the brake pads and rotors. Brake fluid is therefore a critical component of the braking system since it acts as the messenger of the braking system.

Unfortunately, with time it attracts moisture, which can damage your braking system. This moisture corrodes the metal components of the braking system, reduces the boiling point of the fluid hence compromising the effectiveness of the braking system.

3. Have Your Brake Lines Bled

Apart from getting a brake fluid flush, bleeding of brake lines is also important so as to remove the excess air. When air gets trapped in the brake lines, it compromises the efficiency of the braking system.

4. Replace or Upgrade Brake System Components

From time to time you will need to replace some components of your braking system. This is an opportune time to upgrade to specialized or higher-performance components. Some of the popular brake system upgrades are slotted disc brakes which are more heat resistant and quieter ceramic pads that also emit less brake dust.

5. Brake System Care

There are some external factors that can cause excessive wear to your braking system. Carrying too much weight and heavy breaking are just but some. It’s important that you avoid such situations to preserve your brakes and chances of brake failure.

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How to drive in floods and standing water

Driving through floodwater and heavy rain can feel quite perilous at the best of times, often catching out newer drivers or those who don’t have any experience with driving in adverse conditions.

With our quick and easy guide though, you’ll feel better-equipped to navigate these tricky driving situations.

How to drive in floods and standing water

If you hear there’s flooding on the way, try to move your car to higher ground to stop it from getting damaged. Water plays havoc with vehicle electrics and could cause a number of issues (like your airbag suddenly deploying for no reason). Otherwise, follow our tips below:

  • Try to avoid standing water if you can.
  • Don’t drive into flood water that’s moving or more than 10cm (4 inches) deep. Let approaching cars pass first.
  • Drive slowly and steadily so you don’t make a bow wave.
  • Test your brakes as soon as you can afterwards.
  • Fast-moving water is very powerful – take care or your car could be swept away.

If you do get stuck in flood water, it’s usually best to wait in the car and call for help rather than try to get out.

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7 tips to help to improve your reversing skills

  • Tip 1 – Practice in a quiet area. 

This could be a no through road or empty car park (often supermarkets shut after 4pm on Sundays, so this could be the perfect time to practice. By having no one around you will have less distractions so, therefore, be able to concentrate more on your reversing skills.

A good reversing exercise is to practice reversing in and out of the street lights in the car park, almost like a slalom, the gaps between the posts are often quite large so it will give you lots of time to get the appropriate steering done.

  • Tip 2 – Keep the car S – L – O – W.

By keeping the car moving slowly (like a snail dragging a stone or an old mans walking pace!) you will give yourself more time to think about things, such as ‘Am I getting near that kerb?’ or ‘How much room do I have behind me?’, the slow speed will also give you more time to react if you do feel like you are getting too close to something

Have a look at the clutch control page for some tips on keeping the car moving slowly.

  • Tip 3 – Look where you want the car to go.

When reversing it can be tempting to look at the steering wheel to try and work out which way to steer, however ask yourself this “When I am driving forward do I look at the wheel and do I think which way to steer?”, the answer to this question is most likely “No”.

The reason you do not need to look at the wheel when going forwards is because you are looking where you want the car to go and, with practice, your brain will automatically work out for you how much steering to do and when to steer so you get smoothly around kerbs etc., basically ‘your hands will follow your eyes’. It is the same with reversing.

If you are looking forward when reversing how will you know where you want the back of the car to go? It will be very difficult, if not impossible, almost like driving forwards while looking out of the back window.

It can also be tempting to use the interior mirror to reverse, again this can make the whole task more difficult, as what do mirrors do? They reverse images, so things can appear back to front so it will be very difficult to work out the steering.

Of course it is important to have look ahead and in the blind spots as well to make sure nothing ahead of your is going to cause you a problem, but the main bias when reversing should be out of the back window. Remember you the Highway Code allows you to take off your seatbelt for any manoeuvre involving reversing this may allow you to move more freely in your seat to have a good look out of the back window.

When looking out of the back window try pointing which way you want the back of the car to go and the way you need to steer is the same way you are pointing. You want the back of the car to go left, steer left, you want the back of the car to go right, steer right.

  • Tip 4 – Dip your side mirrors so you can see the kerbs.

All modern cars have adjustable mirrors, either electric or manual (you have to push them to move them!), use these to your advantage, angle the mirror down in a way so that you can clearly see the kerb.

An alternative is to buy some small ‘blind spot mirrors’ (Can get them from Wilko for a few pounds) and stick these on your side mirrors and then angle them down to see the kerb.

If you can see the kerb it will be a lot easier to judge if you are getting to close or too far away, and therefore you can adjust your steering accordingly.

  • Tip 5 – Straightening the wheels

Often straighten the wheels when reversing can cause issues for many learners as the amount of steering can easily be misjudged causing oversteering (i.e. steering too much). One way to help with this is the know how much steering is needed to straighten the car up. On most cars it takes about 1 and 1/2 turns from a full lock (that means steering until the wheel does not turn any more) to straighten the wheels. Practice this on your car by starting off with the wheels straight and then do a full lock either left or right and see how many turns it takes and then steer the same amount in the opposite direction and your wheels will be straight, so if you steered 1 and 1/2 turns to the right, to straighten up you would need to steer 1 and 1/2 turns to the left.

  • Tip 6 – Keep it simple 🙂

There is often a misconception that when reversing you need to steer the opposite way to going forwards, however this is incorrect. If the kerb is on your left and you want to get closer to it you would steer to the left, towards the kerb. If you were getting too close to it and want to come away from the kerb you would steer away from the kerb i.e. towards the right. I believe there is this misconception as many people will try and reverse while looking forwards, and in this case everything would be back to front.

I often find that If you over think about how much to steer and which way it more often than not leads to confusion, like mentioned on tip 3 when you drive forwards it is unlikely that you will think how much steering to do and which way, reversing is the same 🙂

  • Tip 7 – Practice, Practice and more Practice

The more you practice the more confident you will get with your reversing skills, enough said 🙂

 

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10 Crucial Things To Know Before You Start Driving In The Rain

Driving in rain, whether a sprinkle or a heavy downpour, can be one of the most difficult driving situations a driver encounters. Rainy conditions are directly associated with higher accident rates. No matter what part of the country you live in, it is almost certain that you will be required to drive your vehicle in the rain at some point. Knowing how wet roads and reduced visibility affects the way your vehicle handles will help you drive safely in rainy conditions.

1-Wait Until the Weather Improves if Possible

If you feel uncomfortable driving in the rain and can postpone your trip or commute, wait until the weather improves before driving. There is no reason to put yourself in danger if driving in wet conditions is not necessary.

2-Double Check Your Car’s Equipment

Make sure that your car’s equipment is in working order before encountering rainy weather. Check your headlights, tail lights, and windshield wipers to make sure that they will work efficiently when they are needed. Also check the tread of your vehicle’s tires. Balding tires can severely reduce traction on wet roadways.

3- Slow Down

Not only should you adhere to the posted speed limit when driving in wet weather conditions, you should drive considerably slower than you normally would. Wet roads are very dangerous. Your vehicle’s reaction time is much slower when it is raining. Reduced speed is imperative in rainy weather.

4-Turn On Your Headlights

Most states require drivers to turn on their vehicles’ lights while driving in rain. Even if it is only misting, turning on your vehicle’s headlights will increase both your own visibility and other drivers’ ability to see your car on the road.

5-Use Your Windshield Wipers

While this may seem like common sense, some people forget to turn on their windshield wipers in light rain. Most cars’ windshield wiper speed is adjustable to clear moisture from the glass in a light mist or in a heavy downpour. There are also several products available that can be sprayed or wiped onto the glass and claim to defer the collection of rainwater.

6-Maintain a Safe Distance Between Cars

Keep a greater distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. Stopping your vehicle will be more difficult when driving in the rain. Maintain a distance of several car lengths between your car and other vehicles.

7-Avoid Heavy Braking

Try to slow your vehicle by taking your foot off the accelerator earlier than you normally would in preparation to slow down or stop. Don’t use cruise control so your attention on using both the gas and brake are in tune.

8-Watch Out For Standing Water

Driving through standing water can cause hydroplaning to occur. Which is when you lose traction and skid across the surface of the road. To avoid hydroplaning, drive around places where water has collected by changing lanes or safely steering around such areas.

9- Let Off The Gas When Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is one of the most common car accidents in the rain because drivers can lose control. If your car hydroplanes, calmly take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction that the front of your car needs to go. Avoid making sudden turns or slamming on your brakes.

10- Ventilate Your Car

Rain causes humidity levels to increase. You may find that your vehicle’s windows become foggy when you operate your vehicle while it is raining. Most cars’ ventilation systems include a function that will work to reduce this type of fog that develops on the interior of your windows and windshield. It may be necessary to pull over if you are no longer able to see through your windows.

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

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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 & 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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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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