Protecting Your Windshield From Dangerous Hail Damage

Tony Mers • June 6, 2018

 

Imagine driving down a peaceful country road in the middle of summer. Your windows are down, music turned up loud, and you're loving this relaxing drive. Then you start hearing some loud taps atop your car... and the weather quickly turns from sunshine to cloudy and dark. The taps are getting louder. Your vision is now completely blocked. You're in the middle of a hailstorm, and your vehicle and yourself are in danger.

It's best to pull over and remain inside your car during a major hailstorm, but you need to be especially cognizant of hail damage to your car's body and glass. Hail can break right through your windshield and cause major damage to your car's body.

Here are the six basic types of windshield breaks that need to be addressed by professional auto body shops right away in order to prevent further damages:

 


  1. Surface pit breaks

  2. Half moon breaks

  3. Bullseye breaks

  4. Cracks

  5. Star breaks

  6. combination breaks

 


Knowing how to protect your vehicle from these hail damages is an essential part of car ownership. Here are some tips for keeping your car safe during an intense hailstorm:


  • Find protection -- If you’re driving in the middle of a hailstorm, your first responsibility should be to safely park underneath a covered spot.

  • Use hail covers or blankets to cover your car -- If you are nowhere near parking garages or areas with covered parking spots, you should pull over and drape your vehicle with blankets or a hail car cover. Keep these items inside your vehicle at all times. If you’re really in a pinch and don’t have any blankets inside your trunk, simply remove all your car’s floor mats and drape them over your vehicle for protection.

  • Pay attention to the weather reports -- Don’t just check your local weather forecast in the morning and go about your day. You need to have immediate alerts updating you right away if a hailstorm is approaching. Knowing when hail is on its way can help save you a lot of money on potential repair costs.

 

If you’re in need of hail damage, glass repair, or general auto body services in Chicago, give River North Collision Repair a visit right away.

A woman wearing sunglasses and a patterned scarf leaning against a black car inside an auto service

7 Signs Your Car May Be Damaged From a Pothole

By River North Collision Repair • September 17, 2026
Spot common signs of pothole damage, from tire problems to dents, vibrations, and uneven wear. Know when your car may need professional repairs.
A black SUV with open doors parked inside an auto service bay with hoses, bins, other cars, and over

Repair or Replace Your Car: 7 Things To Consider

September 15, 2026
Looking to repair or replace your car? Before deciding which option works for you, consider repair costs, your vehicle's value, the damage, and safety.
A person wearing gloves using a polisher on a gray car panel with yellow tape along the window edges

Car Paint Damage: What Will Insurance Cover?

September 3, 2026
Car paint damage from accidents, vandalism, or weather may qualify for insurance coverage. Learn what factors can affect your claim and repair costs.

What Makes Headlights Foggy and How To Fix It

August 27, 2026
Foggy headlights can reduce visibility and affect your vehicle’s appearance. Find out what causes cloudy lenses and how professional repair can restore clarity.
Auto Body Shop vs Dealership: Cost, Quality, and Time

Auto Body Shop vs Dealership: Cost, Quality, and Time

August 25, 2026
Compare an auto body shop vs. a dealership for cost, repair quality, and turnaround time to choose the right collision repair option for your vehicle.
A woman holding up a key fob in front of a black car that is parked indoors, with the front grille

Protect Your Car From Door Dings With These 9 Smart Tips

August 24, 2026
Protect your car from door dings with nine practical parking tips that help prevent dents, preserve your vehicle's appearance, and reduce repair costs.
A man wiping the front of a black car with an orange cloth inside an automotive service area with eq

Oxidized Car Paint: Causes and How To Restore It

By River North Collision Repair • August 10, 2026
Restore oxidized car paint before fading and surface damage worsen. Find the common causes and restoration options that protect your vehicle's finish.
Inside an automotive workshop, a technician is using a drill to remove the lug nuts on the tire of a

Broken Axle Symptoms: 4 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

By River North Collision Repair • July 28, 2026
Broken axle symptoms can affect vehicle safety and performance. Identify four common warning signs and learn when professional axle repair becomes necessary.
A close-up of a black car's side mirror and tinted window with bright reflections against a dark bac

A Quick Guide to Car Door Damage Repair Costs

By River North Collision Repair • July 10, 2026
Get a clear overview of car door damage repair costs, common pricing factors, and when repairs or replacement make the most sense for your vehicle.
Diminished Value Claims in Illinois: What You Should Know

Diminished Value Claims in Illinois: What You Should Know

By River North Collision Repair • June 29, 2026
Illinois drivers should know how diminished-value claims work after a collision and what steps can help them recover the loss of their vehicle's value.