Hailstorms can leave your car looking like a golf ball, peppered with dents and sometimes causing more severe damage to its paint and glass. For those living in Colorado and Texas, hail storms are a yearly occurrence from April to September, making it important to know how to handle the aftermath.
Understanding how to repair car hail damage can save you time and money, and help you decide when it’s best to tackle the repairs yourself or call in the pros.As the leading auto hail repair brand in the U.S. with over two decades of experience, we’ll share our knowledge about various repair options for different types of hail damage.
We’ll help you compare professional services with effective DIY solutions and walk you through the steps we take at StormWise.
Jump Here:
- Types of Hail Damage
- DIY Hail Repair Methods at Home
- Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
- DIY Methods that Work
- Repairing Hail Damage
- Why DIY Repair Isn’t a Viable Option for Hail Damage
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Repair Hail Damage on Car: Types of Hail Damage
Understanding the type of damage your car has endured is the first step in deciding the best repair approach.
Hail damage can vary depending on the size of the hailstones and the intensity of the storm. Here are the most common types:
- Dents: These are the most frequent form of hail damage. They can range from tiny dimples to larger, more pronounced indentations.
- Paint Damage: Sometimes, hailstones will chip or crack your car’s paint, leaving it exposed to the elements and at risk of rust.
- Glass Damage: Larger hailstones can crack or shatter windows and windshields, creating safety hazards and requiring immediate repair.
DIY Hail Repair Methods at Home
When it comes to DIY hail damage repair, it’s important to recognize that not all methods shared online are effective—or even safe. Before diving in, you should assess the extent of the damage to ensure that a DIY approach is feasible. While techniques like Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) kits offer some potential, other popular methods, such as using hair dryers with compressed air or dry ice, are largely ineffective and may cause further damage.
Here, we explore different repair approaches to help you make an informed decision.
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) – the Best Method to Fix Dents Caused by A Hailstorm
What is PDR?
PDR is a method of removing dents and dings without affecting the car’s paint. By accessing the back of the dent, specialized tools are used to push the metal back into its original form.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Assess the Dent: Ensure that the paint is not cracked and the dent is shallow enough for PDR.
- Gain Access: Remove interior panels if necessary to access the backside of the dent.
- Apply PDR Tools: Use specialized rods to gently push the dent out from behind, working gradually until the dent is no longer visible.
- Monitor and Adjust: Continuously check progress to ensure the panel returns to its original shape.
Best For: Small to large dents where the paint is undamaged. Most hail dents range in size from a dime to a half-dollar.
Pros:
- Retains original paint.
- Most PDR firms offer lifetime warranty on the repair.
- Much cheaper than traditional dent repair methods. .
Cons:
- Requires skill, experience, and patience.
- PDR doesn’t work if there is crack or missing paint at the core of the dent
- PDR doesn’t work on plastic panels, rocker panels, or bumpers whether they’re plastic or metal.
Tools Needed: PDR rods, blending hammers, and specialized lighting tools.
DIY Methods that work – Glue Pulling Kits and Suction Cup Puller
Glue Pulling Kits
Glue pulling is an effective method for small to medium dents on metal surfaces, especially in hard-to-reach areas like roofs or door panels. Adhesive tabs are applied to the dent, and a pulling tool gradually lifts it out.
Afterward, any remaining glue should be removed with an adhesive cleaner to avoid paint damage. This method preserves the paint if done carefully, though patience is required to prevent mistakes.
Suction Cup Puller
Suction Cup Puller is a practical method for removing large, shallow dents on metal surfaces, such as car doors, hoods, or trunks. The suction cup creates a vacuum seal over the dent, and steady pressure is applied to lift the metal back into place.
This technique works best on flatter surfaces and requires proper cleaning to ensure a secure seal. Multiple attempts may be necessary for optimal results. This method preserves the paint, provided the metal isn’t over-pulled, and offers an easy, cost-effective solution for minor dents.
Avoid Misinformation in DIY Repairs
While some DIY online tips—like the hot water technique—claim to work on multiple materials, popping dents only works on metal surfaces. This is because metal has memory properties that allow it to return to its original shape when the right amount of force is applied. Plastic lacks these properties, meaning dents in plastic bumpers or panels cannot be “popped” out as easily.
Using the wrong method for the material can lead to frustration and even damage. Always verify if a technique suits the type of surface you’re working on. Trusted solutions like glue pulling kits and suction cup pullers provide safe and effective results for metal surfaces without compromising your vehicle’s paint or structure.
If you’re interested in learning more about real vs. fake DIY methods, check out this guide on compressed air and dry ice dent removal techniques.
Repairing Hail Damage Requires Specialty Technique
Sometimes, a hailstorm will come and go, and it isn’t too bad. It damaged your car a little, and you figure, “Hey, this isn’t the worst. Maybe if I do some research, get the proper materials, I can repair all the damage myself!”
That’s the thing, the damage may appear to be easy to fix, but if you look closely enough, you’ll discover how to repair hail damage on car requires a more difficult process than you think in reality.
It’s also easy to miss all the subtle dents and scratches which, as stated before, could develop over time into much larger issues that will blow up the hail damage auto repair cost in the long run.
This is why you need specialty, hail damage repair shops, like us – StormWise, where experienced technicians can do a comprehensive inspection of your car, not leaving anything out of the repair process.
We nip everything in the bud and get your car back to you looking brand new!
Why DIY Repair Isn’t a Viable Option for Hail Damage
Repairing hundreds of dents from hail damage is an overwhelming and frustrating task, especially for someone without experience. While DIY methods might work for small, isolated dings, they are impractical for large-scale hail damage.
Many car owners, after trying quick-fix tutorials, soon realize the difficulties of fixing hail damage themselves often outweigh the perceived cost savings. Hidden dents are easily missed, which can lead to long-term issues like rust or structural damage if left unchecked.
Additionally, DIY repairs may void warranties or even worsen the damage. A professional repair shop ensures that the entire repair process, addressing both visible and hidden dents, is handled effectively.
Conclusion
For more extensive hail damage, relying on professional repair services ensures that both visible and hidden dents are properly addressed, preventing long-term issues like rust or structural damage. Although DIY repairs may seem cost-effective, they often fall short with widespread hail damage and can even void warranties.
Professional repair shops, like StormWise, provide expert inspections and quality repairs, ensuring your vehicle is fully restored and protected. In the end, it’s best to leave major hail damage to the pros to save time, money, and stress in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hail dents be popped out?
Yes, some hail dents can be popped out using tools like glue pulling kits or PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) tools. These methods work well for small to medium dents but may not be effective for deeper or creased dents.
Will the sun pop out hail dents?
No, the sun won’t pop out dents. Although heat can cause metal to expand, it won’t restore the original shape of the panel. This is a myth that often leads to disappointment.
Does dry ice work for removing hail dents?
No, dry ice is not a reliable solution. While it may offer some success in rare cases, it is highly inconsistent and poses safety risks, such as paint cracking and frostbite.
Can hair dryers and compressed air remove dents?
Not reliably. While popular on YouTube, this method rarely produces effective results and can even cause paint damage if done improperly. It’s best to avoid this technique for dent repair.
Are suction cup dent pullers effective?
Partially. Suction cups can help reduce the visibility of shallow dents on smooth, flat surfaces like doors or hoods, but they often won’t restore the panel completely. They struggle with deeper or creased dents.
How effective are glue pulling kits for metal dents?
Glue pulling kits are highly effective for small to medium dents on metal surfaces. They are especially useful in areas that cannot be accessed from behind. However, care is needed to avoid damaging the paint.
Does hail damage affect car value?
Yes, hail damage lowers a car’s value. Even small dents can reduce resale or trade-in offers. Repairing hail damage early helps maintain your vehicle’s value and appearance.