Along with rocks and road gravel, hail is one of the most common causes of windshield damage. Fortunately, there is usually plenty of warning before a hailstorm so you can bring your pets in, cover your garden plants and put your car in the garage. But what if you don’t have a garage, or don’t have time to drive to your friend’s house or to the covered parking garage at the mall? Here are some low-tech but effective things you can use to protect your windshield from an imminent hailstorm: Plywood and a Tow Strap You’ll need someone to help you with this, but if you can work fast enough it’s worth the effort. Place a sheet of plywood on the roof of your car so it extends over the windshield. Take a nylon tow strap, or a long piece of rope, …show more content…
Cover the windshield, hood and roof, then tape or tie everything down securely. They’ll get wet, but it’s easier to dry them than to replace a windshield. The good part about using blankets is that you can cover the whole car and protect it from dents as well. Straw If you have a few bales of straw for archery practice or for yard décor, pile them on the hood and windshield. They can take a beating from hail and are heavy enough that they won’t blow off the car. Park Under a Tree Do this if you have to, but use common sense. Don’t park under the largest limb, and don’t stay in your car. A bushy tree can provide some protection against small hailstones, but don’t stay under a tree when there is lightning and high winds. While these makeshift methods won’t save your car from baseball-sized hail or hurricane-force winds, they might still protect your windshield from typical hail damage. But sometimes you can’t win against nature. If, despite your efforts, your windshield does sustain a crack or chip, be sure to have it looked at by an auto glass repair shop. You might only need a spot repair in order to drive