If you’ve ever experienced hail damage on the roof of your car, then you know that it can be more than just an inconvenience.
Not only can hail damage, ding, and dent the roof of your car, but it can also lead to more severe problems like rust and roof leaks.
However, you can repair this damage with a few simple steps. In this post, we’ll go over exactly how to fix hail damage on the roof of your car so that you don’t have to worry about further damage down the line.
We’ll also look at some things to remember while you repair any existing damage and take preventative measures if it happens again.
So keep reading to find out how to make sure your car’s roof is back in tip-top shape!
How to Fix Hail Damage on the Roof of a Car
If you own a car, then you know that hail can be a real menace. Whether you’ve been caught in a sudden hailstorm or are trying to repair damage from one that occurred days ago, fixing the damage can seem daunting.
Thankfully, there is an easy way to fix hail damage on the roof of your car. By following these steps, you can easily fix any hail damage that may have occurred on your car’s roof and have it looking good as new!
Step 1: Assessing Hail Damage on the Roof of the Car
If your car was in the path of a major hail storm, you’ve likely noticed some damage on the roof.
The first step is to assess the severity of the damage—anything from shallow dents to deep dings that may require more specialized attention.
Ensure all of the damaged areas are marked and noted so they can be easily found later on.
Step 2: Gather Tools and Supplies Needed for the Repair
You’ll need the right tools and supplies when fixing your car after a hail incident. Here are the basics to get you started:
Tools
You’ll need a few tools to complete the repair job efficiently:
- Electric drill
- A rotary tool with a sanding attachment
- Hammer
- Pieces of wood scrap
- Masking tape
- Paint sprayer (optional)
- Drop cloths
Supplies
You’ll also need some supplies to ensure you do an effective job. You can find these items at your local auto supply shop or online:
- Automotive filler putty or bondo for filling in dents and scratches.
- Automotive primer to help create an even base coat on the damaged area.
- Automotive paint that matches your car’s paint color and finish. This code is found inside your driver’s side door panel or left fender edge.
- Sandpaper in various grits from 400-2000, depending on the damage’s extent.
Now that you know what necessary tools and supplies, you’re ready to start repairing the hail damage on your car’s roof!
Step 3: Preparing the Car’s Surface
Once you’ve got all your materials, the next step is to get the car’s surface ready for repair.
The two main things you need to do are clean the car’s surface and then apply a dent-puller.
Cleaning the Car
You’ll want to clean the car thoroughly but gently, as any dirt and grime left on the surface can cause more damage later.
Use a non-abrasive cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth or sponge for this step. Once you finish this, let it dry completely before starting repairs.
Applying a Dent-Puller
A dent-puller is an adhesive that helps to keep your repairs secure when combined with body filler.
You must choose an appropriate dent-puller based on the type of metal in your car (e.g., steel vs. aluminum).
Spread a thin layer of dent-puller over the affected areas, making sure not to leave any gaps or pockets of air between the puller and the roof of your car.
Step 4: Filling in Dents With Auto Body Filler
Auto body filler is an excellent remedy for having shallow yet numerous hail dents. This is incredibly simple to use and can be bought at any auto parts store.
If you want to fix hail damage on your car roof, here’s what you need to do:
- Clean the area to be patched with alcohol.
- Use a putty knife to mix the auto-body filler and hardener until they form a homogeneous paste.
- Use a small spatula to apply the paste onto the area in thin layers, letting them dry in between coats.
- Once the layer of body filler is complete, use 80-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface and blend it in with the original paint job of your car until it’s even with no visible traces of repair work done on it.
- Finally, use some wax or sealant to protect your paint and seal in your repair job from rain and harsh weather conditions.
Auto body filler is incredibly easy and cost-effective when repairing hail dents on your car, as long as you take your time and carefully review each step.
Step 5: Finishing the Repair With Paint
Applying paint is the last step to fixing hail damage on your car’s roof. Use a few critical tips while painting to ensure the repairs are complete and the end result looks great.
Remove Old Paint
Before you start painting, use some paint remover to remove the old paint layer. This will help ensure a smoother finish and create a cleaner look.
Ensure you give yourself enough time for the remover to dry before starting to paint.
Choose the Right Paint
To ensure you get an even finish, select the correct paint for your car’s roof.
You should consider what type of gloss and color best matches the rest of your car, plus the quality and durability of the product.
It might be worth investing in a higher-quality paint instead of going for something more affordable—the last thing you want is for it to start deteriorating after only a few months!
Use Thin Coats
Finally, be sure when applying your chosen paint that you do so with thin coats, gradually building up layers until it achieves desired coverage—this will also help prevent any drips or bubbling post-application.
Allow each thin layer to dry completely before applying another one—this could take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour or two, so do factor this in when planning your repair job.
Conclusion
Hail storms can be unpredictable, but you can fix the damage they cause with some knowledge and tools.
Start using a silver cloth with an adhesive backing to protect your car’s roof from hail, or use a specialized hail pad or barrier.
If hail has already caused damage to your car’s roof, use a repair kit to fix it or contact a professional for assistance.
Doing all the above will help minimize the amount of hail damage your car sustains, but unfortunately, you can never completely protect your car from hail damage.
The best thing you can do is stay prepared, so you know what to do if your car does sustain hail damage in a storm.