Hail Protection in the Summer: 12 Simple Tips for Your Car

Summer thunderstorms often strike without warning. With the MeteoSchweiz app or Swiss Alert, you’ll receive push alerts on your smartphone well in advance. This way, you’ll always stay informed and have plenty of time to react or move your vehicle to safety in time. 

Whether you’re out shopping or out in nature—if a thunderstorm is approaching, look for parking garages, gas stations with canopies, or underground parking garages. A small detour will protect your car and save you from expensive repairs. 

If you absolutely have to get from A to B on an unpredictable summer day, it’s worth checking the weather app—and having a Plan B. Think ahead about where you can find shelter along the way: shopping centers, gas stations with canopies, or rest areas with shelters are ideal places to stop. That way, you’ll be prepared if hailstones suddenly start falling from the sky—and your car will stay safe. 

No shelter in sight? No problem. An old wool blanket or a sturdy rug will do the trick in a pinch. Drape it over the roof, secure it with straps—and your makeshift hail shelter is ready. It may not be elegant, but it’s effective! 

Every trunk should have a foldable hail protection mat. It can be draped over the car in seconds and reliably protects the roof, hood, and trunk. Lightweight, compact, and ready to use right away—especially handy when you’re on the go. 

Do you often park outside and don’t have a garage or carport? Then a custom-made hail protection cover is a worthwhile investment. It fits snugly, stays in place, and protects your vehicle even in strong crosswinds. 

As an alternative to a hail-proof garage, you can also use a hail protection net from a home improvement store or a sunshade made of hail-resistant fabric. Both options are practical, flexible, and significantly less expensive than a permanent shelter. Quick to set up, the net reliably protects your car—and can be taken down just as easily when needed. It’s ideal as a temporary solution for the summer and thunderstorm months. 

Trees are not an option during severe weather. Falling branches often cause more damage than the hail itself. So it’s better to walk a few meters farther than to have to drive to the repair shop later. 

Roof boxes, bike racks, and rooftop tents provide the perfect target for hailstones. Take them off before a thunderstorm hits! This will protect not only your accessories but also your car. 

It’s worth taking a quick look at the precipitation radar—often, simply taking a different route or leaving half an hour later is enough to avoid the thunderstorm. Staying flexible pays off. 

If it’s hailing on the highway: Slow down! This will reduce the impact of the hailstones. Also, keep a safe distance from other vehicles to avoid being hit by hailstones kicked up by them. 

Even though it may seem tempting, highway bridges are not a safe place to stop. Anyone who stops there endangers others and risks a fine. It’s better to use rest areas or the emergency lane with your hazard lights on.