If you’ve lived through a spring or summer in Minnesota or Wisconsin, you know hailstorms aren’t rare—they’re expected. What many drivers don’t realize is just how much damage hail can do to your vehicle, especially your windshield.
At Twin Cities Auto Glass, we regularly see the aftermath of these storms—and in many cases, what looks like minor damage can quickly turn into a major problem.
Why Hail Is So Hard on Windshields
Your windshield is designed to be tough, but it’s not indestructible. It’s made of laminated safety glass, which includes layers that help prevent shattering—but sharp, fast-moving hailstones can still cause serious damage.
In the Upper Midwest, storms often bring:
- High winds that increase impact force
- Rapid temperature changes that weaken glass
- Large hailstones capable of striking at high speed
Even a short storm can leave lasting damage.
Common Ways Hail Damages a Windshield
Hail doesn’t just break glass—it creates different types of damage depending on size, speed, and angle of impact.
1. Small Chips
The most common type of damage. Small hailstones can create:
- Surface chips
- “Star” breaks (small cracks radiating outward)
These may seem minor, but they weaken the structural integrity of the windshield.
2. Cracks
Larger or repeated impacts can cause cracks, which may:
- Spread across the windshield over time
- Worsen with temperature changes
- Obstruct your line of sight
Minnesota and Wisconsin’s freeze-thaw cycles make cracks expand quickly if not repaired.
3. Pitting
Repeated impacts from small hail can create tiny pits across the glass surface.
This leads to:
- Reduced visibility (especially in sunlight or at night)
- Glare issues
- A worn, hazy appearance
4. Shattering (Severe Cases)
In extreme storms, large hail can cause:
- Deep fractures
- Spiderweb cracking
- Complete windshield failure
While laminated glass usually holds together, the windshield may be unsafe and require full replacement.
Damage Severity by Hail Size
Not all hail is created equal. Here’s how size typically relates to damage:
Pea-Sized Hail (¼ inch)
- Usually causes little to no visible damage
- May create minor pitting over time
Marble to Dime-Sized Hail (½–¾ inch)
- Can cause small chips
- Early-stage cracks may form
Quarter-Sized Hail (1 inch)
- Commonly causes noticeable chips and cracks
- May require repair depending on impact location
Golf Ball-Sized Hail (1.75 inches)
- High likelihood of cracks
- Multiple impact points can weaken the entire windshield
- Often leads to replacement
Baseball-Sized Hail (2.75+ inches)
- Severe damage
- Deep fractures or full windshield breakage
- Immediate replacement required
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Hail Damage
It’s easy to overlook a small chip after a storm—but that can be a costly mistake.
Untreated damage can:
- Spread into larger cracks
- Compromise visibility and safety
- Reduce the structural integrity of your vehicle
- Lead to more expensive repairs later
In many cases, a simple repair early on can prevent a full windshield replacement.
How to Protect Your Vehicle from Hail
While you can’t control the weather, you can reduce your risk:
- Park in a garage or covered area when storms are forecast
- Use a car cover or hail protection blanket
- Stay alert to weather alerts during storm season
- Avoid parking under trees (falling branches can make things worse)
When to Repair vs. Replace
After a hailstorm, it’s important to have your windshield inspected.
- Repair is possible if damage is small and not in the driver’s line of sight
- Replacement is needed if cracks are large, spreading, or affecting visibility
At Twin Cities Auto Glass, we help you make the right call quickly—so you can stay safe on the road.
Trust Twin Cities Auto Glass After the Storm
Hail damage is a fact of life in Minnesota and Wisconsin—but dealing with it doesn’t have to be stressful.
Our team provides:
- Fast, professional inspections
- Expert chip repair and full windshield replacement
- Guidance on insurance claims
- High-quality materials and installation
Final Thoughts
Hailstorms can go from mild to destructive in minutes—and your windshield often takes the hit.
Understanding how hail causes damage—and acting quickly when it does—can save you time, money, and frustration.
If your vehicle has been through a recent storm, don’t wait.
Contact Twin Cities Auto Glass today for a professional inspection and get back on the road with confidence.
11 Convenient Locations, One Friendly Experience
No matter which Twin Cities Auto Glass location you visit, you can expect the same welcoming attitude and dependable service. With 11 convenient locations, we make it easy to get fast help without sacrificing the personal touch.
You’ll find Twin Cities Auto Glass shops in:
- White Bear Lake
- St. Cloud
- Princeton
- Hudson
- Ham Lake
- Golden Valley
- Burnsville
- Brooklyn Park
- Bloomington
- Big Lake
When every minute counts, having a friendly, knowledgeable team nearby makes all the difference.
Come See the Difference for Yourself
At Twin Cities Auto Glass, we believe great service starts with great people. From the first phone call to the final handshake, we’re here to make your auto glass experience as smooth—and as friendly—as possible.
Because replacing a windshield is important.
Doing it with a smile is what sets us apart.
Schedule your appointment today and trust the team with 14+ years of experience to get the job done right—any season, any month. 🚗❄️☀️
Schedule now —stress-free.