A Colorado Tesla Model Y owner recently shared her heartbreaking experience on TikTok as a hailstorm pummeled her brand-new vehicle. TikTok user Printee (@printee24) posted a video that’s garnered over 7,000 views, showing large chunks of ice relentlessly hitting her Tesla. In an effort to reduce the damage, she threw heavy blankets over the car, but could only watch helplessly as the hail did its worst.
Hailstorms and Teslas: A Costly Combo
Printee’s experience isn’t unique. Other Tesla owners have also endured severe hail damage. One Model 3 driver filmed themselves inside their car during a storm, with the windshield quickly shattering and the glass roof leaking. The video, reminiscent of a scene from Jurassic Park, showed large dents and even a dislodged camera after the storm.
Another Tesla owner posted photos of their Model S after it was battered in a hailstorm. The vehicle was covered in dents, and the windshield cracked in multiple spots. In Bavaria, a YouTuber showed their Model Y’s back windshield being shattered by golf ball-sized hail.
How Teslas Compare to Other Cars in Hail
Teslas, with their expansive glass roofs, can be especially vulnerable in hail. However, hail can damage any vehicle. A Subaru WRX, for example, also took a beating during a severe storm.
One Cybertruck owner filmed his experience during a hailstorm. The truck seemed fine at first glance, but once inside the garage, he discovered the tailgate buttons no longer worked. While he could still operate them through the infotainment system, it suggested moisture had affected the external controls.
Interestingly, Tesla’s solar roof tiles proved far more resilient. A home with the tiles installed survived baseball-sized hail without any notable damage, showcasing the durability of Tesla’s roofing solution.
When Hail Damage Totals a Tesla
In some cases, the damage isn’t immediately obvious. One Tesla owner didn’t notice the cracked panoramic roof until she got inside the car. Though it didn’t look terrible from the outside, the roof had to be replaced, and her insurer declared the car a total loss due to safety concerns.
Community Reactions and Advice
Printee’s video sparked concern and empathy from fellow Tesla owners. One commenter echoed her feelings, saying hail was their worst fear. Another mentioned always keeping their cars in the garage to avoid weather damage, while someone else recommended investing in a quality car cover designed to protect against hail.
One viewer did point out that Printee appeared to have a garage. She responded, explaining that while the garage had space for two cars, her household had four vehicles—meaning hers had to stay outside during the storm.
InsideEVs has reached out to Printee for further comment and will update if more information becomes available.
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