A Central Florida Driver's Auto Glass Checklist for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season in Central Florida runs June 1 through November 30. Most storm-season glass damage does not come from the hurricane itself — it comes from the squalls, downbursts, and flying debris on the edges of these systems. Here is a practical checklist.

Before the Season

• Fix existing chips and cracks now. A compromised windshield is structurally weaker exactly when you need it strongest. Wind loading and pressure changes during a storm will find the flaw.
• Check your wiper blades. Florida sun bakes wiper rubber. If they streak or chatter, replace them before the daily downpours start.
• Confirm your comprehensive coverage. Storm damage to glass falls under the comprehensive portion of an auto policy. Know your deductible before you need it.

When a Storm Is Coming

• Garage the car if you can. The single most effective step. No garage? Park away from trees, poles, and anything unsecured.
• Skip the windshield tape. Taping glass is a myth left over from old hurricane lore. It does nothing for a windshield and leaves adhesive residue baked on by the sun.
• Angle matters. If you must park outside, position the vehicle so its rear faces the expected wind direction — rear glass is smaller, steeper, and cheaper than a windshield.

After the Storm

Walk around the vehicle in good light. Look for small chips from wind-driven debris, check the edges of the glass where damage hides, and run a fingernail along any suspect mark. Small damage found early is repairable. The same damage after a week of heat cycles and afternoon rain often is not.