We all know that sinking feeling after hearing the unmistakeable sound of something hitting the windscreen. It’s horrible. And then there’s the anxious scramble to see just how bad the damage is.
If there is a crack or a chip, you’re faced with the dilemma. Do you just ignore the damage or do you repair or replace your windscreen? How do you know what the best and safest option is?
Well, rule number one is that you should never ignore damage to your windscreen – no matter how insignificant you think it is. There are lots of factors that can turn a tiny chip into a bigger issue such as extreme heat or cold, bumpy roads, moisture, dust and dirt so it is always worthwhile having any windscreen damage checked out as soon as possible.
The good news is that most chips and cracks can be repaired – and with a little help from a professional auto glass technician, your windscreen can be as good as new.
They’ll also have the experience and knowledge to determine whether the damage can be repaired or whether you need to replace the whole windscreen and will base their recommendation on the size, type, depth, location and severity of the damage. They’ll also take into consideration the age of the windscreen and how contaminated it is.
When to repair
Chips or cracks can usually be repaired when they are relatively small and aren’t in the line of sight of the driver. Even the best repair job may result in some slight discolouration or unevenness in the glass, and if that’s in the driver’s line of sight, it may impact on clarity and impair their visibility.
Depending on the type of chip (star break, bull’s eye, partial bull’s eye, half moon, ding or pit), these can be repaired if they’re around 2cms in diameter (a 20c piece is a good indicator of size). Cracks around 4cms long can also usually be repaired easily by a professional windscreen repair technician.
When to replace
Windscreen replacement is usually required when the damage:
- Compromises the driver’s viewing area
- Is close to the edge of the windscreen (this may affect its strength or structural integrity and may be a safety hazard)
- Is on the inside the windscreen
- Is so deep that it has penetrated both layers of glass
- Has impacted on any sensors on the windscreen (eg rain sensors)
- Renders your vehicle unroadworthy
Replacement may also be necessary when complex multiple cracks or long cracks are involved, and where the cracks are contaminated.
It’s not worth taking chances as far as your windscreen is concerned and you should see a professional windscreen repairer as soon as possible after the damage has been done. They have the skills and knowledge to see beyond the obvious – and will make recommendations based on the size, location and severity of the damage as well as on driver and passenger safety and roadworthiness.
If you’ve had some bad luck on the road and need professional help with either windscreen repair or replacement, Autoscreens should be on your speed dial. They have 20 years’ experience in windscreen repair and replacement in Perth and best of all, when you call them on 0400 200 086, you’ll speak directly to Jason, who owns and operates this highly recommended business. Contact Autoscreens now- but whatever you do, don’t hesitate if you have any damage to your windscreen because the longer you leave it, the worse it could get.
Jason Squire started Autoscreens in 2010. With over 35 years of experience gained in both the UK and Australia, the company is well established as a leading provider of windscreen replacement and autoglass repairs in Perth.
His journey to becoming a certified repairer license holder status with DMIRS (and business repair license MRB3703) began many years ago. He was born and brought up in the UK – the country where his long career in the automotive industry began. In common with many of the world’s best tradespeople it all started with an apprenticeship. For Jason, this was in vehicle bodybuilding and a specialisation in vehicle conversions.
He followed that up with several additional professional qualifications, including a Grade A Vehicle Body Building Certificate from the Road Transport Industry, a GQA level 2 in NVQ Automotive Glazing and a Level 2 qualification in Joining Materials by Welding from the UK Engineer Training Authority.
During his studies, Jason was also a part-time volunteer in the Royals signals with the Reserve Territorial Army. Between 1991 and 1995, Jason completed his Phase One Signallers Course with the Royal Armoured Corps and was awarded a Certificate of Trade Proficiency as a Territorial Army Driver Electrician Class 3. Training exercises took him all over Europe. He also represented the Signals in Rugby.
From there, he joined the armed forces on a full-time basis with the Queens Royal Lancers and continued to impress with his leadership skills and willingness to broaden his skillset, during which he lived in Germany. In 1996, he graduated from the Queens Royal Lancer Leadership Academy where he was named best recruit. His time with the Queens Royal Lancers he qualified as Tank Driver, Crew Medic and Gunner.
In 1999, Jason left the armed forces to join RAC Auto Windscreens. His skillset enabled him to fast-track his career to base supervisor and lead technician working with premiere dealerships in Crewe, Cheshire.
He also continued to volunteer in a number of different areas, including as a first responder with the West Midlands Ambulance Service and a scout leader with the Scout Association.
He relocated to Australia in 2008 with his young family and spent his first two years down under as a head technician for a national windscreen company.
However, with all his experience, extensive qualifications and his abiding passion for the automotive industry, it was inevitable that he would start his own company and make his mark as an industry leader.
He started Autoscreens in 2010 and has grown the business into the leading windscreen repair and replacement company in Perth, servicing both domestic and commercial customers. Autoscreens has a certified Motor Vehicle Repairers Licence MRB3703 issued by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.