When your windscreen is damaged, the perceived inconvenience of getting it fixed is actually the least of your worries.
Apart from the fact that having a windscreen repaired or replaced is actually really quick, easy and surprisingly affordable (and can be done on your own premises), you need to be aware that there are many aspects related to driving with damaged autoglass that can end up costing you a lot more than you would imagine.
Many people aren’t aware just how important their windscreen is to the integrity – in other words, safety – of their vehicle. Windscreens can actually account for up to 30% of the structural integrity of a car, which means that any damage to the glass or the surrounds can compromise its strength, reliability and safety. If your vehicle is unsafe, you are endangering the lives of those in your car and those of other road users too.
A badly cracked or damaged windscreen can render a vehicle unroadworthy and that’s why the police take windscreen damage so seriously. You should too.
The officer may issue a vehicle defect notice, impose conditions on the use of the vehicle or even prohibit you from using the vehicle – and all of those things will end up costing you. You’ll have 14 days in which to get your vehicle roadworthy and inspected at an authorised station – and you’ll have to pay an inspection fee. What’s more, the vehicle will be inspected for all defects (not just the one shown on the yellow compliance sticker) so you may discover you have even more hidden costs!
However, money is immaterial when it comes to the big picture of road safety and the safety of lives on the road. The statistics make horrifying reading and the consequences of a road accident can be devastating.
The cost of fixing a damaged windscreen is insignificant in the bigger picture and there is absolutely no justification for driving a car with a damaged windscreen that could be a safety risk on the road. Of course, accidents do happen but the fall-out from a collision – even a minor one – can be significant and drivers really need to take every precaution to ensure the utmost safety of themselves, their passengers and other road users.
A damaged windscreen can also impair your vision. A distorted view caused by the crack or chip or refracted light from the cracked edges of the glass shining into your eyes could compromise your ability to see objects or obstructions on the road – and the consequences of that could be extremely costly.
A chip or a crack in your windscreen may seem like an irritation, but getting it fixed is hassle-free and surprisingly affordable. You may even find that you’re covered by your insurance company and won’t have to pay out a cent – but even if you do, it’s a job worth doing and it’s a job worth doing as soon as possible after the damage has occurred.
An experienced autoglass technician is able to do a professional inspection of your windscreen and make an informed recommendation as to the best course of action, ie whether you need a windscreen repair or a full windscreen replacement. Perth company, Autoscreens, has a loyal following across the wider metropolitan area because of the speed and efficiency of their service, the quality of their workmanship and their products and the fact that they’re on hand 24/7 to come to your premises at your convenience.
Get in touch with them on 0400 200 086 or visit Autoscreens to make an appointment for a speedy and cost-effective solution to any of your windscreen woes.
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.