Most days, we just hop in our cars and off we go. We don’t worry about our windscreens as long as we can see clearly out of them, because generally there is no need to worry about them. But there are some circumstances where you need to have your windscreen replaced or repaired quickly to keep you safe while on the roads.
We’ve outlined three of the most common problems drivers face with their windscreens.
Chipped Windscreen
A chip on your windscreen may look like an insignificant issue, but it can pose more problems than just a small amount of minor damage. Even a small chip on a windscreen can turn into a large crack if you continue driving without getting it repaired. While it may not happen instantly, it can happen at any time, and the last thing you need is to be driving along and your windscreen suddenly cracks or shatters.
If you do notice a chip on your windscreen and can’t get to a repairer straight away, there are a couple of option to prevent further damage:
- Call a mobile windscreen repairer to come to your home or office
- Place a piece of clear tape over the chip – this will keep it protected against dirt and dust
- Avoid parking in direct sunlight – the heat may cause the crack to expand further
- Don’t use the defroster or air conditioner on high as this can put extra pressure on the crack
- Avoid driving on bumpy and unsealed roads
- Avoid washing your car
If the chip is in your line of sight, the best thing you can do is get it repaired straight away.
A professional windscreen repairer can repair the chip on your windscreen rather easily, and with a windscreen repairer that comes to you, you won’t need to worry about driving anywhere.
Cracked Windscreen
While a small chip poses a risk, a cracked windscreen is a much bigger issue. Although it doesn’t happen often, cracks are caused by a failure in the strength of the glass. This can occur through a chip not being repaired, through an object hitting the windscreen or through a car accident. There is a very real risk that if your windscreen cracks, every person in the car can be hit with pieces of broken glass. Event if the windscreen doesn’t break, a cracked windscreen will still hinder your view and create a distraction while you’re driving. This then creates risks for accidents.
When it comes to a cracked windscreen, your best option is to call a mobile windscreen repairer to your home or workplace. While some smaller cracks can be replaced, it is likely you will need the entire windscreen replaced. Your mobile technician will be able to run you through the possible options.
Scratched Glass
While a scratched windscreen isn’t as big of a risk of cracking, there is certainly a risk of distraction while you are driving. Most light scratches can be buffed or polished out without needing a professional, however, if the scratches are deep or there are a number of them on your windscreen, you are better off seeking a professional windscreen repairer who can buff out deep or plentiful scratches.
If you have noticed scratches appearing on your windscreen, it’s time to check your wiper blades. If the rubber on the blades is torn or nicked, not only will it struggle to wipe away excess water, but they can cause deep scratches on your windscreen. The major issue with these scratches is that they can reflect sunlight and headlight beams from traffic on the road right into your vision, distracting you from your driving. If the blades on your windscreen wipers are damaged, make sure you replace them as soon as possible to prevent further scratching.
If you’ve noticed a chip or a crack in your windscreen, Autoscreens can save you time by coming to you. We offer repairs and replacement on your windscreens or windows on your car in the Perth metro area, keeping you and your passengers safe while driving. Don’t risk driving with a chipped, cracked or scratched windscreen – get your windscreen repair or replacement now.
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.