Spotted a crack or a chip in your windscreen and sitting there thinking it’s an easy fix and nothing to worry about for the moment? Jotting it down on your to do list and get around to it later? It’s time to think again.
Your windscreen is extremely important in keeping you and your family safe on the road. It stops airborne particles and objects from entering your car, as well as providing an amount of protection in case of an accident. But while dust or a bug might leave a smudge, objects like rocks, hail and tree branches can cause your windscreen to chip or crack.
Windscreens are relatively tough; being that they are a form of protection when on the road, they won’t damage easily – but when they do, there is a chance that your windscreen may shatter, injuring you and anyone else in the car with you.
People often ignore a small chip or crack thinking there isn’t a major need to repair it quickly. While that crack or chip may start out small, leaving it allows dust and moisture to build up, making the damage worse. A chipped or cracked windscreen should never be ignored – no matter how large or small the amount of damage is.
While some windscreen damage can be repaired, there are four indicators that you will need to replace your windscreen to keep everyone safe while on the road.
Where the Damage Has Occurred
The location of the chip or crack on the windscreen is important and it is one of the biggest factors in a windscreen requiring replacement. If your windscreen is chipped or cracked close to the edge, or within your line of sight, it is essential to have the windscreen replaced, not repaired, rather quickly. Damage in the line of sight of the driver can affect the view of the road, while those too close to the edge can easily weaken the remainder of the windscreen, leaving you with the potential of your windscreen cracking as you drive.
Size and Depth of the Damage
If you have a chip or a crack on your windscreen, it is always advisable to get professional and expert advice. While it may not seem very big, chips and cracks that go deeper than the outside layer of the glass can affect the strength of the windscreen. Similarly, with the size of the chip or crack. While it may look relatively small, it is always a great idea to have it checked out by an autoglass expert.
How Much the Windscreen is Damaged
One or two chips and small cracks might be repairable, but when you start to get more than that, it’s time to get your car windscreen seen to. A large number of chips and cracks could result in your windscreen becoming weak, and therefore more prone to shattering. Anything that impairs the driver’s vision should be checked and repaired quickly. If you have already had a number of repairs done, or your windscreen is old, an autoglass repairer will likely recommend for the windscreen to be replaced.
A Repair Didn’t Work
If you have already had a chip or crack repaired and it didn’t work, or the windscreen has chipped and cracked in the same place again, it’s time to book your car in for a new windscreen. Many autoglass repairers will not attempt to repair the same spot again – it hasn’t worked for a reason, and likely won’t work a second time.
Windscreen replacement can be an expensive exercise however many drivers will have a windscreen replacement option in their insurance. Often this will allow for one windscreen replacement a year, with or without an excess payable. The best way to find out if your windscreen is covered is to call your insurer. If your windscreen replacement is covered, make sure you have your policy details ready to provide to the repairer. If you don’t have windscreen replacement – add it to your insurance for peace of mind.
If you’ve got a cracked or chipped windscreen, Autoscreens can come to you and replace your windscreen on site, whether you’re at work or at home. With free quotes and a 24-hour hotline, don’t risk your own safety by driving with a damaged windscreen.
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.