Never take a chance with your windscreen.
It’s not just there to keep you dry or to stop the breeze from messing with your hair. It provides important structural support to the vehicle and if you drive with a damaged windscreen, you could be compromising everyone’s safety.
To make sure your windscreen is in good shape, here are some things to look out for:
Chips or cracks on the glass
Depending on the size and the location of the damage, you may be able to get away with a simple windscreen repair. As a general rule, a chip smaller than a two dollar coin can be repaired and the windscreen restored to its full clarity and function, but anything larger than that may require a full glass replacement. If left unattended, a small chip or crack can escalate into a much larger problem so it’s always worth seeing a professional automotive glass repairer without delay.
The location of the damage is also an indicator of whether you can get away with a repair or whether you’ll need to replace your windscreen. Damage towards the outer edges of the glass can affect the structure of the glass, necessitating a full replacement.
Rattling noises
If your windscreen rattles when you drive over uneven ground or travel at speed, you need to get it seen to immediately. That’s a sure sign that the glass isn’t fitted properly or that the adhesive hasn’t bonded properly.
The fit of the glass
If your windscreen doesn’t look quite right or if it’s sitting a little crooked, then you need to have it examined by a professional.
A white haze at the edge of the glass
Windscreen glass is made from a layer of plastic sandwiched between two layers of glass and is designed to shatter into small, rounded chunks. If you see a white haze around the edges of your windscreen, it’s a sign that this plastic is starting to separate from the glass and this may compromise your safety in the event of an accident. Windscreen repair may not be possible if the bonding layer has deteriorated.
Missing parts
If any part of your windscreen is missing, don’t be tempted to patch it up with tape or glue. As mentioned earlier, your windscreen is a crucial structural component and by neglecting to fix any visible damage, you could be taking unnecessary risks.
Misgivings about a previous repair
If you’re worried about the quality of the workmanship of the previous windscreen repair company, you need to do something about it. Find out about warranties and make sure that any new work is completed to your total satisfaction. Also, new windscreens need time to settle and harden, so if the vehicle has been driven too soon after the replacement, the glass could shift out of alignment. Always trust your instincts and if you have any concerns, take immediate action.
The vehicle’s accident history
Past accidents may have affected the integrity and stability of your car’s windscreen. Even if the damage isn’t visible, if the vehicle has been involved in an accident where airbags were inflated, it’s worth getting professional advice to make sure that it’s working correctly and meets safety standards.
If you spot any worrying signs of damage on your windscreen, don’t wait. Get in touch with Autoscreens. With over 15 years’ experience in the business, they know everything about windscreen repairs and replacements in Perth and pride themselves on the highest standards of quality and customer service. They’re available 24/7 across both the Perth metropolitan and rural areas and back-up their materials and workmanship with a lifetime warranty.
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.