If you haven’t yet experienced the dreaded windscreen chip – wait. It’ll happen.
And when it does, you’re probably going to ask yourself the same question that everybody in the same situations asks – should I repair or replace my windscreen?
The answer isn’t necessarily clear-cut, but since autoglass isn’t something that you should take a chance with, you should get professional advice as soon as the chip or crack appears.
Don’t think that it’s OK to drive around with a chip or a crack in your windscreen. It’s not. It can be a safety risk and a little chip that looks innocuous can quickly escalate into a much bigger problem, so it’s imperative to get the problem sorted out as soon as possible.
You’ll be happy to know that most chips or cracks can be repaired easily and quickly and your windscreen will be restored to the same quality of finish as if your vehicle were brand new. In most instances, it’s also virtually impossible to see where the initial damage was.
Sometimes however, the damage is such that repairs aren’t an option and the whole windscreen will need to be replaced in order to ensure the safety and structural integrity of the vehicle.
Four main things determine whether a windscreen is repairable:
- Size of the crack or chip
- Depth
- Location
- Type and severity of the damage
Generally speaking, if the chip is larger than a one dollar coin, it’s likely that you will need a full windscreen replacement.
Your car’s windscreen is basically like a glass sandwich – made up of an inner and an outer piece of clear tempered glass with an inner layer of plastic between them. If the damage penetrates too deep into this laminated glass, the structural integrity of the windscreen may be compromised and a full replacement may be required.
The position of the damage is another key factor in determining the fate of your windscreen. Even though it can be virtually impossible to detect where the original damage occurred once a crack or dent has been repaired, if it’s in the driver’s line of sight, some professionals recommend a full windscreen replacement over a repair. This is because a repair can leave a slight distortion in the glass which may compromise the driver’s view of the road.
A crack on the edge of the windscreen can also be problematic. It can spread more quickly and can compromise the structural integrity of the windscreen, so a replacement may be a safer option.
Horseshoe. Bullseye. Crater. Star. Pit. Floater crack. These are just some of the names used by professionals to describe and assess the various types of windscreen damage. Some are easily repaired whilst others are more extensive and require a full windscreen replacement.
Technicalities aside – if your car’s windscreen is damaged, you need to get it seen to as soon as possible. It’s just not worth taking a chance, especially as the cost of windscreen repairs and even a full windscreen replacement are surprisingly inexpensive – and most insurance policies cover these situations anyway. Depending on your insurance company, you may be able to bypass them completely and go directly to the windscreen repair company – all you need is your policy number.
For fast, efficient and cost-effective windscreen repairs in Perth, give us a call on 0400 200 086 or get a quote. With over 20 years’ experience in windscreen repairs in Perth, they have the know-how, the equipment and the passion to get you safely back on the road as soon as possible.
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.