It doesn’t take much to damage a vehicle’s windscreen. Cracks and chips can result from loose gravel or small stones kicked up by a passing car, the impact of a seed pod falling from an overhead branch, extreme temperatures, other impacts or even inferior autoglass and workmanship.
When there’s damage to a windscreen, many people are understandably concerned about insurance claims, the cost of repairs and the perceived inconvenience of having to get the damage repaired. Many people also ‘self-assess’ the damage to their windscreens and will often decide not to take any further action if the crack or chip looks minor.
What people don’t realise however, is that a seemingly innocuous chip can escalate into a major crack – so early intervention is always recommended.
Regardless of the extent of the damage, it is always best to have it assessed by experts as soon as possible after the incident. They will make an informed decision based on their expertise and experience and recommend either a windscreen repair or a full windscreen replacement.
In other words, there is no definitive answer as to whether it’s better to repair or replace a windscreen. It depends on the unique circumstances of each situation.
When can a windscreen be repaired as opposed to replaced?
Several factors influence whether a windscreen can be repaired after it’s been damaged or whether a full windscreen replacement is necessary.
The decision will depend on the following:
- Size
- Depth
- Length (of a crack)
- Location of the damage
- Type of autoglass
When can you repair a windscreen?
It’s more cost-effective to repair rather than replace a windscreen, and any autoglass specialist worth their salt should offer you the most economical – as well as the safest – option.
Generally, minor damage can be repaired quickly and easily without compromising the safety of your windscreen or the clarity of your vision through the glass. As a rule of thumb, it’s possible to repair a chip or dent that is smaller than a $2 coin.
Minor damage that is more than 7cms from the rubber seal of the windscreen can also usually be repaired. Anything closer to the edge may compromise the structural integrity of the windscreen. Did you know that a windscreen is responsible for around 30% of a vehicle’s structural integrity? Now that’s something worth considering before taking any shortcuts with a damaged windscreen!
If the damage is directly in line with the driver’s vision, it may also be considered a safety risk.
When should a windscreen be replaced?
A full replacement is generally necessary if the damage is assessed to be compromising the vehicle’s safety. This may be in relation to the size or depth of the damage as well as the location.
Most vehicle windscreens are manufactured from a layer of plastic sandwiched between two layers of safety glass. It is not possible to repair damage that has penetrated into the inner layer, nor is it possible to repair a tempered glass windscreen. A full replacement would be required.
If the damage has weakened the windscreen in any way, it may detach completely in the event of an impact as a result of the air bags deploying. This would significantly reduce – if not eliminate – the vital protection provided by the air bags to the driver and/or front seat passenger.
Let’s bust the myth about how long it takes to repair or replace a windscreen.
There’s no reason to resist having your windscreen sorted out if it’s damaged in any way. That’s because modern technology has made it quick and easy to repair or replace your vehicle’s autoglass – and it can be surprisingly cheap depending on the terms of your insurance policy.
The other positive is that many mobile windscreen technicians can actually do the job at a location that suits you – at a time that suits you. And yes, that includes a full windscreen replacement! The process doesn’t take long and the car is driveable a short time after the work has been completed. They also usually deal directly with the insurers and take care of all the paperwork, so the whole process is hassle-free.
A last word on whether a windscreen repair or replacement is better
A repair job is always the preferred option but there are instances when a full replacement is necessary. From a sustainability perspective, a repair is better for the environment and is quick and cost-effective, but a replacement is necessary when the damage poses a safety hazard or compromises the roadworthiness of the vehicle.
For any help with your windscreen repair or replacement in Perth, please get in touch with our mobile technicians, Jason or Xavier on 0400 200 086 or drop us an email on enquiries@autoscreens.com.au. You’re also welcome to contact Autoscreens to make an enquiry.
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.