There are always a million things to sort out before setting off on holiday – and fixing a tiny chip on your car’s windscreen probably doesn’t feature very highly on your ‘to-do’ list. But it most definitely should – and there are many reasons why.
As everyone knows, a tiny chip can usually be repaired quickly and easily, leaving the windscreen as good as new. However, if the chip is left unrepaired, lots of factors come into play which can cause the damage to spread – sometimes even leading to an entire windscreen replacement. And that’s the very last thing you need when you’re having a relaxing holiday!
Let’s look at some of the factors that can cause problems with a chipped windscreen while you’re on holiday. Firstly – there’s vibration. If you’re the adventurous type, you’re probably going to be doing some exploring along bumpy roads, and whilst the pristine white beach at the end of the dirt track may be breathtaking, driving on the uneven surface can cause any existing damage to spread.
Extreme temperatures can also put extra stress on your windscreen, and as many holiday destinations don’t have covered parking garages, we can end up leaving our vehicles in the baking sun or in the winter freeze for extended periods of time. Large temperature changes can also cause a chip to worsen and spread.
Moisture and dirt are two other factors that can exacerbate the problem. A windscreen is made from two layers of laminated glass held together by a vinyl interlayer, and if moisture or dirt penetrate into that inner layer, the whole structural integrity of the windscreen can be compromised – and you could go from having a tiny chip that could have easily been fixed to needing your entire windscreen replaced.
And perhaps the most important factor of all is that holidays are meant to be an opportunity for well-earned rest and relaxation – and no-one wants their downtime interrupted by having to organise a windscreen repair or a complete windscreen replacement. And if you’re planning on going on holiday to a remote destination, there’s also the issue of accessibility to a windscreen repair company to consider.
So, if you’re planning a holiday and you have a small chip on your windscreen – it makes so much sense to sort it out before you leave. And as the professionals at Windscreen Replacement Perth, specialise in windscreen repair in Perth say, repairing is often desirable because it retains the original factory installation of the windscreen and can be done quickly, easily and cost-effectively.
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.