Most of us treat our cars with love and respect. We service them regularly, wash them, polish them, clean the upholstery, vacuum the carpets, wipe the consoles and clean out any rubbish. But despite all this TLC, many of us neglect one of the most important components – the windscreen.
Your windscreen plays a crucial role in the structural integrity of your vehicle and its performance and safety (and the safety of the driver, passenger and other road users) is inextricably linked to the condition of the windscreen. If it’s dirty or damaged in any way, things could get very serious.
That’s why you should inspect your windscreen regularly to make sure it’s in peak condition and able to do its important job properly – but don’t be put off by what may seem like an onerous task. It’s actually surprisingly quick and easy to take care of your windscreen and you’ll be doing yourself – and any precious cargo that you’re carrying in your car – a huge favour.
Simply follow these five easy steps to windscreen health:
- Inspect your windscreen regularly. Most of us check regularly for scratches or dents to the body and bumpers of our cars, but we also need to check for any signs of damage or wear and tear to our windscreen glass as well as the surrounds.
- Repair any damage ASAP. A small chip or crack can generally be fixed quickly and easily, leaving the glass virtually as good as new, but if it’s left unattended, it can spread and worsen which may ultimately lead to a full windscreen replacement.
- Keep the glass clean. Experts tell us that it only takes five attempts to form a habit, so why not try cleaning the outside of your windscreen with a soft, damp cloth every day for a week (just to make sure) to establish a daily cleaning routine. It’ll only take you a minute or two to wipe down for crystal clear glass – and you’ll have a daily habit that’ll stand you in good stead. If you notice a build-up of dust or grime, you may need to use a special glass cleaning product to dislodge stubborn dirt, but remember to avoid using abrasive materials (like steel wool or very hard brushes) as these can scratch the surface.
- Clean the inside of the glass regularly. Ideally, you should do this once a week as it can become oily and grimy, which can affect the clarity and impair your vision.
- Be mindful of how and where you are driving. Flying stones or debris can chip or crack the glass and whilst most of these are unavoidable, responsible and careful driving can make a difference.
You should always:
- Maintain an extra following distance when travelling behind a truck carrying loose material
- Keep well behind other vehicles when driving on unsealed or gravel roads
- In the event of a hailstorm, try and park under cover until the weather improves.
Sticking to a ‘windscreen health’ routine may seem like a bit of a chore at first, but it should become second nature after a short while and will pay dividends. Windscreens play such an important role in the safety, comfort and performance of our cars that it is worth looking after them properly to ensure they are in peak condition.
The most important thing to remember is that any damage should be evaluated by a professional as soon as possible. Windscreen repairs can generally be done quickly and cost-effectively on site at your premises, so you won’t be inconvenienced in any way.
For expert advice, personal service and fully guaranteed workmanship, call Jason at Autoscreens on 0400 200 086. They offer a mobile service for windscreen repairs and replacements in Perth as well as an emergency service 24/7 and are approved repairers for all insurance companies.
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.
