Windscreen maintenance is a crucial element of car care. That clear expanse of glass does way more than provide a view of the road ahead – it plays a critical role in the structural integrity of the vehicle. Perth drivers, indeed, all drivers, should carry out daily and seasonal checks to ensure it’s in great condition (not to mention reducing the risk of unexpected repair bills).
Western Australia enjoys a balmy climate. Hot summers and temperate winters, albeit interspersed with torrential downpours, mean that while there are no sub-zero worries, the excessive heat brings its own challenges.
Aussie driving often encompasses long distances. Popular road trip destinations, like Exmouth, Karinjini, or the Gibb River Road, mean settling in for some serious hours behind the wheel. Not to mention being remote! Perthies often strike out to these northern destinations in the winter, while the summer months see more of a southerly exodus.
Anyway… Enough waxing lyrical about where you might be travelling next. Let’s get back to the point of proactive windscreen care.
Daily and Weekly Windscreen Care Tasks
It takes mere seconds to give your windscreen a quick once over. OK, maybe a couple of minutes if you need to clear dust from the screen – one of the downsides of hot, dry summers…
Your regular tasks should include.
- Clean any debris that’s obscuring your vision.
- Run a damp cloth across the wiper blades and check them for wear.
- Scan the windscreen for chips and cracks.
- Top up the windscreen washer bottle.
You should also try to park in the shade where possible. This helps protect the glass from thermal stress, something that’s magnified when you jump into what can be an interior furnace and immediately crank up the air con. The rapid cooling can shock the glass, causing chips or cracks to increase.
Any damage to the windscreen will, over time, increase. That barely-there stone chip? It won’t stay tiny for long… And if there’s a crack, then it’s quite literally a ticking timebomb just waiting to wreck your day at the most annoying moment possible.
Getting a timely windscreen repair can save you mucho dollars, rather than waiting until it becomes a massive problem that requires a complete replacement.
Pre-Trip Windscreen Maintenance
When prepping for a road trip then you’ll need to add windscreen checks to regular oil, water and tyre maintenance. This should cover:
- Getting any damage fixed prior to the journey: Even the slightest chip should be addressed. The last thing you need is a complete windscreen failure when you’re hundreds of kilometres from help. Nothing is worse than having to wait hours for help to arrive (and that’s assuming you can get a satellite signal on your phone to call for assistance).
- Replacing the windscreen wipers if necessary: Even if it doesn’t rain, you’ll need them to clear dust from the screen. Warped or cracked blades cause streaks and marks that affect your vision. They might squeak and can potentially damage the glass too.
- Fill up the washer bottle: With windscreen fluid, not just water. Using the right fluid makes a massive difference in how well it cleans the glass.
- Pack a windscreen shade: Using this when you’re parked in direct sunlight can make an enormous difference to the interior temperature when you first get in.
Once you’re on the road – and especially those that are untarmacked – don’t follow too closely to other vehicles. This will lower the risk that a flicked-up stone will hit your windscreen and cause damage. You should also reduce speed on gravel surfaces to reduce the risk of your own tyres throwing up missiles that can chip or crack the windscreen.
Timely windscreen repairs are the key to trouble-free glass. Autoscreens is a leading supplier covering Perth and the surrounding suburbs. Our at-home (or work, or wherever you choose) repair service can prevent a more costly replacement. Rest assured, if damage can be repaired it will be. Or, if the chip or crack is too big and is affecting structural vehicle safety, we’ll fit a replacement fast. We also maintain and replace side and rear glass too.
Get a quote online or contact our team today for more information.
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.
