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.
