But we know that isn’t always practical. Over time, an exposed chip will gather dirt, dust, and moisture. A chip full of debris can affect how the repair looks – and in some cases, may even cause the repair to fail.

That’s why we created the O'Brien® Saver Patch Kit – a simple, effective way to protect your windscreen chip from the elements and keep it clean until one of our expert technicians can repair it for you.

Our kit is a handy little pack that contains two clear adhesive patches designed to keep out dirt, debris, and moisture. We give one to every O'Brien® AutoGlass customer after their visit – but you can also grab one for free from your nearest service centre and keep it in your glovebox.

Why Use the O'Brien® Saver Patch Kit?

• Prevents contamination – keeps dirt and moisture out of the chip.
• Improves repair results – a cleaner chip means a better, more seamless repair.
• Reminds you to book a repair – a patch on your windscreen is a simple visual reminder.

How to Use the O'Brien® Saver Patch Kit

Follow these quick steps if you notice a chip:

1. Apply the patch straight away
Peel off one patch and place it directly over the chip on the outside of your windscreen. This helps stop dirt and moisture from getting in.

2. Keep it clear of your view
Position the patch so it doesn’t block the driver’s line of sight.

3. Book a windscreen chip repair
Call your local O'Brien® AutoGlass team on 1800 834 103 to book your repair appointment.

Important Reminder

The Saver Patch is a temporary fix – it protects the chip from the elements but won’t stop it from spreading. Chips can quickly turn into cracks due to temperature changes, road vibrations, or pressure on the glass. Find out more about what can cause a chip to crack here.

That’s why it’s best to book a repair as soon as possible. Whether you choose our convenient mobile repair service that comes to you or to visit the nearest O’Brien® AutoGlass location , we’ll get your windscreen damage fixed and get you back on the road.

Get Your Free O'Brien® Saver Patch Kit

Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to weekend sport, or planning a family road trip – be prepared before you get a chip! Drop into your nearest O'Brien® AutoGlass location to collect your free kit and keep it in your glovebox.

If you do get a chip:

Cover it immediately with the Saver Patch
Call O'Brien® on 1800 834 103
Book your windscreen chip repair as soon as possible

Remember, repairing a windscreen chip is faster, cheaper, and greener than replacing a windscreen — so don’t wait!

The post How to Protect Your Windscreen Chip with the O’Brien® Saver Patch Kit appeared first on O'Brien.

Due to the persistent onslaught of weather events, coupled with the daily wear and tear from passing traffic, bitumen roads across the country steadily deteriorate, meaning small stones and debris are lying in wait. These little rocks pose a significant risk to your vehicle’s windscreen by potentially causing windscreen chips and ultimately also windscreen cracks.

If you are unfortunate enough to have a chip turn into a crack in your windscreen… do you know if you can continue to drive with a cracked windscreen or not?

In this article, we’ll help you find the answer and walk you through the steps to take in the event of a windscreen crack.

The difference between a chip and a crack.

This seems obvious, but it’s good to know whether your windscreen damage is a chip or a crack.

A windscreen chip is a localised form of damage to the glass typically caused by the impact of a small rock or debris.  A chip can range in size and shape and generally doesn’t go beyond the first layer of glass. Whereas a windscreen crack is a more substantial and lengthier break in your glass that can happen instantly or develop over time.  You can’t miss a windscreen crack! One challenge with cracks is that once formed, they can also extend into larger damage, sometimes while you’re driving, and this can be unexpected and even impair visibility.

More about your windscreen glass

Your front windscreen is made of laminated safety glass. This type of “safety” glass is designed to respond to excessive amounts of force and break in a way that is ‘safe’, due to having an interlayer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) that is fused together between two sheets of glass. This flexible clear interlayer is extremely strong and will hold the glass together on impact, rather than shatter. A crack usually occurs in the top layer of glass, and not affecting the bottom layer of glass, which is protected by the strong interlayer.

By design, your windscreen, if it cracks, will not shatter or fall in on the car’s occupants.

So, what causes a crack?

Often, it starts with a chipped windscreen, which may seem like a mild problem in the short term.  However, there is always the chance of the chip potentially turning into a large crack.

Your windscreen is a tough piece of vital glass in your vehicle, but when damaged by a chip (e.g. from a stone), it sometimes doesn’t take much for that chip to expand and crack.

Factors that can cause a chip to crack include:

• hail and storms,
• bumpy roads/terrain and vibrations,
• sudden temperature changes,
• putting pressure on the windscreen, and
• direct impact of any kind.

If this happens, the whole windscreen may need to be replaced at a higher cost, so it’s best to get on top of things. In fact, even if the damage remains as a chip but exceeds the following sizes, our technicians will need to replace the windscreen:

• Larger than a 5c coin (on the driver’s side and in the driver’s critical vision area)
• Larger than a $1 coin (on the passenger side or middle)
• Less than 5cm away from any edge of the windscreen.

Note the Australian Standard sets out a lot more rules for when a chip should not be repaired, such as proximity to previous repairs, maximum repairs in areas of the windscreen, and smaller sizes of chips of certain shapes, as well as when the chip damages both sides of the glass plus a few other things. Our expert technicians can advise you if your chip can be repaired once they’ve assessed the damage.

What happens if your windscreen cracks while you are driving (which, let’s face it, almost always happens)?  What do you do then?

My windscreen just cracked – can I still drive?

Apart from the inconvenience and extra cost, getting a crack in your windscreen will not mean you have to stop driving your car necessarily.

Every windscreen crack is different, no one is the same.  They can be across the whole screen or just a section.

The most important thing to remember is that your windscreen is designed to crack and remain in place (and not fall in or out).  So, if the crack/damage doesn’t interfere and obscure your visibility while driving (that is, the crack is directly in front of the driver’s critical vision area), and you feel safe to drive, you can still drive your car.

PLEASE NOTE:

• If your car has Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (referred to as ADAS), the forward-facing camera that is part of the ADAS system may be affected by the crack, especially if it is at the top of the windscreen. So, it may not be safe to rely on your car’s ADAS features until you get the windscreen replaced and your car’s forward-facing ADAS cameras recalibrated.
• Each State in Australia is governed by road rules, which determine when you are permitted to drive with a cracked windscreen. You should be aware that in some States, police can issue fines for cracked windscreens, so it is best to fix your windscreen as soon as possible.

Steps to take to fix a crack in your windscreen.

As mentioned above, cracks happen! Here’s what to do if you get one in your windscreen.

1. Assess the damage

If the crack has happened while driving on a road trip, and you feel safe to drive, and the crack is not obscuring the driver’s vision in any way, you can still drive your vehicle.

We recommend stopping at a safe and secure location, to fully assess the damage on the windscreen and the rest of the vehicle before continuing. If you don’t feel you can drive your car safely with the cracked windscreen, our mobile windscreen service may be able to get to you.

2. Call O'Brien

Call O'Brien  (we’re available 24/7) to discuss your options with our friendly team member. Whether you have insurance or not, our experts can help arrange your replacement glass for you, including kicking off the claims process if required.

With over 60+ service centres nationally, plus a network of expert Authorised Dealers as well, we can help arrange a booking at the location nearest to you or even opt for our mobile service (for select replacements).

We will do our very best to get you a booking as soon as possible. However, there are times when your preferred glass is not available immediately, or there is not a suitable slot available until a bit later. Know that we’ll endeavour to get your repair done as promptly as possible, but if there is a delay for whatever reason, like your windscreen glass needs to be ordered, be assured that provided it does not obscure the driver’s vision you can drive with a crack in your windscreen until it can be replaced, subject to State rules and regulations.

Got a crack in your windscreen, we’re your local experts.

Call O'Brien® AutoGlass today to help with replacing your cracked windscreen.

A cracked windscreen is always unexpected and usually frustrating, but with O'Brien®, we make the replacement process easy for you and worry-free.

Our skilled technicians can replace your windscreen in around 90 minutes, or if your car has ADAS, we can usually complete the replacement and recalibration within a day. Call 1800 059 829 today to speak to our friendly O'Brien® experts for help with your windscreen damage.

The post Can I drive with a cracked windscreen? appeared first on O'Brien.

We are committed to the O’Brien® Repair First policy as it not only saves customers time and money but has far less of an environmental impact than a full windscreen replacement.

But we have exciting news for our customers across Southern Sydney!

Our O’Brien® AutoGlass Rosebery service centre is now the proud owner of an Electric Vehicle (EV) designed specifically to service chip repairs.

This EV Hyundai Kona has been purpose-fitted with our chip repair equipment and is out on the road across Sydney’s South visiting customers needing mobile chip repairs. It’s all part of our company-wide goal at O’Brien® to promote chip repairs as the better environmental option and make them even more accessible.

Why the focus on using an EV for our chip repair service?

Repairing a windscreen chip is already a faster, cheaper and greener option when compared to a full windscreen replacement.

Chip repairs cut carbon emissions by about 80% compared to a full windscreen replacement, saving 66kg of CO2 per repair. (Source: Estimate tool has been verified by Bureau Veritas to be conformant with ISO 14067. Data from 5 Belron countries including Australia.)

That’s why, at O’Brien®, we always recommend getting any windscreen chip checked and where possible repaired first. A windscreen weighs about kgs and requires a lot of resources to produce and transport. Chip repairs, on the other hand, only require a tiny vial of resin to seal and reinforce damaged windscreen glass.

From the chip repair technician

Our O’Brien ® AutoGlass Technician, Jake, services chip repairs in the Rosebery catchment in the EV Kona vehicle and loves the new wheels.

“The new EV car truly is amazing. It’s not what I expected, especially coming from driving the larger O’Brien van every day. The technology inside is fantastic. Most importantly, I don’t have to worry about filling up daily.”

Convenience and chip repairs to your door

With this dedicated windscreen chip repair vehicle on the road in Sydney, it means that the Rosebery team can service more customers needing chip repairs across the day while customers can avoid having to bring their cars into the service centre.

“It’s about delivering convenience to our customers, who don’t even need to leave their work or home to tick off getting their chip repair done.  It’s a great service.”  Jake said.

Our standard mobile service covers windscreen replacements, side and rear windows as well as chip repairs.  With a chip repair taking about 30 minutes to complete, with Jake doing only chip repair jobs, and no other glass replacements, it’s quicker to complete his bookings, all the while delivering the O’Brien quality service that’s convenient to customers.

From Service Centre Manager, John Paton

“Not only is the EV eye-catching on the road and creating a stir with customers when the techs arrive at the customer’s home, but it’s great for our centre to be the first to use this new vehicle.  I love that as a company, we not only follow our Repair First policy, but we are always looking for better ways of doing things.”

The future is looking even better with O’Brien®

Like the look of the new EV chip repair car?  Well, you might get to see one (or one like it) on the road in your local area one day, as there are plans for O’Brien® to assess other vehicle types like hybrids, as we update our fleet and look for more sustainable options and services to our customers.

The Rosebery team are excited that we are able to promote our Repair First Policy in this way to their customers. At O’Brien^®, we replace thousands of windscreens every year, but a chip repair is faster, cheaper and greener.

Click here for more information about our chip repairs and windscreen replacement services.

Do you have a chipped windscreen? Call O’Brien today on 1800 059 829 or book online.

The post Introducing our new Electric Vehicle at O’Brien® AutoGlass Rosebery – supporting our Repair First policy. appeared first on O'Brien.

It looks great, but keeping your car’s windscreen clean is essential, as dirt, stains, and smears could obstruct your vision whilst driving and distract your focus on the road ahead. 

 As our team of technicians at O'Brien® AutoGlass are experts on caring for your windscreens, we’ve compiled a tried-and-tested guide on achieving a spotless windscreen.   

Exterior 

What to use: 

• Alcohol-based glass cleaner 
• At least two pieces of clean, lint-free microfibre cloths or towels 
• Rubber gloves & eye protection (optional but recommended) 

Expert Tips: 

* Avoid using ammonia-based glass cleaners if your windscreen is tinted, as it can cause discolouration. 

* Use reusable microfibre cloths or towels for a streak-free finish. These cloths/towels are long-lasting, can be washed after use, and are better for the environment. Avoid using disposable cloths/towels to make your windscreen clean and as green as possible!
* If you see a chip in your windscreen, make sure to get the chip repaired before applying pressure to any of the damaged areas of the chip, as this could cause the damage to spread into a crack. 

Steps to follow: 

1. Carefully lift both the wiper blades outwards and off the windscreen. 
2. Spray the glass cleaner evenly to thoroughly coat the first half of the windscreen. 
3. Wipe the windscreen with one of your clean microfibre cloths in straight vertical motions. 
4. Take another clean microfibre cloth and wipe the same part of the glass in straight horizontal motions, ensuring that the glass is completely dry. 
5. Moving to the second half of your windscreen, repeat steps 2-4 using either the clean sides of the same cloth or a fresh, new set. 
6. With the wiper blades still positioned off the windscreen, spray the glass cleaner on the wiper blades. 
7. With a towel, pinch both sides at the top of the wiper blades and wipe downwards; repeat until dry. 
8. Lastly, use a dry microfibre cloth to buff the entirety of the windscreen in small circular motions. 

Expert Tips: 

* Avoid having your hands or fingers touch the glass while wiping. Doing so can leave smears on the windscreen.
* Don’t leave the overspray on the trim and edges of the windscreen unwiped, as this will become visible when it dries.
* Make sure to remove any dirt and grime accumulated in the wiper blades; if left, this may scratch your windscreen when you use the wipers.
* Be sure to remove any leaves and twigs at the foot of the windscreen as well. 

Interior 

Now that the outside of your windscreen is sparkling clean, read on for more tips from our O'Brien® AutoGlass experts on cleaning the interior of your windscreen. 

What to use: 

• Rubbing alcohol 
• Alcohol-based glass cleaner 
• Three pieces of clean, lint-free microfibre cloths or towels 
• Rubber gloves & eye protection (optional but recommended) 

Steps to follow: 

1. With a clean cloth, wipe the interior of your windscreen using circular motions, starting at its bottom and moving upwards. 
2. Flip the cloth to the clean side and wipe the windscreen again, using up and down motions. 
3. Apply enough rubbing alcohol onto a fresh, clean cloth but not so much that it drips. Wipe the windscreen using circular motions. If you get alcohol on the dash, clean it off immediately with a paper towel to avoid staining. 
4. Spray the glass cleaner directly on another clean cloth. Wipe the first half of the windscreen using vertical, and then horizontal movements. 
5. Repeat step 4 on the other half of the windscreen using the same cloth. 

Expert Tips: 

* Don’t spray the rubbing alcohol and glass cleaner directly onto the windscreen to avoid overspray staining the dashboard. 

Time to check the condition of your windscreen 

Regularly cleaning your car’s windscreen is recommended as it allows you to monitor its condition and ensure there are no small chips that you may not have noticed since you last cleaned the glass.  

If you do notice a small chip, it’s important to get it fixed before it turns into a crack. Read here to find out more about how O'Brien® can repair a chip in your windscreen. 

Make cleaning easier next time, with O’Brien® Vis-Tech! 

A treatment for your windscreen, like our new O’Brien® Vis-Tech, can make your cleaning job much easier! 

Not only can O’Brien® Vis-Tech help to prevent dirt, insects and other debris from sticking to your windscreen, it makes driving in the rain safer, as it improves your visibility by repelling the rain. One application lasts for up to 12-months (or up to 20,000kms), and can be applied by our expert technicians at any of our Service Centres. For more information on O'Brien® Vis-Tech, click here. 

With locations across Australia, the O'Brien® AutoGlass team are your local experts for all things windscreens, so contact us online or call 1800 059 829 to speak to one of our friendly team members. Our experienced technicians will assess and discuss your windscreen repair or replacement options, as well as help with a range of auto accessories that can improve your driving experience, and help you get back on the road quickly and safely. 

The post The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning your Windscreen appeared first on O'Brien.

As we head into winter which is normally wet, it is important for you to ensure your vehicle is equipped to handle these adverse weather conditions. Windscreen wipers work to keep our windscreens clear when it rains, but there is an additional step you can take to improve your visibility and extend the life of your wipers, like using a high-quality windscreen rain repellent treatment.

With winter now upon us, it’s timely to explore a little bit about rain repellent for your windscreen, and how it can help make your drive safer in wet conditions.

Firstly, what is a windscreen rain repellent?

Put simply, it’s a treatment that you apply, usually as a spray, that helps repel rain from your windscreen.

Repellents, when used with standard windscreen wipers, can improve a driver’s visibility in the rain and deliver other benefits (like making glass easier to clean).

These treatments are not new, and you can find repellents in Auto Stores and online. But all repellents are not made equal. They have different ingredients (some are silicone-based, and others are more advanced, with nano-based formulas), with varying durability, so can last for different times, e.g. for 1-2 months and even up to six months, and cost. These treatments have to be applied by you, and require careful following of instructions to ensure application is done correctly.

So, how do you select the right windscreen repellent to use? It’s important to choose a product that offers proven, effective performance that lasts.

Meet O’Brien® Vis-Tech, our new rain repellent for your windscreen

O’Brien® Vis-Tech is a new, durable rain repellent treatment that stands out in the market, providing a superior invisible coating that ensures water droplets effortlessly

slide off your windscreen when driving over 65km/hr, enhancing your driving vision and safety.

Here’s how O’Brien® Vis-Tech can make your driving safer and more comfortable in the rain this winter:

1. Improved visibility on the road.

By effectively repelling water, the windscreen remains clearer during heavy rain, enhancing the driver’s ability to see the road ahead.

It does this by creating a hydrophobic (water-repellent) barrier that prevents water droplets from sticking to the glass, allowing them to quickly slide away as you drive, improving your windscreen vision. Even when not driving, the coating will make the water form into droplets (which is different to how it would appear on an untreated screen!).

2. Glare is reduced, especially when driving at night.

O’Brien® Vis-Tech can also reduce glare caused by oncoming headlights or other light sources reflecting off wet glass, providing a safer driving experience.

3. Rain-repellent-treated windscreens are easier to clean.

The hydrophobic barrier also helps keep the windscreen clean, as dirt, insects and other debris are less likely to stick to the treated glass. This also extends to frost or ice, which can easily come off when formed on the windscreen, meaning you don’t have to scrape it off like before!

• Proven effectiveness, across the globe

The Belron Group offers our Vis-Tech treatment as the standard windscreen care technology across many of our Belron companies.

• One treatment lasts for up to 12 months.

One treatment will last up to 12 months or 20,000 km, offering a reliable rain repellent that protects your windscreen for a long time across the year. With less reliance on wiper blades, O’Brien® Vis-Tech also increases the lifespan of your wiper blades.

• Convenient application by our expert technicians

If you’re booked to have your windscreen repaired or replaced, you can top it off with the O’Brien® Vis-Tech treatment. The treatment is done in the same booking, and it takes only a short while to have it applied; then you’re set to drive away straight after!

You can also book in to get O’Brien® Vis-Tech applied to your windscreen without a repair or replacement. At the same time, we’ll provide a complimentary wiper blade check to ensure your blades are in good working condition.

Right now there has never been a better time as you can get FREE O’Brien® Vis-Tech for your windscreen with any Bosch wiper blade purchase from any O’Brien® AutoGlass Service Centre between 6th May and 16th June.

Considering the impact of winter’s possible rains, prioritising clear visibility while driving is an important step toward better safety for you and your passengers.

By choosing O’Brien® Vis-Tech treatment, you can improve visibility when it rains, and therefor drive safer when conditions deteriorate.

Enhance your driving experience with O’Brien® Vis-Tech today

Don’t let the winter rain compromise your driving safety and comfort!

With O’Brien® Vis-Tech, you can gain the confidence to face a downpour with a clearer view. Simply ask for more information when you chat with our friendly O’Brien® team while booking your appointment, or from your expert technician at the time of your appointment. Call 1800 059 829 today or click here to find your local O’Brien® AutoGlass service centre and ask your local expert about O’Brien® Vis-Tech.

The post Introducing O’Brien® Vis-Tech: The windscreen rain repellent solution you’ll want this winter appeared first on O'Brien.

With 64 O’Brien® AutoGlass locations across Australia, there could be an expert technician nearby, ready to assist you with your vehicle glass needs.
Today, we wanted to shed some light on what the O’Brien® AutoGlass mobile service covers, so decided to have a chat with one of our most experienced mobile technicians, Mike Kelly from the Smeaton Grange Service Centre in Sydney.

We asked Mike a few questions about the work he does each day at O’Brien® to help keep his customers on the road. We hope you learn about the ins and outs of the O’Brien® Mobile Service and a few handy tips as well.

Q: Tell us about what services you provide as part of the O'Brien® AutoGlass Mobile Service.

Mike: Every service centre has at least one qualified Mobile Service Technician who specialises in providing convenient windscreen replacements and repairs. As a Level 5 technician with 19 years of experience, I primarily work on the road, replacing windscreens at customers’ homes, businesses, or even at the beach– essentially wherever our customers need us, provided it’s a safe location.

We can help with chip repairs, windscreen replacements (for non-ADAS vehicles), door and rear glass replacements and we can even offer additional services like windscreen wiper and cabin filter replacements as well.

When you make a booking, our call centre team can confirm if there is a mobile service option available at your service centre for the time you’d prefer.

Q: Is it safe for someone to drive with a chip or crack in their windscreen?

Mike: A chipped windscreen may seem like a small problem in the short term, but there’s a chance that that chip may spread and eventually turn into a large crack. There’s no issue driving with a chip, however, there’s no knowing when a chip could turn into a crack. In fact, it will often when you least expect it, so it’s wise to get a chip repaired as soon as it happens.

In the event of a crack appearing, if the crack doesn’t impede the driver’s vision, it’s usually ok to drive your vehicle to a safe location, but you should seek our assistance immediately afterwards. That’s what’s good about our Mobile Service, so you can avoid the need to drive with reduced visibility and unsafely.

Q: What tips do you have for customers that they can follow right away in the event of getting a chip in their windscreen?

Mike: A chip in your windscreen means that your windscreen is weak where this damage is, which means your windscreen could crack at any time. So, the best approach is to get it fixed as soon as you can.

A handy tool to keep in your glovebox is an O'Brien® Saver Patch Kit. These are free, and available at your local O’Brien service centre. This clear sticky patch can cover your chip and prevent moisture or dirt from being embedded in the cracks of the chip. While this patch won’t prevent the chip from turning into a crack, it could help improve the cosmetic appearance of your repaired chip. If the chip is kept clean, there’s a better chance of the repair being less visible. But the best thing is to act quickly to repair your chip, which can save you from having to replace your entire windscreen. Like we say in our ads, repairing a chip is definitely FASTER, CHEAPER and GREENER.

I repair lots of chips every day, as it’s very convenient for customers to have us come to them (instead of bringing their car into our service centre). And I always leave behind a few Saver Patch Kits (because you never know when you will get a chip).

Q: How long does a typical windscreen replacement take, and what is the process like?

Mike: At the start of my day, I’ll have already loaded up the new windscreen for your vehicle (which our branch team arranged to have ready at our centre when you first booked with us). This means I’ll have not only your new windscreen but all the tools I need to complete the installation when I arrive and once I’m there, at the customer’s location, I get straight to work.

On average, a windscreen replacement takes around 90 minutes to complete.

Once the replacement is done, we recommend you let the car sit for approximately half an hour to ensure everything sets properly which means you’ll usually be back on the road and safe, within about an hour and a half.

Note that if you go to a service centre for a windscreen replacement, you will need to allow an extra 30 minutes (depending on how busy they are), and if your car has ADAS features, it will require additional time for a recalibration to be performed.

Q: How do you ensure you have the right glass for each job?

Mike: At O’Brien®, we have a vast inventory of prefabricated glass covering a wide range of vehicle makes and models at our National Warehouse, something in the range of 150,000 different shapes and sizes.

When a job request comes in, we verify the vehicle’s specifications and promptly order the necessary glass from our national warehouse. Technicians like me are trained to identify the correct glass type, and our advanced inventory management systems ensure we make the accurate choice. Plus, with the extensive delivery network, the right glass is delivered to our service centres quickly as well.

Q: Can you provide the Mobile Service anywhere to customers?

Mike: We can provide our services at customers’ homes, businesses, or even at convenient public locations like shopping centre car parks.

However, for safety reasons, we typically require off-road parking to carry out the work efficiently. If a vehicle is stuck on the road due to damage, we’ll assess the area for safety and proceed accordingly. If possible, it’s also great if the vehicle can be kept under cover as working with glass in the direct sun can be blisteringly hot – that’s a great help to us. For example, if the glass is too hot, we have to wait until it cools down to perform a chip repair (which adds extra time to the job and can delay you getting back on the road).

As Mike, our mobile tech expert said: if you’ve got a chip in your windscreen, don’t wait.

Remember, it doesn’t take much for a windscreen chip to turn into a crack, plus, chip repair is faster, cheaper, and greener than windscreen replacement.

So, don’t wait for the chip to turn into further damage.

Have your windscreen chip repaired by a friendly expert technician like Mike who can come to you and help get you back out on the road fast.
Call 1800 059 829 or visit our website to book your repair or replacement today.

Do I look familiar? You’re probably right! You may have seen me in the recent O'Brien Group Brand ad. To view the ad, click here.

The post Behind the Scenes of O’Brien® Mobile Service: On the road with Mike Kelly, an O’Brien® Technician. appeared first on O'Brien.

This is especially the case when it comes to your windscreen, as your windscreen is like the eyes of your car.

Between the day-to-day hustle and bustle of work, school and everyday life, our vehicles can often take a backseat to your task list, until you know there’s a trip coming up.

So, it’s timely to check your windscreen so you can act on any repairs and maintenance needed, to avoid inconvenience of emergency repairs when you least expect it…

In this guide, we’ll give you a few quick tips for your vehicle glass that you need to focus on as part of your pre-holiday car check-up to keep you confidently cruising on the roads. So, buckle up as we guide you toward ensuring your road ahead to the holiday drive is clear, comfortable and trouble-free as possible.

1. Windscreen Wipers
2. Windscreen Chips
3. Cabin Filter
4. ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)

Windscreen Wipers

Worn-out or otherwise damaged windscreen wipers can potentially hinder visibility, leading to compromised driving conditions when it’s raining.

This is especially the case across many parts of our country, where one day might be beautiful and shining but the next brings significant amounts of rainfall, catching you off guard. With varied and unpredictable weather, it’s important to regularly inspect and replace worn wiper blades to ensure they can effectively clear rain or debris from the windscreen.

With the right quality wipers, like those from Bosch, you can take an important step toward improving your driving visibility and keeping your windscreen clean and streak-free. In fact, when purchased through O’Brien®, we’ll fit them for you for free.

Windscreen Chips

The busy start to the year involves loads of driving on our busy and often bumpy roads. If you’ve had a small rock flick up from the road, and caused a chip, you may have that on your to-do list to get repaired,

Whether it’s a small chip or tiny crack in your vehicle windscreen, it’s time to act before you take off on a road trip, as any damage on your windscreen means it’s weak and the damage can spread. From a chip to a crack or a small crack to a bigger one, it’s best to get all windscreen damage looked at as soon as it appears. Fortunately, in most cases, a windscreen chip can be repaired.

At O’Brien®, our expert technicians will first assess the chip damage to see if it can be repaired by us, then use our Advanced Repair Technology (ART) kit and process to deliver a lasting repair where your chip was. The finish will be smooth and not impede the driver’s vision.

Cabin Filter

Out of sight, out of mind. Many car owners never think to consider the air quality inside their vehicles. Yet, air quality is one of the most important factors when it comes to the cleanliness and comfort of your car and the well-being of your passengers.

Over time, cabin filters become clogged with dust, pollen, pollutants, and other harmful microorganisms so when neglected, they can compromise the air quality inside your vehicle, leading to issues like:

• Allergic reactions
• Drowsiness and headaches
• Foul smells
• Greasy film on windows
• Restricted air-conditioning
• Poor vision

O’Brien has partnered with Bosch, a world leader in cabin filters, so we have been trained in cabin filter maintenance. Our experienced O’Brien® technicians recommend that you replace your Cabin Filter annually, or at least after every 10,000 kilometres of driving to ensure optimal and ongoing performance. Our team provide a complimentary inspection for every customer to check their cabin filters, so we’ll let you know if your filter needs replacing (or if it’s still doing what it should do).

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)

Today, most new vehicles on our roads use Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This camera technology looks through your windscreen and provides driver support features like lane detection and automatic braking.

However, it’s important to ensure that it is properly calibrated after a windscreen replacement or other major event, like an accident, wheel alignment. To check what your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends checking your ADAS, refer to your vehicle manual.

At O’Brien®, our state-of-the-art Cal-Tech® Recalibration service uses the latest technology, underpinned by quality technical training programmes, and can be completed at the same time as your windscreen replacement.

We also provide a certificate for your peace of mind, so you can continue to trust your car’s safety features for your upcoming road trip, and beyond.

Ask an O’Brien® technician for a pre-holiday vehicle glass check-up.

Don’t wait – call O’Brien® today.

You can significantly enhance your overall driving experience by ensuring you have all of the little things in order before you set off on your Easter trip. From that little chip to windscreen wipers and cabin filters, don’t delay these crucial checks any longer.

Our expert O’Brien® technicians will inspect your vehicle glass and give you the peace of mind to enjoy your trip, however near or far it may be. Call 1800 059 829 today or click here to find an O’Brien® AutoGlass branch near you.

The post Pre-Holiday Vehicle Glass Check-up: The O’Brien® Quick Check for Peace of Mind for the upcoming holiday appeared first on O'Brien.

Hailstorms can result in damage to property, especially cars. The impact of hail stones can damage your car exterior, side and rear windows, and windscreen.

According to a recent report from the Insurance Australia Group (IAG), hailstorms are likely to become more frequent and intense in Australia due to climate change, with large parts of southern and eastern Australia most at risk.

With that in mind, you’re probably wondering what you can do or use to keep your vehicle safe in a hailstorm.

Here are some ways to help protect your car from hail and potentially prevent the resulting vehicle repair costs if you happen to be where one hits.

4 tips to keep your car safe from hail damage

Thousands of Australian vehicles are damaged by hail every year. Depending on your circumstances, there are a range of options to help protect your car and keep it safe in the event of a hailstorm:

1. Check the weather forecast.

Prevention is better than a cure! Weather forecasts aren’t iron-clad but can often predict severe weather like hailstorms. Checking a dedicated app or website like the BOM Weather App can help you remain alert and aware, giving you more time to prepare or get undercover.

If your local council provides a weather alert system via SMS, it’s also worth signing up for. Plus, it’s handy to keep an eye (and an ear) on the news throughout the day, too.

2. Avoid driving during a hailstorm.

Driving during a hailstorm can be dangerous.

Not only can it be challenging to see, but the hailstones may cause damage to the body of your car, its windows or the windscreen. When going on an extended trip, always check the weather forecast to ensure no hailstorms are scheduled for when you’ll be on the road.

3. Park your car undercover.

The best way to protect your car from hail is to park your car in a secure undercover location, like a garage or carport. But this is not always possible.

If hail starts raining down while you’re on the road, help keep yourself safe by slowing down, turning your headlights on, and driving cautiously to a nearby covered car park or anywhere with some cover. If no shelter is around, when safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road and wait inside your car for the hail to stop. Make sure you don’t park your car under trees, by power lines, or near bodies of water that might flood during the storm. Stay aware of your surroundings and take the necessary steps to keep safe.

4. Use a hail car cover or blankets.

As the name suggests, a hail cover is designed to cover your car and reduce the impact of hail damage on the vehicle. While a hail cover may not completely prevent damage, it may reduce the severity of the impact that hail stones can cause.

Ideally, a hail cover should only be used as a last-minute option if proper shelter is unavailable. In place of a hail cover, another option is to use large, thick blankets draped over the car to minimise the damage done.

If nothing else is available, you can always use the car floor mats from your car to cover your windscreen glass, which may be the difference between being able to drive your vehicle or not.

Please remember that if you are caught up in a hailstorm, and your vehicle glass does get damaged, it can be dangerous to drive your vehicle as your vision may be impaired.

Call your O’Brien^® AutoGlass experts

Keeping an eye on the weather can go a long way in helping to protect and maintain your vehicle glass. In the unfortunate event of sustaining damage to your glass from hail, or you’re worried about a chip or a crack, the expert team at O’Brien^® AutoGlass will make it easy with our in-branch or mobile service.

At O’Brien^®, we have specialist technicians who can assist you whether you need a chip repair or a windscreen replacement. Not only does our vehicle glass comply with Australian and international standards, but no matter what make or model your car is, you can depend on us and drive away knowing the job has been done right.

For more information about our services, call us on 1800 059 829 or send us a message to speak with one of our friendly staff.

The post Tips On How To Protect Your Car From Hail Damage appeared first on O'Brien.

Fortunately, many products these days can be made using these recycled materials.

But what about windscreen glass recycling?

One common question we get is, ‘Can you recycle windscreen glass?’. The answer is yes!

With the advancement in technology, recycling a windscreen is possible, and it’s surprising how it can be reused.

At O’Brien^®, we replace thousands of windscreens annually and we are proud to say that we are always thinking of ways to provide sustainable solutions for windscreen repairs and replacement services.

We do this in two ways. Firstly, we always prefer to repair a chipped windscreen rather than replace it. After all, it is the greener choice. But, if we can’t fix that chip, then we work with local recycling manufacturers to try and reuse the materials to give your windscreen another purpose.

So, how do we recycle cracked windscreen glass? We thought we’d give you a run-down on what we are currently doing with one of our many recycling partners in Perth, WA.

Firstly, what makes windscreen glass different from other types of glass?

Windscreen glass is a type of “safety” glass because of how it responds to excessive amounts of force. Its ability to hold together after a car crash is due to an interlayer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) that is fused together between two sheets of glass. This flexible clear interlayer is extremely strong and will hold the glass together on impact, rather than shatter.

Because of this, glass from windscreens needs to undergo additional processes to be recycled.

The recycling process with our Perth recycling partner

Due to the interlayer, windscreen glass recycling requires additional processes before the glass can be recycled and used for other purposes.

Here are the 4 steps taken to process damaged windscreen glass from our take at O’Brien^® AutoGlass branches across Perth and surrounds:

1. Our third-party recycling partners collect the windscreen glass from our Perth branches and distribution networks.
2. It is then broken and separated from the interlayer that is pressed firmly between the two pieces of windscreen glass.
3. Once the plastic interlayer has been removed, the glass is then put through a processor that grinds it down. A sieve then catches the plastic whilst the glass falls through onto a moving conveyor belt before being taken away to be crushed further into glass ‘cullet’ shards.
4. Once glass cullet is produced from the original windscreen glass, it will then be sent to different manufacturers to be used to create new glass or glass-based materials such as:

• Road base
• Glass bottles
• Glass Jars
• Pool filters
• Insulation wool (or fibreglass)

The environmental impact of not recycling windscreens

Glass does not easily decompose, which is why we must start aiming to recycle as much of the materials we use as possible.

Although it is possible to recycle windscreens, the process isn’t as routine as recycling ordinary glass. That’s why we recommend to only replace your windscreen when we cannot repair it.

Fixing a chipped windscreen is by far the greener choice, plus it is faster and cheaper. It can be done in just 30mins using our trusted state-of-the-art technology.

Read our recent article here about why a chip repair is the greener choice.

What O’Brien^® is doing to help the environment

At O’Brien^®, we have a repair-first policy. This means if there is a chip in your windscreen, and we believe we can repair it, then we will always try this approach first by using our special resin and equipment. We recommend having the chip inspected by an O’Brien^® vehicle glass technician as soon as possible after the damage occurs to improve the outcome of a chip repair.

We do more than just advocate for a repair over a replacement in our famous advertisements. Right across the country, our branches are focused on their environmental impact and what they can do to contribute to sustainability.

O’Brien^® AutoGlass Branch Manager Lindsey Thompson, from the Rockingham branch in Perth, works with his team daily on keeping sustainability top of mind. He explains,

“I have been with O’Brien^® Perth for 2.5 years and am proud of the company’s vision and initiatives on sustainability.

It’s great to see broken windscreens being used for other useful things, instead of going to waste.  Here at O’Brien^® we’re also proactive when it comes to other recycling such as timber, plastics, cardboard, and other material.

As a team we do all we can, and it is part of my weekly briefs with my team to report on the status and keep it top of mind.”

 Let O’Brien^® help save your windscreen, or at least help to give it another purpose. So next time you see road repairs or take a drink from your glass bottle or go for a swim in the pool, you could very well be interacting with a piece of glass that was once part of a windscreen.

If you’ve got a chip in your windscreen, don’t wait – call O’Brien^® today

Remember, it doesn’t take much for a chip to turn into a crack. At O’Brien^®, we replace thousands of windscreens every year, but a chip repair is faster, greener and cheaper.

So let us help with repairing your windscreen chip today, so you can be back on the road fast.

Call 1800 059 829 or book online today or click here to find an O’Brien^® AutoGlass branch near you.

The post A Closer Look At Windscreen Recycling: How It Works And Where It Goes appeared first on O'Brien.

That tiny chip might not look like much as it’s only small in comparison, but many factors can cause this damage to worsen, potentially costing you a new windscreen.

We asked our O'Brien^® AutoGlass team to share some of the most common factors as to how your windscreen chip could turn into a crack, as well as their top reasons why you should have your windscreen chip repaired ASAP.

What can cause a chipped windscreen to crack?

There are 5 common reasons why your car’s windscreen may crack after a chip. However, if repaired quickly, you shouldn’t need to worry about these situations.

1. Sudden temperature fluctuations

We all know that temperature changes can cause things to expand or contract, and windscreens are no exception. For example, be careful if you’ve parked in the hot sun for a while and then decide to turn on the air-con to quickly cool it down. Blasting cold air onto a chipped windscreen might cause it to crack. Or perhaps there’s a frost that’s left some ice on your windscreen and you’re trying to get the ice off by pouring hot water over your windscreen. You might be in for a nasty shock! These are just two scenarios where shifts in temperature can cause that chip to crack. So, the longer you delay the repair, the greater the chance that temperature changes will result in further damage.

2. Bumpy terrain and vibrations

Uneven roads can also cause issues. For example, the vibrations caused by driving on gravel roads, roads that are under construction, going over a speed bump or hitting a pothole could cause a bigger problem for your chipped windscreen.  Even the slamming of a car door could be enough to cause further damage. Extreme vibrations and bumps can add to the stress that already exists at the point of a chip in your windscreen, which could result in a crack.

3. Pressure on the windscreen

The last thing you want to do is lean on the windscreen or put weight on it from an object. Given it has weakened from the chip, if you put pressure in that area, it could cause it to crack.

4. Direct Impact

It doesn’t need to be another stone chip than could cause further damage. If another object strikes the windscreen, particularly in the same spot, it could worsen the existing chip, potentially cracking your windscreen.

5. Hail and Storms

Storms can cause debris to fly, and things like small branches could be just enough to cause that chip to crack. And we all know the damage hail can do. So small or large hail stones can also cause additional damage, and not just to the windscreen.

3 reasons why you should have your windscreen chip repaired as soon as possible

There are so many scenarios outside of our control that can cause windscreen chips to worsen. We’re all guilty of ignoring it – even if it’s small and right in front of us!

Here are our top 3 reasons why you should visit your local vehicle glass expert and have your windscreens checked:

1. Chips can quickly turn into larger cracks, often when you least expect it

As mentioned above, chips happen! And there are too many scenarios that can cause a chip to crack, potentially resulting in the purchase of a new windscreen.

It’s therefore best to address any minor damage as soon as possible before it becomes a costly exercise.

2. Fixing a windscreen chip is less expensive and faster than a windscreen replacement

Our professionally trained vehicle glass technicians have the experience and tools to fix a windscreen chip in about 30 minutes. This is in comparison to a full windscreen replacement which usually takes about 90 minutes to get done.

In addition, a chip repair is cheaper than a full windscreen replacement. When you consider the time and materials involved for both processes, a chip repair makes more sense when it comes to minimising costs. And the best thing is, if your car insurance includes cover for glass damage, you could get the repair done for free! But check with your insurance provider as each company is different.

3. A windscreen repair creates less waste

Last but not the least, a chip repair is greener than a full windscreen replacement because it does not require a new piece of glass. A tiny vial of our special resin is used for a chip repair (together with our portable equipment), so the waste is minimal, fitting into the palm of your hand and weighing only a few grams.

A windscreen weighs approximately 15kg and once removed from your vehicle, it then needs to be disposed of properly for recycling.

If you’ve got a chip in your windscreen, don’t wait – call O'Brien^® today

O'Brien^® has a repair-first policy meaning that if we can repair it using our specialist equipment, we always prefer to repair a windscreen rather than replace it.

Remember, it doesn’t take much for a windscreen chip to turn into a crack.

We replace thousands of windscreens every year, but a chip repair is faster, cheaper and greener.

So, don’t wait for the chip to turn into further damage. Have your windscreen chip repaired with O'Brien^® to get you back out on the road fast.

Call 1800 059 829 today to speak to our friendly O'Brien^® experts or book online. For your nearest O'Brien^® AutoGlass branch near you, click here.

The post Will My Windscreen Chip Crack? appeared first on O'Brien.