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.

Having been a part of the Australian community for nearly 100 years, the O’Brien® team has seen our fair share of storms – and we’ve also helped thousands of Australian households prepare for storms (as well as clean-up after them). So, from our first-hand experience, we’ve put together a handy storm preparation checklist for you.

Being prepared for natural disasters such as storms isn’t just a precautionary measure. It’s a way to help keep your loved ones as well as your property safe, especially since Australian storms come in all types and severity.

Here are 8 things that you can do to prepare your home and your family in the event of a storm.

8 things you need to do around the home to be storm-ready

1. Stay informed and updated.

Forewarned is forearmed. So, whenever there’s a storm warning, keep a close eye on weather forecasts. If possible, get real-time alerts and warnings about approaching storms from reliable news sources so you’re always alert.

2. Create a family emergency plan.

Discuss evacuation routes, safe areas within your home, and contact information for nearby shelters or emergency services with your family.

This way, when the time comes, everyone will know what to do and can act quickly.

3. Build an emergency kit and stock up on your essentials.

You can also pack a storm emergency kit with all the essentials:

• non-perishable food
• clean water
• medications
• a first aid kit
• a torch
• batteries
• power banks

Ideally, an emergency kit should have enough supplies for at least a week.

4. Secure your surroundings.

While it’s still safe, clean up garden debris and secure loose objects in your yard so they don’t become projectiles during high winds. This includes outdoor furniture, trampolines or garden decorations. If flooding is a concern, you can use sandbags to prevent water from entering the vicinity of your home.

5. Inspect your doors and windows.

Look into all entry and exit points around your home such as windows and doors check for proper sealing. Get any previously broken panes of glass repaired so that they’re in good working order. It is worth checking to make sure you have the right type of safety glass around your home as well.

Your local O’Brien Glass experts can work on the replacement and provide expert advice for ensuring the glass around your home is safe for extreme weather.

6. Check your roof and gutters.

Check your roof regularly for loose or missing tiles and repair roof damage as soon as you notice it. Cleaning out gutters and downpipes will also ensure proper drainage in case of heavy rainfall. This can help you avoid or minimise potential water leaks and water damage during a storm.

If you need help with the cleaning and repair of your gutters or maintaining your roof, your local O'Brien Plumbing experts can assist.

7. Examine potential electric hazards.

Faulty power lines, lightning and water are a concerning combination that could pose risks to your home and your family. So, it helps to have a safety switch installed and maintained on your switchboard. A residual-current circuit breaker with over-current protection (RCBO) also guards against accidental electrocution by monitoring the current travelling to and from an electrical load.

If you need help with the installation of switchboard and safety switches, your local O'Brien Electrical experts can assist.

8. Review your insurance coverage.

Take the time to talk to your insurance provider and make sure your coverage adequately protects against storm and flood damage, especially if you live in a flood-prone area. Knowing that you have the right coverage gives you one less thing to worry about when the storm hits.

Stay safe and dry with help from O’Brien®

It’s always a smart idea to be prepared in advance for storms, and hopefully, this checklist is a good starting point for you.

Always remember, if you need any repairs around the home before or after a weather event – whether it be for electrical or plumbing work or glass repairs – just reach out to your local O’Brien^® team.

For more information about our services, call us on 1800 719 738 or send us a message to speak with one of our friendly staff.

We’re here to keep you safe and dry.

The post Storm Preparation Checklist: 8 Things To Do To Prepare For A Storm 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.

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.

While your mind may instantly go to oil changes, tyres, or routine engine checks as part of regular car maintenance, there’s one seemingly minor yet just as important part that also needs attention.

Your windscreen wipers!

If not checked, cleaned and replaced regularly then poor-quality or damaged wiper blades can cause everything from frustration to obscured vision while driving and even windscreen damage. Our preferred supplier is Bosch, who recommends that you replace your wipers every 12 months, depending on your usage and condition of the wipers.

Click here for some tips to help make your wipers last longer.

Changing wipers is something for anyone who is up for a bit of DIY car maintenance.  So, if that’s on your to-do list, here are some handy tips.

3 things to consider when changing windscreen wipers

Just like with car tyres and other essential parts of your vehicle, wiper blades wear out over time and can stop working as they should.  Here are three important things you should take note of:

1. Ensure you have the right wiper blade size

Wiper blades are not ‘one size, fits all’.

Depending on the model or type of car that you own, it’s important that you have the correct wiper blade measurement to get the exact replacement length.

Helpful tip: Don’t assume the windscreen wiper blades are the same length on the driver’s side and the passenger’s side. One is often longer than the other.

2. Be careful when removing old wiper blades

The wiper arms are spring loaded and can retract very easily. So, when replacing the blades, even though the wipers will stay in a raised position, if the wiper arm snaps back down it could damage your windscreen.

Helpful Tip: When replacing your Bosch wiper blades, scan the QR code on the back of the packaging, to be taken to a video on how to replace your wiper blades.

3. Make sure to check if newly installed wiper blades are functioning properly

Once you have successfully replaced the old wiper blades with new ones, check that both are working well. The best way to test this is to use the windscreen washer system and watch how they perform when clearing the fluid.

If anything seems abnormal, stop the wiper function immediately and recheck to ensure the wiper blade has been clipped in properly.

Helpful tip: Have a family member or friend help you so that someone can control the functions inside the car whilst the other inspects the wipers from the outside.

Should you replace your own windscreen wipers?

Replacing your windscreen wipers can be an easy fix. But often, it’s easier and more convenient to engage a professional, who can change wipers on all types of cars.

Need help with your windscreen wiper blade replacement?

Here at O'Brien^® we recommend the Bosch Wiper Blade range for our customers. Not only do our specialist technicians provide a complimentary wiper blade check on all vehicles serviced, but we also provide free installation of any wipers purchased.

We recommend that when you replace your windscreen that you also upgrade your old wipers for brand new ones. It’s a great addition to your shiny new windscreen.

For more information about our Bosch wiper blade range at O'Brien^® AutoGlass click here.

Get in contact with us today on 1800 719 738 or book online.

The post Tips For Replacing Your Windscreen Wipers appeared first on O'Brien.

Whether it’s a hailstorm, a flash flood or a thunderstorm, storms can be unpredictable, causing potential harm to people and damage to homes and businesses. They can also disrupt power, communication systems and local amenities like running water.

That’s why it’s important to be prepared to help keep yourself and your family safe while helping to minimise damage to your property.

O'Brien^® has been part of the Australian community for almost 100 years, so our teams have seen firsthand the impact of storms on our vast country.

So we’ve put together a useful checklist to help you be prepared in advance in case a storm hits.

Here are 10 things you can do around your home before a severe weather event. These tips can help you and your family be better equipped to handle any challenges that may arise.

10 things to do around your home to be storm-ready

1. Check your roof regularly for loose or missing tiles and repair any roof damage as soon as you notice it. This can help you avoid or minimise potential water leaks in heavy rain conditions.
2. Check and clean out your gutters and downpipes to ensure there is proper drainage during a storm. This will prevent overflowing, damage to guttering and backwash that can pool water in places that could cause lingering moisture and water damage.

For help with the cleaning and repair of your gutters, or maintaining your roof, your local O'Brien Plumbing experts can assist.

3. Clean up garden debris like branches and secure any loose objects in your yard, such as outdoor furniture, trampolines, or garden decorations, so they don’t become projectiles in high winds.
4. Check your windows and doors for proper sealing and get any previously broken panes of glass repaired so that they’re in good working order. It is worth checking to make sure you have the correct type of safety glass around your home as well.

Your local O'Brien Glass^® experts can are on hand for replacement and advice for glass around your home.

5. Examine your home for any potential electrical hazards that could occur. Ensuring you have a safety switch installed and maintained on your switchboard and installing a residual-current circuit breaker with over-current protection (RCBO) that guards against accidental electrocution by monitoring the current travelling to and from an electrical load.

Your local O'Brien Electrical experts can perform thorough checks and installations of switchboard & safety switches.

6. Check if your home and contents insurance is up to date and know what you are covered for if it comes to claims with a flood or storm. Take the time to talk to your insurance provider to understand what additional cover may be available so you can consider additional options if you think you need it.
7. Stock up on non-perishable food, water, and other supplies in case you are without power or are isolated for more than a few days. We’ve recently seen how many Australian towns have been affected by prolonged flood waters – so it’s best to be prepared.
8. Charge your mobile phone, power banks and other electronic devices in case of a power outage, so you can contact loved ones or your local O'Brien expert (to glass, plumbing or electrical help)
9. Have an evacuation plan in place beforehand and talk through it with your family and friends, so if the time comes you know what to do and can act quickly.
10. Have an emergency kit ready, just in case, with essential items such as a torch, first aid kit, and batteries.

Stay safe and dry with help from O'Brien^®

It’s always a smart idea to be prepared in advance for storms, and hopefully this checklist is a good starting point for you.

Keep a close eye and ear on the weather and predicted forecast to help your household be as prepared as can be should a storm hit. Always remember, if you need any repairs around the home before or after a weather event – whether it be for electrical or plumbing work or glass repairs, whether it be for electrical or plumbing work or glass repairs – contact your local O'Brien^® team today.

For more information about our services, call us on 1800 719 738 or send us a message to speak with one of our friendly staff.  We’re here to keep you safe and dry.

The post Storm Preparation Checklist For Your Home appeared first on O'Brien.

It gets harder to see the road, so naturally, you flick your windscreen wipers on – but hold on, what’s that noise?

That’s the ear-piercing squeak of worn-out wiper blades barely clearing your screen.

It could be time to get those replaced.

Almost every decision you make on the road is based on what you can see. This means your windscreen wipers play a humble yet vital role in helping you make better driving decisions, especially during rain or snow. This means it’s important to always ensure that your wiper blades are performing as they should.

But, how do you know when they aren’t performing properly? And when should you get them replaced?

Well, let’s find out.

How often should you replace your windscreen wipers?

A good rule of thumb is to replace your wiper blades every twelve months.

But if you live and drive in hot conditions and use your wipers a lot, this timeframe can be shorter.  So, to ensure optimal results, you should consider replacing your wiper blades as soon as you notice any change in their wiping performance.  And regularly check your wiper blades as part of your regular vehicle maintenance checklist.

Here are 5 common signs that you need new wiper blades

Like all parts of a vehicle, your wiper blades will wear out over time. Frequency of use and exposure to the elements are typically the most significant determining factors of their lifespan.

However, if you’re still unsure when to replace them, here are 5 obvious signs that it’s time:

1. Your wipers are leaving streaks on your windscreen

A streaky windscreen is one of the most common signs that your wiper blades need replacing. While a little streaking is normal, large noticeable streaks often mean that the rubber on your blade is damaged and needs replacing.

2. You’ve got unwiped sections on your windscreen

Old and worn wiper blades may no longer touch all areas on the surface of your windscreen, leaving unwiped sections that can interfere with your view of the road ahead.

This can also be caused by a bent tension strip or a deformed wiper blade due to long-term resting in the resting position in high temperatures – and is a sign that you need new blades.

3. You’re hearing a lot of squeaking and chattering

A new wiper blade removes water and debris quickly, smoothly and without a sound.

As time goes on, however, you might start to hear a screeching sound caused by weathered or hardened rubber gliding over the windscreen. Your wipers may also only clean in vertical lines.  Not only does this affect your wiper performance, but it could also start scratching your windscreen as well – meaning it’s time to get those blades replaced, pronto!

4. You’re noticing large smears across the windscreen

As we just said, wiper blades are meant to move across the glass smoothly. When they start leaving smears, it may mean your blades are missing portions of their rubber.

5. You find that the blade frame is damaged

If a particular area of your windscreen just doesn’t seem to get clean, check the frame of the blade: the rigid plastic and metal that keeps the blade in place.

This is because wiper frames can actually get damaged quite easily, which also affects the performance of your wiper blades. So, it’s important to get these replaced if you find they have been impacted in any way.

If your wipers need replacing, your local O'Brien^® experts can help.

Wiper blades are an important part of your vehicle, but general use and exposure to the elements will impact their performance over time.

When you start to notice any of the signs above, it’s time to call O'Brien for a wiper blade replacement.

O'Brien® AutoGlass now offers a wide range of Bosch Windscreen Wiper Blades. Simply speak to our Technicians about Bosch wipers when you visit our branch, and we can discuss your options.

If you have any questions, you can also call us on 1800 059 829 or book online.

The post 5 Signs You Need to Replace Your Windscreen Wipers appeared first on O'Brien.

Regular checks of your windscreen can help you spot any new chips so you can get them repaired before the chip turns into a crack. Not only is a full windscreen replacement more costly, but it also takes more time, plus it produces more waste (over a chip repair).

So, with windscreen chips, it pays to be proactive!

While some auto-glaziers and vehicle repairers can repair a chip, it’s important to know you’re putting your windscreen in the right hands to ensure the best quality chip repair possible.

To help you out, let’s discuss the things you need to know when looking for a Chip Repairer.

What is a windscreen chip?

A chip in your windscreen appears when the glass is struck by debris, and a small piece chips off the main glass piece, leaving a distracting shallow indent.

Several factors can cause windscreen chips, the most common being loose gravel, stones or fragments from the surface of the road that flick up from underneath the tyres of your own or another vehicle to hit the glass.

These little chips may seem insignificant at first, but they can easily turn from a chip into a crack quite quickly, which is why it’s important to get them repaired before they do.

Let’s talk about how to find the right auto glass expert to repair your windscreen chip.

Here’s what you need to ask when choosing a Chip Repairer:

To ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth and that your windscreen gets adequately repaired, you need to do some research.

To guide you, here are five questions to ask your Chip Repairer to ensure you are selecting the best chip repair service:

1. What type of materials will be used for the repair?

First and foremost, you must ensure the quality of the materials used on your windscreen. The higher the quality of the material, the longer the repair will last.

When repairing a chip, service providers typically apply a liquid resin to fill the gaps in the area. However, not all types of resin are the same – many other resins can deteriorate over time which can cause chips to reappear, or worse, turn into cracks.

2. What tools and technology will be used?

There are several ways to repair windscreen chips: some do it by hand and others make use of DIY kits. But to make sure that micro-cracks are efficiently repaired, steady workmanship and careful accuracy are required.

That’s why, when looking for a Chip Repairer, you must also consider their process for repairing your windscreen chips.

At O'Brien^®, we use our exclusive Advanced Repair Technology (ART) system that creates a vacuum around the chip to remove all dust and dirt particles. Then, we apply pressure to push our special resin into the chip to fill in every micro-crack accurately.

3. What kind of experience does the Chip Repairer have?

To get a quality chip repair, you want to look for an expert auto-glazier with extensive experience. This will ensure that your windscreen chips are handled with precision.

At O'Brien^®, all of our windscreen chip repairs are completed by trained automotive technicians who undertake assessments for quality and performance every two years along with additional training for continuous improvement, which ensures a high-quality repair or replacement from start to finish.

4. Will my windscreen look almost like new after the repair?

While a chip repair is not a complete cosmetic repair, it’s still important to know how your windscreen will look after the service.

In most cases, our repair will look better than the unrepaired damage, but it will not make the chip repair entirely invisible. The repair process usually leaves a minor blemish that will not interfere with the driver’s vision.

Here’s an example of a chip before and after repair by O'Brien^®.

Our technicians at O'Brien^® always make sure that the damaged area is completely filled and then cleaned and polished to leave a smooth finish.

5. What warranty do I get for the service?

Since this is a professional service, you want to make sure that you are getting a guarantee over your service provider’s workmanship, so they stand behind their work on your vehicle..

At O'Brien^®, we take the risk of the repair failing because if it does, or if we can see the repair is visibly distracting to the driver, we will deduct the chip repair cost from the cost of a replacement windscreen from O'Brien^® that would have been required in the first place. For more details on our Guarantee, see here.

Not every Chip Repairer is the same – and the answers to these five essential questions will help you decide which service provider to choose for your windscreen chip repairs.

Just remember that your windscreen is an essential part of your vehicle – so it’s important to choose the right service provider to help you maintain it for you.

O'Brien^® AutoGlass is an ideal choice for your windscreen repair needs

Using our exclusive ART (Advanced Repair Technology) system, we can inject a special resin into your windscreen chip that will fill the affected area, to prevent the chip turning into a crack.

With hundreds of locations around Australia, you can easily visit one of our local O'Brien^® AutoGlass branches or one of our mobile experts can come to you – to get you back on the road in just 30 minutes.

If you’ve got a chip in your vehicle’s windscreen, leave it to the right experts.

Contact O'Brien^® AutoGlass by calling 1800 059 829 to get your windscreen chip repair sorted today.

The post 5 Questions You Can Ask When Choosing A Chip Repairer appeared first on O'Brien.

But do you know how important it is to check and replace your windscreen wipers?

Perhaps you only think about it when it rains – don’t worry, you’re not alone. As car owners, it’s so easy to forget to routinely check the condition of our wiper blades because we only remember them when we flick the switch to use them.

Wipers serve the vital function of helping drivers see clearly in wet conditions, removing water efficiently off the windscreen to help maintain visibility on the road ahead.

So, if it’s been a while since you’ve changed or checked your windscreen wipers, here are a few essential reasons you should from now on.

How often should wiper blades be replaced?

There are many factors that can impact wiper replacement interval, such as average distance travelled per year, how often you use your wipers, external factors like heat, dirt, to name a few. But, as a general rule, it’s recommended that wiper blades should be replaced every twelve months or as soon as you notice a difference in driving visibility when you use them.

Wiper blades are designed to move over your windscreen surface in a smooth, simple motion over a thin water layer. When wiper blades no longer make proper contact with the windscreen surface, they can begin to squeak, smear or streak – these are the most obvious signs that your wiper blades need replacement.

Other than the sound of the blades and wipe quality, here are a few ways to inspect your wiper blades for replacement:

• Check the wiper blade edges. If the edges become worn, this can prevent the wiper blade from making firm contact with the windscreen, reducing the wiping quality.
• Check for visible cracks, tears and missing pieces on the wiper’s rubber edge.
• Bend the wiper rubber blade back and forth to see if it is still flexible. Old wiper blades will have difficulty conforming to the shape of your windscreen, creating streaks.

5 easy tips to extend the life of your wiper blades

While wiper blades are relatively inexpensive to replace compared to other parts of your car, it’s still important to take proper care of them.

So we asked our O'Brien® AutoGlass Technical Trainer team to give us the five top tips to extend the life of your wiper blades – and here they are:

1. Park your car in the shade

Sunlight is the great destroyer of vehicle paint, vinyl, plastic, rubber and upholstery. UVA/UVB rays and heat from the sun degrade the plastic and rubber in wiper blades, causing them to prematurely become brittle and prone to cracking. So, parking in the shade helps extend the life of your wiper blades.

2. Always ensure your wiper fluid reservoir is full

Check your washer system often, and never forget to refill it with water and windscreen wiper fluid (if you use this). This ensures you can clean your screen on the move and provide sufficient lubrication during the process. Never run your wipers when the windscreen doesn’t have any water on it.

3. Keep the blades clean

Clean your wiper blades regularly using a soft, clean cloth and water or glass cleaner to remove all the dirt and debris. Particles can cling to the blades and cause them to degrade whilst potentially scratching your windscreen’s surface. Washing your car also helps extend the life of your wipers by preventing dirt from building up in the first place.

4. Lift your wiper blades if it’s freezing

Remember this tip for next winter! If frost or snow is forecast, and your car is parked out in the elements, lift your wiper arms and place a cloth between the wiper and the screen. If your wiper blades are down against the windscreen in freezing conditions, they may freeze in position. Then, when you try to activate your wipers, the rubber edge on the wiper blade could tear, costing you a new set of wiper blades and risk damaging your wiper mechanism.

5. Use quality wiper blades

At O'Brien®, we recommend replacing windscreen wipers with a trusted brand, like Bosch, which offers a wide range of wipers that covers most makes and models of vehicles, with innovative technology such as aerodynamics and a patented rubber coating for optimum wiper performance.

By using quality wiper blades, like Bosch, and taking care to follow the steps above, will help extend the overall life of your blades. That way, your wipers will keep wiping for longer with no issues!

Need help with your wiper blade replacement?

Not only do our specialist technicians provide a complimentary wiper blade check on all vehicles we service, but we also provide free installation of any wipers purchased. We make it easy to get the best out of your new or repaired windscreen.

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

Contact us today on 1800 059 829 or book online.

The post 5 Tips To Make Your Wiper Blades Last Longer appeared first on O'Brien.

If not properly addressed, a small chip can become a big problem, leading to needing to replace the entire windscreen.

Fortunately, knowing how to effectively protect your windscreen can help you avoid all of this in the first place. As cliché as it sounds: prevention is better than cure!

So, our team at O'Brien^® AutoGlass has compiled some useful tips to help you take care of your windscreen.

Tips to protect your windscreen

Here are some tips to look after your windscreen, to help spare you the stress, hassle and costs of repair or replacement:

1. Park your car in a garage or covered area.

Keeping your car out of direct sunlight, heavy rain, hail, and even ice is always a smart idea. If there’s no covered space to park your car, you can look for a shaded area that also offers some shelter.

2. Gradually adjust your car’s internal temperature.

Sudden variations in temperature from inside and out can place stress on your windscreen.

So, to avoid a rapid temperature shift, do not put your car’s air conditioning or heater on an extreme setting straight away. This is important, particularly if the air conditioning or heater is pointed directly at the windscreen.

Instead, just gradually increase or decrease the temperature.

3. Avoid slamming car doors.

It’s not just about the noise it makes.

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 appearing.

4. Take care of your windscreen wipers.

Don’t take your wipers for granted. They’re there for a good reason!

To ensure your wiper blades continue to keep dust, dirt, water, insects and more off your windscreen, remember to regularly check to see if they are clean and in good condition.

At O'Brien^®, to help you get the most out of your windscreen, we’ve put together a comprehensive checklist to help you choose the right wiper blades as well as how to care for them. Check it out here: Enhance Your View with Wiper Blades.

5. Clean your windscreen properly.

When it comes to cleaning your windscreen, don’t leave everything solely to your windscreen wipers – they are not designed to do all the cleaning.

Using a bit of elbow grease, clean cloth and some glass cleaner, on top of regularly removing debris on and around the windscreen and wipers will help keep your windscreen clear and allow your wiper blades to do what they need to do. Read our Expert guide to cleaning your windscreen here – there are some handy tips (for the most seasoned of car cleaners)!

6. Repair chips in the windscreen as soon as possible.

A chip can easily turn into a crack if not fixed immediately, especially if your car is exposed to extreme temperatures as well as bumps and vibrations from the road.

Our skilled technicians at O'Brien^® AutoGlass can repair a windscreen chip if:

• it’s smaller than an Australian $1 coin,
• it’s located on the passenger side
• and it’s at least 5cm from the edge of the windscreen.

It takes only 30 minutes to repair a chip in your windscreen, and with car insurance, the chip repair may be free.

To learn more about whether your chip can be repaired, and what’s involved, read here.

Got a chip or a crack in your windscreen?

If you are worried about a chipped or cracked windscreen, it’s time to contact your local O'Brien^® experts. Don’t delay!

Our specialist technicians can assist you whether you need a windscreen chip repair or a full windscreen replacement. No matter what make or model your car is, you can always depend on us and drive away knowing that the job has been done right.

For more information about our chip repairs and windscreen replacement services, click here.

If you have any questions, you can also call us on 1800 059 829 or book online.

The post 6 Tips To Protect Your Vehicle’s Windscreen appeared first on O'Brien.