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.

Cue: our latest commercial, “Stop! Repair Time!”

Still waiting to see the ad? View here.

Our newest advertisement purposely breaks away from the typical O'Brien^® style seen on TV screens over the past few years. Taking a fresh approach to entertain a broader, younger demographic, we’ve used our ‘hero tech’ differently, telling the chip-to-crack story from the point of what you don’t want to happen.

“We never want to get comfortable in our advertising at O'Brien. As viewing habits change, we must adapt how our message and brand is conveyed. That’s why we’ve changed where you hear our jingle and how it’s played, plus using our branding in different ways to ensure the ad is still uniquely O'Brien. Bringing this re-vamped chip repair story to life was exciting”.
–Claudia Johnston, Senior Marketing Manager

While “Stop! Repair Time!” is a new twist on a tried and tested O'Brien^® message, some things will always stay the same…

Keeping it real with our real-life stars

In our latest campaign, three-valued O'Brien^® team members participated in making the commercial. Nat Rouessart and Emma Speechly starred in front of the camera alongside two actors, Tom and Sabrina, and the wonderful Winston. Plus, Ed Finlay recorded the voice that played over the radio in the opening scene.

“The shoot day was a breeze —definitely not your typical workday! The locations were outside, so a big change from our usual gig inside one of our Service Centres. Such a fun story made the day a blast, with plenty of laughs between takes and pats with the real star- Winston. It’s pretty awesome to swap out my technician hat for a bit and get in on these fun campaigns that I love being a part of.”
– Nat Rouessart, O'Brien^® AutoGlass Technician.

Adding to the fun of the day was having the talented (and handsome) Boston Terrier, Winston (who came along as a bonus extra thanks to Arielle at Two Giraffes creative agency). He performed like a pro, howling the jingle in tune and on cue.

Emma enjoyed hanging out with Winston in the back seat during the shoot (doing a great job keeping him on task), enjoying the fun company on set and the change of pace for the day (from her busy role at O'Brien^® head office).

“It was such a great day, and even better to see the marketing team’s hard work and all that goes on behind the scenes to make these amazing commercials. I was lucky enough to be slobbered on and kissed all day by the singing pup, Winston, who was the main star of the ad – sorry Nat!’
– Emma Speechly, O'Brien^® AutoGlass Business Improvement Leader

After the shoot day, Nat headed to the sound-proof booth at the recording studio to join Ed (where they both recorded their voice-overs like the pros that they are). Always happy to help and take time out from his job as a Mobile Technician, Ed travelled up from Wollongong to record his now familiar voice for the O'Brien radio commercial heard in the opening scene.

“The second I heard that Marketing needed me to be the ‘radio voice’ in the new ad, my eyes lit up. I love jumping from my usual day job as a mobile windscreen technician to working in a recording studio or on set, where I showcase my otherwise hidden skills and talents alongside Nat and the crew. It’s an amazing opportunity to be part of the well-known TV ads for O'Brien.”
– Ed Finlay, O'Brien^® AutoGlass Technician.

Did you know Ed is also a well-known face in O’Brien^® TV commercials? Check out some of Ed’s work here.

Keep an eye out for the singing Winston.

After a short test campaign in Sydney, the “Stop! Repair Time” advertisement is now showing across TV screens nationwide. We hope our audiences enjoy the fresh new take on our important message, and remember to call O'Brien^® to help fix your windscreen chip. You never know, you might be lucky enough to have Nat or Ed as your O’Brien^® technician!

At O'Brien^®, solving your problems is what we do. Delivering high-quality service with genuine care and expert support is our top priority. There’s nothing more satisfying than solving your problems with our dedicated team at O'Brien^®. From vehicle glass to home and commercial glass and electrical and plumbing services, our O'Brien^® team is here for you. So, call us today on 1800 059 829 or find your nearest expert here.

The post Meet the team behind the latest O’Brien® TV ad: “Stop! Repair Time” 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.

Started in 2007, and held every two years, the Best of Australia competition is an esteemed event that pits the top O’Brien® Automotive Technicians from around Australia against each other in a series of challenges designed to test their skills and expertise. On March 14th, O’Brien® staff from across three divisions, key customers and suppliers came together to witness the competition final and see the 7 skilled technicians battle it out for the title of Best of Australia.

We’d like to congratulate the following discipline-specific award winners:

• Jack Karssemeyer of O’Brien® AutoGlass Moorebank NSW – Best Side and Body Glass
• Nat Rouessart of O’Brien® AutoGlass Tuggerah NSW – Best Recalibration
• Jack Collins of O’Brien® AutoGlass North Parramatta NSW – Best Chip Repair

Of course, in the end, there could only be one overall winner, so we’d like to extend a huge congratulations to:

Jack Karssemeyer – the O’Brien® Best of Australia 2024 Winner.

After being awarded the title at the gala event held on the same night, we were lucky to have a chat with Jack to get an insight into his journey to the podium and what the title of ‘Best of Australia’ means to him.

Here’s what he had to say.

Introducing Jack K. – the O’Brien® Best of Australia 2024 Winner.

Jack, joined O’Brien® as an 18-year-old straight out of high school, going from trainee Technician to the Level 5 Technician he is today, in just over 4 years. He perfectly embodies the O‘Brien® commitment to excellence and has had his eyes set on being part of the Best of Australia competition for some time.

It’s no surprise that when his skills and achievements were recognised; he was in awe when his name was announced as the winner:

“It was surreal. I was so nervous standing up there and when my name got called, it felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off me… it meant everything. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and something I’ve always had my focus on.”

As a Sydney local, this was Jack’s first time competing in the Best of Australia (BOA). As he describes, his success is a testament to his manager, John Paton, and his technical trainer mentor, Mark Cameron.

“I’d like to shout out my manager, John, my mentor Mark, and the whole technical training team for the amazing job they did to help me prepare for the event. They helped me in so many ways – I hope they’re proud of what we achieved together.”

Celebrating A Century of Service

Jack’s achievement comes at an exciting time for the team at O’Brien® as the company celebrates 100 years of service in Australia. The Best of Australia 2024 was combined with a 100-year celebration event held after the competition wrapped up, where the winner was announced in front of over 300 people.

“Having BOA and the big 100-year celebration was really special – to be a part of such a milestone for the whole company was amazing and it really encouraged the best out of all the competitors as well. There was an amazing buzz out on the competition floor!”

True to the O’Brien® way, Jack admits that he made lifelong friends with his fellow BOA competitors and describes this comradery as one of the highlights of his experience:

“I love O’Brien® as a company. There are so many different branches of progression you can go through. It is like a giant family and the night showed that. People from all aspects of the company came together to support one another and although we were competitors, each of us shared ideas and insights throughout the process and had a great time – I’ve made some friends for life.”

Looking forward: The Best of Belron competition

The Best of Belron is a biennial global event held across the Belron Group. This competition recognises the best Belron technicians from 39 countries worldwide who specialise in using Belron’s standard repair and replacement processes, known as the Belron Way of Fitting. The finalist for each country’s national event is invited to compete on the world stage, which means Jack will now head to Lisbon, Portugal to compete against the best in Belron this June.

“In three months’ time, I’ll be heading over to Lisbon to compete in the Best of Belron competition. It really is an honour to be going over there to compete on behalf of O’Brien®, and to test myself against the other competitors and to show what I’m made of. I’m so excited!”

The road to Lisbon looks much the same as the lead-up to the BOA competition with ongoing training and practice alongside the Technical Training team and no doubt plenty of advice from our Australian BOA Judges and fellow competitors.

We wish Jack the best of luck before he flies off to compete in three months and no doubt plenty of advice from the alumni of Best of Australia winners who’ve represented O’Brien on the world stage. We’ll be keeping across how Jack’s preparation is going, so stay tuned for more updates on Jack’s journey to Lisbon.

Want to join the fun and be part of one of Australia’s most iconic companies?

Do you think you’d love a career at O’Brien®? We’d love to have you!

O'Brien® is always on the hunt for talented people who are looking to start a promising career with us.

Head on over to O’Brien® Careers and find the perfect role for you.

Of course, for all your AutoGlass needs, call 1800 059 829 and speak to the experts in our Customer Solutions Centre today!

The post Congrats Jack Karssemeyer, Winner of O’Brien® Best of Australia 2024 appeared first on O'Brien.

It’s a high standard that we uphold in every aspect of our service. To achieve this, we focus on:

• innovative technology,
• tried and tested processes,
• continuous training for our Automotive Technicians and
• dedication to providing the highest level of care to our customers.

So, as we do every two years, we’re once again putting a spotlight on the signature O’Brien® excellence by bringing together our top Automotive Technicians from all over Australia.

The final of the Best of Australia 2024 is nearly here!

Here’s everything you need to know before the adrenaline-fueled showdown that’s being held on 14th March.

What is the Best of Australia competition?

Started in 2007, the Best of Australia competition is an esteemed event held every two years that pits the top O’Brien® Automotive Technicians against each other in a series of challenges designed to test their skills and expertise.

The winner of Best of Australia, then goes on to compete on the world stage against the best Technicians from other countries across the Belron Group (read on for more detail on this exciting event).

This year, there are seven Technicians who each won their state competitions in 2023 and secured a spot to represent their region at the upcoming final event. We’re bringing together these winners for the ultimate test on 14th March at Doltone House, Darling Island, Sydney.

Meet our Best of Australia 2024 finalists

This year’s finalists are proud to represent their regions for the Best of Australia 2024.

Our seven finalists are:

Bengt Stayte of O’Brien® AutoGlass Townsville QLD
Marco Pieri of O’Brien® AutoGlass Morley VIC
Sam Mullan of O’Brien® AutoGlass Launceston TAS
Nat Rouessart of O’Brien® AutoGlass Tuggerah NSW
Jack Karssemeyer of O’Brien® AutoGlass Moorebank NSW
Jack Collins of O’Brien® AutoGlass North Parramatta NSW
Jeremy Marshall of O’Brien® AutoGlass Coffs Harbour NSW

The winner of the Best of Australia Competition will then go on to represent O’Brien® at the coveted Best of Belron Competition in Lisbon, Portugal this June.

We spoke to one of the national finalists, Jack Karssemeyer, from the O’Brien® AutoGlass Service Centre in Moorebank, Sydney, about the upcoming contest.

“Since I started working as a trainee technician with O ’Brien®, the Best of Australia has always been a dream to aspire to being part of. It’s a unique experience to be able to compete in your field of expertise against other technicians for such an honoured title and get the chance to represent O’Brien on the world stage as well!”

“We’ve spent a bit of time together in Brisbane, with each of use working and training closely with our mentors from the Technical Training team. Our goal is to master the Belron Way of Fitting enough that we don’t even have to think about the next step – it’s second nature to all of us now.”

Jack K. competing in the regional competition doing a Chip Repair

About the Best of Belron competition

The Best of Belron is a biennial global event held across the Belron Group, who is the largest automotive glass company in the world, with brands across every continent worldwide, including O’Brien® here in Australia. This competition recognises the best technicians worldwide who specialise in using Belron’s standard repair and replacement processes, known as the Belron Way of Fitting.

The Belron Way of Fitting captures the expertise and know-how of automotive glass around the world and defines a best-practice approach to repairing and replacing vehicle glass.

This signature process maximises safety, endorses technical quality to the highest standard and places a focus on continuous improvement of the service we offer our customers at O’Brien® AutoGlass.

The finalist for each country is decided through a national competition held by each member of the Belron Group (for O’Brien®, this is our annual Best of Australia event), with the winners going on to compete in the international round against 30 other countries.

Find out what it’s like going to Best of Belron here from the winner of BOA 2022, Phil Cole, who went to Barcelona, Spain.

Gearing up for the finals

The seven competitors, with the support of their mentors from the O’Brien® Technical Excellence and Training team, have now completed their final training phase of their preparation for the upcoming event.

“The finalists have poured their hearts into their work, and we are absolutely thrilled to see them bring their A-game to the competition floor.” – Mohamad El-Chami, Technical Training Manager

Sean Brookes, Head of Technical Training and Excellence added, “I am immensely proud of the exceptional work accomplished by our competitors and technical trainers the Best of Australia 2024 competition. It’s the pinnacle of the technical calendar across Belron, and witnessing the dedication and excellence displayed by all involved at O’Brien fills me with immense pride and gratitude.”

Beyond the competition, the O’Brien® Best of Australia event highlights our company’s commitment to ongoing training and expertise throughout our organisation.

We understand that our success is only due to the success and dedication of our expert technicians and staff, and this ongoing commitment is a testament to the quality of service that O’Brien® provides to its customers right across Australia.

The Technical Trainer team, cheering on the competitors at the final regional event in 2023.

Support your local O’Brien® techs!

If any of these phenomenal O’Brien® AutoGlass Technicians are from your local service centre, be sure to wish them luck before they head off to Sydney to compete for the O’Brien® Best of Australia crown!

We wish all our finalists the very best of luck for the upcoming competition, and we look forward to announcing the Best of Australia winner soon!

Want to join the fun and be part of one of Australia’s most iconic brands?

Fancy competing in BOA in the future? If you think you would, why not consider a career at O’Brien®? We’d love to hear from you!

O'Brien® is always on the hunt for talented people who are looking to start a career with us. Head on over to O’Brien® Careers and find the perfect role for you.

Of course, for all your vehicle glass repair and replacement needs, call 1800 059 829 and speak to one of our expert team at O’Brien® today!

The post Gearing Up for O’Brien® Best of Australia 2024 appeared first on O'Brien.

That’s right, we’ve been serving customers in all kinds of glass across Australia since 1924.

And while a century of service is a rare feat that we’re incredibly proud of, time has truly flown.

What started as a humble silvering business by Frank G. O’Brien in Allen Street Waterloo, Sydney, has steadily grown to become one of Australia’s most iconic brands delivering expertise in home and business glazing, vehicle glass repair and electrical and plumbing services.

• Today, O’Brien® is Australia’s leading
  vehicle glass repair, replacement and recalibration company, providing a national service to nearly 500,000 motorists in the past year,
• We’ve come a long way, and with a shared passion for excellence and a drive to exceed customer expectations, we will continue to serve customers with high-quality products and service when they need us. To commemorate this special occasion, and to highlight the ethos that has driven us for a century, we’ve decided to take you on through the O’Brien® decades.

The 1924 – 1939: humble beginnings.

Founded in February 1924 by Frank G. O’Brien, our journey began here. We may have been small in size to start, but we were bold in our pursuit of customer satisfaction and employee well-being, and that hasn’t changed.

In fact, it was this zeal for service that led Frank and his growing team to incorporate under the Companies Act in 1930, laying the foundation for our future success.

The 40s and 50s: the war effort.

From 1940-1959, we quickly expanded our services into domestic and commercial glazing, specialising in shatter-proofing shop fronts and larger businesses.

As the World War II threat approached Australia, we were quick to support the effort by manufacturing windscreens for Australian aircraft and hand mirrors for our troops.

It was a trying time, but in the true Australian spirit, we persevered and did everything we could to assist.

The 1960s: mergers and expansion.

The 1960s brought a more peaceful era in Australian history.

In a time of rapid growth and industry, we merged with fellow Australian company, Glass Supplies, allowing us to broaden the scope and capabilities of our complex glass manufacturing and processing.

In 1965, we relocated our company headquarters to Padstow in Sydney (where our head office remains today) and introduced  Armourplate Doors to secure retail shop fronts and large office buildings.

The 1970s: joining Belron Group.

In 1971, we were proud to become the first overseas limb of the renowned vehicle glass repair and replacement, Belron Group.

With the support of Belron and our now 350 employees, we continued to grow and excel in the industry and established two separate divisions: Windscreens O’Brien and O’Brien Glass.

In 1976, manufacturing of laminated windscreens and architectural laminates became integral additions to our service offering in glass.

The company renamed to O’Brien Glass Industries Ltd on 2 March 1978.

The 1980s: expansion and milestones.

The 1980s was an exciting era for O’Brien®, despite the challenging economic conditions.

We started with extending our footprint to 95 branches, employing 800 staff.

Our Building Glass division diversified its product range to introduce the O’Brien Lock Service.

The first ever TV advertising campaign was launched in 1983. This marked the beginning of a range of quirky, yet memorable ads to grace Australian TV (and became part of advertising folklore for those that grew up in this decade). By this time, we were sourcing more than twenty thousand tonnes of glass annually for our automotive business and we solidified our presence across the country by opening branches nationwide.

By the end of the decade, we also reached several significant milestones, including:

• 60 years of operations,
• 1000+ employees, and
• Manufacturing our millionth windscreen.

The 1990s: A branding and advertising focus.

As the 20^th century ended, we continued our upward trajectory.

We continued to achieve record sales growth and in 1996, we launched a new TV advertising campaign for Windscreens O’Brien, showcasing our side and rear vehicle glass replacement expertise, together with our convenient mobile service.

We also refreshed our logo during the 90s, incorporating the distinctive Belron red and yellow symbol, and began to place an increasing emphasis on our customer service – a trait which we are still recognised and applauded for today.

The 2000s: “O’O’O’ O’Brien®”.

After the turn of the century, our windscreen and glazing divisions united under one brand: O’Brien®.

We introduced a new fleet of vehicles across the nation, revitalised our branch signage and forwarded our focus on technical expertise with the establishment of the Technical Training Centre of Excellence for our Auto division.

Then, in April 2005, the iconic O’O’O’ jingle was registered, becoming synonymous with the O’Brien® brand you know today.

The 2010s: advanced tech and service expansion.

The 2010s brought significant advancements in global automotive technology and we introduced best-practice tools like the Glass Medic Repair Kit and 1-Tek®. A formidable partnership with Bosch was formed and O’Brien® launched an Australian first for the automotive industry, our Cal-Tech® ADAS Recalibration service.

Our TV commercials continued to highlight our care and expertise and featured Mark, and our customer surveys were moved online as we embraced the digital future, sought greater convenience, and enhanced our customer’s experience with a new design for our branches.

In 2018, we acquired Laser Plumbing & Electrical, further expanding our service offering to our customers.

The 2020s: doubling down on advanced tech.

The 2020s brought a tumultuous time with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. But as we did during the 1940s, we adapted and persevered.

With the increasing demand for our Cal-Tech® Recalibration services, we strategically expanded our O’Brien® AutoGlass branch locations right across the country and continued to advance our service by introducing the Advanced Repair Technology (ART) Chip Repair Kits and remote headsets for Cal-Tech®.

From 2020, the first of our Electrical and Plumbing franchisee members took up the opportunity to brand as O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing.

Our iconic O’O’O’ jingle gained renewed focus with its familiar sound played across TV, radio, and digital advertising, reaching an estimated 200M+ jingles heard each year.

2024: O’Brien turns 100!

In late February 2024, O’Brien® turned 100!

And while we’ve grown and changed significantly over the years, one thing we are proud of: O’Brien® is committed to the highest standards of quality service.

We’re excited to celebrate a century’s worth of experience, expertise, passion for customer service and pride in our workmanship, but we will never get complacent.

We know that the key to our success and growth over the decades has been the pride we take in our expertise, the quality of our workmanship and our dedication to providing first-class service to every customer.

In 2024, as for the last century, we’re committed to solving your problems with real care whenever you need us, as our leadership team expertly steers our company towards new horizons.

Get in touch with your local O’Brien® experts for vehicle glass, glazing, electrical or plumbing services here.

At O’Brien®, solving your problems is what we do.

Nothing is more satisfying to us than delivering the high-quality service you need with genuine care and expert support.

From vehicle glass, and home and commercial glass to electrical and plumbing services, our O’Brien® team is here for you.

So, call us today or find your nearest expert.

For more images from our history, click here.

The post Celebrating Our 100-Year Journey at O’Brien® 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.

According to the RSPCA, there are currently over 29 million pets in Australia, that’s at least 61% of households and one of the highest percentages of pet ownership per country worldwide!

If you’re a pet owner and proud fur parent, you know how much your four-legged friend loves to venture out and about. Pets enjoy exploring the outdoors as much as they love following you around indoors. However, letting your pet in and out by opening and closing doors for them many times a day and through the night can become tiring and an inconvenience.

A pet door is a simple solution that will allow your precious furry friends to go in and out as they please, conveniently for everyone.  In this blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of pet doors and cover some key things to consider when looking for the right solution for you, your pet and your home, which is a pet door in glass.

About pet doors

Pet doors can be made of vinyl, plastic, rubber, or polycarbonate material and come in all shapes and sizes (just like your pets do!). Pet doors come in many types, with loads of different features, and can be installed in either wood or glass (or both).

At O’Brien Glass^®, we specialise in pet doors suited for glass and can safely install a pet door into your glass panel at home. View our pet door range here.

Why get a pet door?

Simply, having a pet door is a practical and convenient solution for active pets with busy owners.  Pets come with lots of responsibilities and an installing one that fits your home, your pet and your circumstances can be a game changer. Here are a few benefits a pet door can offer.

1. Pet doors give your pets more freedom

Most pets love to run around the garden, roll around on the grass or just bask in the sunshine. With a handy pet door installed, they can move around and get back in as they please without disturbing you. Gone are the days of leaving the door open or the constant up and down to let your furry family members in and out.

2. Pet doors encourage your pets to be more active

Allowing your pet to enter and leave as they please will help them stay stimulated and not get bored if they are home all day by themselves.  Whether it’s a door into their cat enclosure or a door to the backyard, having additional space for your pet to come and go can help add to the daily exercise they need and the enrichment to keep them happy.

3. Pet doors help with toilet training and avoiding indoor accidents

One of the major concerns for pets and homeowners are the little accidents that can happen inside the house. Unfortunately, if your pet can’t get out to the grass, indoor accidents can occur. And when they are young, this can be an arduous task of taking them out many times a day!   So, giving pets easy access to the outside allows them to relieve themselves at their (and your) convenience.

4. Pet doors can reduce your worry

If you’re running around with a busy schedule, you may sometimes forget that your cat or dog is still inside as you head out or they may be outside as you turn in for the night. With a pet door, they can let themselves in whenever it starts to rain or if it gets too hot outside, so they can be safe in the comfort of your home.

5. It’s good for the fur parent, too

Having a pet door will save you the time and frustration of having to open and close the door for your pet all day long, not to mention saving on energy costs if you have a heating or cooling system running.

Learn more about pet doors and the range of doors we offer here.

What should you consider when choosing and installing a pet door?

If you’ve been thinking of a pet door for your home, but aren’t sure of what to do next, here are three important things to consider before purchasing a pet door.

• The size of your pet – you need to choose a pet door that will suit your pet when they are full-grown. Make sure you take measurements of your pet (if fully grown) to check they can get through the door comfortably. After measuring your pet, chat to our pet door specialists and they can recommend the best door option from our range.
• Where you want to locate the pet door – The best access for your pet to reach the outdoors is via a door, window or panel.  The pet door should open onto an enclosed, secure area like a courtyard, cat enclosure or backyard, and not be visible from the street or passers-by.
• The type of material the door is to be installed in – Pet doors can be installed in wood or glass. Ensure you have chosen the right type of door (not all pet doors can be installed in glass). Also, most importantly, if you want to install the pet door in an existing glass door or window in your home, you will need an expert glazier’s help to install a pet door safely.

This is where O’Brien Glass^® can help. We carry a range of quality pet doors that are suited for installation in glass and can provide a safe, tailor-made solution using toughened glass for installation of your pet door. See all you need to know about our pet door range here.

To see what’s involved when O’Brien Glass^® help you install a pet door in glass for your home and pet, see our real-life video here:

With O’Brien Glass^®, you can now have a pet-friendly entry and exit point for your family’s furry friends set into your glass windows or doors!

Speak to us about a pet door in glass today

For pet door in glass enquiries or to chat further with our pet door specialists, call 1800 059 829 or complete our online form and we’ll get back in touch.

The post 5 Reasons Why You Should Install A Pet Door At Home 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.

Located at 18 Erskine Road, Caringbah, our newest branch commenced operations last month, on February 20^th and services the Sutherland Shire and St George area – meaning you can receive the O'Brien^® care and commitment you know and trust right here in South-Eastern Sydney.

The team at Caringbah have been hand-picked from several of our Sydney Metro branches and has a diverse range of O’Brien^® experience to be able to manage any situation. They’re also loving their new ‘work home’ in The Sutherland Shire and are enjoying the opportunity to explore the region and meet new people as they go.

Outside of work, you’ll find the team down at Cronulla Beach at the end of the day as well as picking up lunch down the road from the branch at Sushi Ji.  They’re always open to suggestions from customers about all the best local lunch destinations to check out too..

Your expert Caringbah team, led by Branch Manager, Pola – who has more than 6 years of experience at O’Brien^® – includes two Branch Techs and a Mobile Tech, as well as a new Customer Solutions trainee, Caitlin.

Here at O’Brien^®, we’ve always got new and exciting opportunities for the next generation of employees, regardless of age or skill set. It’s great to see that Caitlin is feeling well-supported by the team around her and is enjoying her new role.

“Of course, the team at O’Brien^® AutoGlass Caringbah always like to remind our local Shire community about the importance of regular car maintenance: keep your windscreen glass clean, your washer tank full, and have your wipers and cabin filters checked frequently,” says Pola.

A special thank you to everyone who made this O’Brien^® AutoGlass Caringbah branch opening possible!

If you live in The Sutherland Shire and St George area, and need help with repairing or replacing your windscreen, remember the team at O'Brien^® AutoGlass Caringbah; we’re your local vehicle glass experts and are here to assist – and if you’d like to leave a review of your experience, we’d love to hear from you!

To make a booking at our Caringbah branch, call 1800 059 829 now to speak to one of our friendly team or click here to book online.

The post O’Brien® AutoGlass Opens A New South-Eastern Sydney Branch In Caringbah appeared first on O'Brien.