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

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

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

Why Use the O'Brien® Saver Patch Kit?

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

How to Use the O'Brien® Saver Patch Kit

Follow these quick steps if you notice a chip:

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

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

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

Important Reminder

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

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

Get Your Free O'Brien® Saver Patch Kit

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

If you do get a chip:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The difference between a chip and a crack.

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

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

More about your windscreen glass

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

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

So, what causes a crack?

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

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

Factors that can cause a chip to crack include:

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

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

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

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

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

My windscreen just cracked – can I still drive?

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

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

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

PLEASE NOTE:

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

Steps to take to fix a crack in your windscreen.

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

1. Assess the damage

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

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

2. Call O'Brien

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the chip repair technician

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

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

Convenience and chip repairs to your door

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

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

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

From Service Centre Manager, John Paton

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

The future is looking even better with O’Brien®

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Windscreen Wipers

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

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

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

Windscreen Chips

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

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

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

Cabin Filter

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

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

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

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

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t wait – call O’Brien® today.

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

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

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

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.

However, not all chips can be repaired, so let’s explore what’s involved.

Can my windscreen chip be repaired?

The good news is that minor windscreen damage in the form of a small chip is generally repairable.

However, there are a few reasons that you may need to replace the entire windscreen, including:

• The chip hinders the driver’s line of sight.
• The new chip damage is close to previously repaired chip.
• There’s been too many previous repairs.
• The chip damage has gone through more than a single layer of glass.

Whether the windscreen can be repaired by O'Brien^® or not depends on three primary factors including:

1. Location of damage

If damage is located in the driver’s critical vision area, only small damage is recommended for repair under the Australian Standard. This is because the chip repair process leaves a small blemish in the glass, and it must not be of a type or size that could distract the driver’s vision.

Any damage that extends to the outer edges of the glass can make it tricky for us to apply our tool to the chip and obtain a good repair to a broken edge of the screen.

Chips in the small viewing area of cameras which look through the windscreen are also currently not recommended for repair by most vehicle manufacturers.

However, in most cases, minor windscreen chip damage can be repaired and if the damage is on the passenger side (outside of the driver’s critical vision areas) then slightly larger chips can be repaired by O'Brien^®.

2. Size and depth of the chip

A windscreen chip with a diameter of around 2.5 centimetres (roughly the size of a $1 coin) can generally be repaired on the passenger side. However, if the windscreen chip has managed to penetrate the outer layer as well as the inside layer of the windscreen glass, then it will need to be replaced.

If your chip windscreen is left unattended, then it could turn into a crack at any time, often when you least expect it. At O'Brien^®, we recommend that you get your windscreen replaced by an expert vehicle glass technician as quickly as possible after the damage occurs. Quickly having your chip repaired not only reduces the risk that it might crack but also will improve the cosmetic quality of the repair as the amount of debris trapped in the chip generally increases over time. Debris in the chip can reduce the cosmetic quality of the finished repair.

3. The severity of windscreen damage

Keep in mind that if your windscreen has taken a serious enough impact, it is most likely beyond the point of repair, so replacing it may be your only option. When in doubt, simply contact the O'Brien^® AutoGlass experts for advice on the options we have available.

For more information on assessing whether a chip can be repaired by O'Brien^®, view our previous article here.

When do I need to replace my windscreen?

The main reasons are if it is damaged beyond repair recommended by the Australian Standard, or there is significant damage obstructing the driver’s line of sight. If this is the case, then there is not really any other option than to replace it.

If you find your windscreen is leaking or whistling but is still intact and undamaged, then you should get it assessed by a vehicle glass expert. The likely outcome is that the adhesive is not doing its job and the windscreen needs to be removed and refitted, but not replaced.

Windscreen chip repair can benefit more than just you and your car

As we mentioned earlier, a repair is the ‘greener’ option when compared with a windscreen replacement. It’s also cheaper, benefiting your back pocket! And it’s faster, saving you time. How you ask? Great question!

It’s also greener

The short answer is you get to keep your existing windscreen. Windscreens weigh about 15kgs and require lots of resources to produce and transport. The repair also only requires a tiny vial of resin, which is used to fill the micro cracks, to reinforce the strength of the glass in the spot where it has been damaged.

It’s also faster

A chip repair takes just 30mins to complete where a windscreen replacement takes around 90mins.

It’s also cheaper

As you are saving your existing windscreen you don’t have the added expense of paying for a new replacement windscreen. Plus, if you have ADAS safety features such as auto braking or lane detection, you can often also have the added expense of requiring a recalibration of your forward-facing camera after a full replacement. A recalibration is not required for a chip repair.

Contact O'Brien^® for your chip repair or windscreen replacement today.

So, which is better? Repair or replace? Firstly, it depends on the circumstances. If your windscreen can be repaired, we believe there are 3 compelling reasons to choose a repair over a replacement. Our preference is always to repair if we can.

Whatever the outcome, our expert team at O'Brien^® are here to help in both situations so you cave driveway with confidence.

To get in touch, call 1800 059 829 to speak with one of our friendly team. Or to find the nearest O'Brien^® AutoGlass branch, click here.

The post Repairing VS. Replacing Your Windscreen: Which Is The Better Option? appeared first on O'Brien.

Passing road traffic can cause loose stones to bounce up from the road and hit your windscreen glass at any time, potentially causing a chip.

If you do get a chip in your windscreen, it’s important to get it checked out and repaired as soon as possible. That’s because your windscreen chip can easily become a crack at any time, and often when you least expect it – possibly costing you a new windscreen.

At O'Brien^®, we are experts in repairing windscreen chips. We will get you back on the road in just 30 minutes, and you can drive away with confidence. Plus, if you’ve got comprehensive car insurance, your chip repair is usually free!

Let’s run through the four steps you need to take to get your windscreen chip repaired with your local O'Brien^® AutoGlass experts:

1. Cover the chip to prevent dirt or debris from getting into it

If dirt or debris gets in, it can contaminate your chip and continue to show even once your chip is repaired. Temporarily covering the chip with a piece of clear tape from the outside will help to maintain the cosmetic quality of the chip once it has been repaired. Just make sure it doesn’t obscure the driver’s vision in any way.

Even better, if you’ve got an O'Brien^® Saver Patch Kit, you can place this over the chip to help prevent further contamination. Again, just ensure it isn’t placed in the driver’s line of vision.

Remember, though, that this will not prevent the chip from cracking – which brings us to step 2…

2. Call O'Brien^® or your insurance provider to book a windscreen chip appointment

Once you’ve covered your chip, jump on the phone to O'Brien^® (or book online if easier) and organise a time that suits you to have your windscreen chip repaired.

Alternatively, you can contact your insurance provider to check if you’re covered, and if so, they will put you through to the O'Brien^® team or they’ll contact us to organise the repair on your behalf.

3. Choose either a mobile or in-branch chip repair service

At O'Brien^®, we like to make things as easy as possible for you.

When you book a time to get your windscreen chip repaired, you can choose between visiting your local O'Brien^® AutoGlass branch or having one of our mobile technicians come to you – whether you are at home, work or on holiday – whatever is most convenient!

4. Give us 30 minutes and we’ll get you on your way

Once we’ve performed a proper assessment of your windscreen chip and determined that it can be repaired, it will take one of our skilled Automotive Technicians just 30 minutes to repair your chip, getting you back out on the road fast.

Sometimes, we may determine that a chip is too big for us to repair or it may be too close to the edge of the windscreen (there are a few other things we need to check too). If this happens, we will organise to replace your windscreen instead. Find out more here.

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

Remember, it doesn’t take much for a chip to turn into a crack. We replace thousands of windscreens every year across Australia, but a chip repair is faster, greener and cheaper – so we always recommend you act as soon as you first see your windscreen is chipped

So, if you have a chip in your windscreen, follow the steps above, and have your windscreen chip repaired with O'Brien^® AutoGlass. Call 1800 059 829 now or click here to book online today.

The post I Just Got A Chip In My Windscreen – What Do I Do? appeared first on O'Brien.

The O'Brien^® Saver Patch kit is a nifty little package we hand out to our O'Brien^® AutoGlass customers at the end of every visit. This kit contains two small clear patches that you can use to help keep any dirt and debris out of a windscreen chip before it is repaired.

We encourage all our customers to keep their O'Brien^® Saver Patch kit in their glovebox, so you can find it easily if you ever need it.

Here’s the best way to use your O'Brien^® Saver Patch kit in the event of a chipped windscreen:

1. Remove one of the Saver Patches from the kit and place it directly over the chipped area on the outside of your windscreen as soon as possible. This will help to prevent any dirt or moisture from contaminating your chip before it is repaired.

2. Be sure that the Saver Patch is not placed in the driver’s line of vision.

3. Call your local O'Brien^® team to book a windscreen chip repair.

Remember that applying an O'Brien^® Saver Patch will help improve the cosmetic quality of your chip repair, but it won’t stop the damage from spreading, meaning your chip could easily turn into a crack.

That’s why it’s best to call O'Brien^® as soon as you can, so one of our expert Technicians can assess your chip and repair it for you – getting you back out on the road in just 30 minutes.

Do you want a FREE O'Brien^® Saver Patch kit for your glovebox?

You never know when you might get a chip in your windscreen. That’s why it’s always good to be prepared.

So, pop into your nearest O'Brien^® branch today to collect your free O'Brien^® Saver Patch kit. You can find your nearest O'Brien^® AutoGlass branch here.

Just remember: if you do get a windscreen chip, don’t wait!

Follow the steps above, then call O'Brien on 1800 059 829 to book your chip repair as soon as possible.

The post How To Use The O’Brien® Saver Patch Kit On Your Windscreen Chip 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.

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