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.

Now, it’s time for our BOA 2024 winner, Jack Karssemeyer, to take his place on the global stage to compete against 29 other technicians from around the world at the Best of Belron competition
in Lisbon, Portugal.

The Best of Belron is a biennial global event held across the Belron Group designed to recognise and determine the best Belron technician worldwide. The competition will see technicians from 30 different countries worldwide showcasing their skills and expertise. Over the course of two intense days, they will complete a range of vehicle glass repair, replacement and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) recalibration tasks, using Belron’s standard repair and replacement processes, known as the Belron Way of Fitting.

We sat down with Jack to learn about his journey, his preparations for the upcoming competition, and his experiences (so far) at O’Brien®.

Jack, you recently won the Best of Australia title. What has that been like since winning?

Jack: Winning the BOA has been a pretty crazy feeling. I have had my eyes set on it since starting at O’Brien® just over four years ago, so achieving it sooner than I expected was incredible. It’s been unusual to have everyone in the company recognise my face and name, but amazing at the same time; it just goes to show we’re all family here at O’Brien®.

I also think it’s made me more excited about my work at O’Brien®. This competition has reinforced to me the importance of the smaller aspects of our job, and I’ve found joy in paying attention to the little details that can really show how much we care about our customers.

You’re heading to the Best of Belron competition in Lisbon soon. Are you excited? How are you feeling about it?

Jack: Absolutely, I’m very excited. This is as big as it gets for our profession. The preparation has been so intense, but I feel ready. It’s a great opportunity to showcase my skills on a global stage.

Can you walk us through your training regimen for this competition?

Jack: Sure. So, I’ve been fortunate to be pulled out of my regular branch at Moorebank to undergo high-intensity training and with less than one week to go, we’re still going strong. It’s been a whirlwind, but incredibly exciting.

My training has been very focused. For the past two months, I’ve been working to perfect the intricate details of the windscreen fitting. With the support of the O’Brien Centre of Excellence Technical Team, we’ve been improving these minute aspects to ensure I can execute it perfectly on the day. It’s all about the small details that make a big difference both in competition and to our customers.

What sort of support have you received from the team at O’Brien®?

Jack: Since March, the support has been incredible from across the business, with everyone behind me to help me succeed at BOB.

Shout out to my branch manager, John Paton, he has been amazing (as have my whole Service Centre team). The entire Technical Trainer team have been there for me, with additional training and mentoring.

My coach in the Technical Trainer team, Phil Cole, who won the Best of Australia in 2022, has been with me in Sydney for the final two weeks of my one-on-one training as well. Overall, the commitment from everyone has been so great, and it reflects the strong team culture we have here at O’Brien®.

Learn more about Phil’s experience at the Best of Belron 2022 here.

What would winning the international competition mean to you and your team?

Jack: Winning would be indescribable, especially as Australia/O’Brien® has never done it before. It would be a huge accomplishment, not just for me, but for the entire team that has supported me. It would be a win for all of us at O’Brien®.

Do you think anyone at O’Brien® could achieve what you have so far? And what would you say to someone considering joining the team at O’Brien®?

Jack: Definitely. With a passion for what you do, perseverance and the right mindset, anyone can achieve what I have. It’s about putting in the effort and staying dedicated to your craft.

That’s why I think everyone should consider a career at O’Brien® – the opportunities are endless and it’s very rewarding. Outside of the competition, helping customers and seeing their relief when everything is fixed is a great feeling.

I’ve also made some of my closest friends here and after four and a half years, I still look forward to going to work every day. The people and the supportive environment make it a great place to be. If you’re thinking about a career here, I’d say go for it. You never know where (in the world) it might take you.

Finally, what are your plans after the competition?

Jack: After the competition, a few of my family members and partner are flying over, and we’re planning to make a trip out of it and explore a bit of Europe together. I’ll be away from work for about five weeks, but it’ll be a well-deserved break. I can’t wait!

The entire O'Brien® team is behind Jack as he represents the team in Lisbon – we’re proud of you!

Next time you need to get your windscreen repaired or replaced, think of the team at O'Brien®. We’re your trained experts in all things windscreen glass – book online or call 1800 059 829.

At O'Brien®, we’re proud to have so many outstanding Vehicle Glass Technicians, as well as many other team members, working for our company right across Australia. If you would like to be part of our technical expertise and service excellence culture at O'Brien® visit obriencareers.com.au for more information today.

The post Countdown to Best of Belron 2024 – a chat with Jack 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Windscreen Wipers

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

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

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

Windscreen Chips

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

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

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

Cabin Filter

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

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

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

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

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t wait – call O’Brien® today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 tips to keep your car safe from hail damage

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

1. Check the weather forecast.

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

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

2. Avoid driving during a hailstorm.

Driving during a hailstorm can be dangerous.

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

3. Park your car undercover.

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

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

4. Use a hail car cover or blankets.

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

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

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

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

Call your O’Brien^® AutoGlass experts

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

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

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

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

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.