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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Windscreen Wipers

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

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

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

Windscreen Chips

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

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

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

Cabin Filter

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

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

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

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

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t wait – call O’Brien® today.

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

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

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

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

Your windscreen wipers!

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

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

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

3 things to consider when changing windscreen wipers

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

1. Ensure you have the right wiper blade size

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

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

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

2. Be careful when removing old wiper blades

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should you replace your own windscreen wipers?

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

Need help with your windscreen wiper blade replacement?

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

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

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

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

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

So, you instinctively flick the windscreen wipers on – it only seems natural, right? Then, you just keep driving, with a clear view ahead of you.

If you own a car, you probably already know how important windscreen wipers are in improving your visibility, but have you ever wondered just how this fascinating device came to be?

Let’s explore the history of the humble windscreen wiper and the long and winding road it took before wipers became the crucial driving tool that they are today.

The windscreen wipers of today

Windscreen wipers play a crucial role in road safety, as the blades are designed to clear the windscreen by keeping water, snow and debris from blocking your view of the road ahead.

Considering 2021 research by AAMI reports that 34% (or 1 in 3) Australian drivers confess to having had a car accident in the rain, wiper blades play an important role in providing greater visibility while driving.

Can you imagine driving without windscreen wipers? We couldn’t as well – so we looked back to a time when they didn’t exist – and, spoiler alert, it was 1902!

The invention of windscreen wipers

The idea of the windscreen wiper first sparked on a snowy day in New York in 1902. Stuck in traffic while visiting the city, Mary Anderson watched her streetcar driver frantically remove snow from the vehicle’s windscreen – sticking his head out through the window or stopping the vehicle entirely to remove the snow that was obstructing his view.

Upon seeing this, Mary sketched the very first windscreen wiper, returned home to Alabama, hired an industrial designer and worked on her idea. The idea was simple but innovative: a lever with a rubber blade that moves back and forth across the windscreen controlled from within the vehicle.

In November of 1903, the patent for what Mary called the ‘Window Cleaning Device’ was granted, but it was only valid for 17 years.

An invention way ahead of its time

While we can’t imagine a vehicle without windscreen wipers today, manufacturers in 1903 thought they may be distracting for drivers. This, in addition to the fact that cars were not as popular then as they are today, kept Mary’s invention from finding support until the patent eventually expired in 1920.

By then, cars had gained more popularity and so did windscreen wipers. In 1922, Cadillac began installing wipers as a standard feature, with the rest of the automotive industry following suit – but neither the credit nor the profits were given to Mary Anderson.

Over the years, there have been numerous contributions and advances in windscreen wiper technology by other people. However, Mary remains the most recognised for the original idea and concept. She still lived to see the popularity of her invention, but it was only in 2011 when she posthumously received the formal acknowledgement she deserved for the invention by being inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

O'Brien^® AutoGlass also recognises the valuable contributions of Mary Anderson – a woman who didn’t drive but still invented a device that was way ahead of its time; one that has been making driving easier and safer in the rain (and snow) worldwide since 1903.

Just remember to never neglect your own wiper blades!

Now that we all have a clearer view of the history of windscreen wipers, it’s time to get a clearer view of the road with new, top-quality windscreen wipers.

Here at O'Brien^® AutoGlass, we chose to partner with the worldwide leader in wiper blades, Bosch, and offer a wide range of wipers to suit most car models.  We offer a complimentary wiper blade check with all windscreen repairs and replacements, so you can be sure of getting the best visibility at all times while driving.  Chat to our Technicians about Bosch wipers when you visit our branch.

There’s never been a better time to replace your wipers. Ask our team for details when booking your repair or replacement or at any of our O'Brien^® AutoGlass branches.

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

Contact us today on 1800 059 829 or book online.

The post The Windscreen Wiper: A Clear View Into A Fascinating History appeared first on O'Brien.

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

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

It could be time to get those replaced.

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

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

Well, let’s find out.

How often should you replace your windscreen wipers?

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

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

Here are 5 common signs that you need new wiper blades

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

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

1. Your wipers are leaving streaks on your windscreen

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

2. You’ve got unwiped sections on your windscreen

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

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

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

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

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

4. You’re noticing large smears across the windscreen

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

5. You find that the blade frame is damaged

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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