Mark is the expert featured in our new 15 and 30 second radio ads that are playing on radio stations across NSW and QLD. The purpose of the ads is to reinforce the message that chips on your windscreen could crack at any time, and therefore the importance of getting chips repaired before they do. 

‘With international travel still not back on the cards, we know a lot of people will be driving to holiday destinations within Australia this year. It’s much easier and quicker to get a windscreen chip repaired than to have to replace the entire windscreen and we hope these ads will remind people to get the repair done before they pack their bags,’ said Vivian Oppl, Group Marketing Manager.  

Mark was first thrust into the spotlight in 2008 when he was tapped on the shoulder to be part of a radio ad. Since then he has featured in several TV and radio marketing campaigns, a couple of which you can see here!

Mark TV Ad 1

Mark TV Ad 2

Having had that previous experience, Vivian was keen to cast Mark again in the new ads. 

“We think it lends credibility to our advertising to feature one of our techs and Mark is a hugely likeable personality. So passionate and knowledgeable about O'Brien® and the business. He has a warm, natural way of presenting information that is so quintessentially Australian,” said Vivian. 

In his 27 years with the business, Mark has worked as a mobile vehicle glass technician, a senior branch technician and now, a technical trainer.  

O'Brien® has approximately 7 technical trainers across the business. Mark is part of this team whose responsibility it is to train all new O'Brien® AutoGlass technicians on all elements of windscreen repair and replacement and most recently, driver safety system recalibration. The technical trainers are experts on existing technology and have their fingers on the pulse of the new technology and products out there to further improve the process. 

What Mark likes most about the business is the people at O'Brien® and the fact he’s solving problems for customers. ‘I work with a great team and really love the work I do to help constantly focus on always improving standards and the service we provide our customers.’ 

Outside of work, you’ll find Mark on the tools at his own house or on the golf course. 

And if you do need a windscreen repair or replacement, you can always call O'Brien® on 1800 059 829 to book it in. 

The post Meet Mark – Our Technical Trainer and Voice of Our New Radio Campaign! appeared first on O'Brien.

Research shows more of us are looking to stay local for our holidays this year with online searches for caravan sales up 50 per cent December 2020 compared to the same time in 2019.

If you have a campervan holiday planned in Australia this year, there are many things to consider. Not least of all how to keep your windscreen crack and chip-free while you’re driving along the open road.

At O'Brien^® we’ve repaired and replaced our fair share of campervan windscreens and to help you avoid having to do the same on your holidays, we’ve pulled together a few things to be mindful of while driving in your home away from home;

1. Trucks. There are lots of them transporting goods all around Australia. Trucks often flick stones which cause windscreen chips. So, where possible, always maintain distance from trucks on the open road.
2. You may encounter gravel or unsealed roads or road works on your travels. These type of roads make it easy for other cars and trucks to flick up rocks and debris that could hit your windscreen or chip your paint – so slow down and keep your distance from the vehicle in front.
3. Weather conditions across Australia can be pretty hectic. Baking hot one minute and freezing cold the next. While the tendency may be to blast the aircon or heating onto the windscreen to counteract the weather outside, it’s far better for your windscreen if you can maintain a moderate temperature within the vehicle at all times.
4. Vandals are out there and campervans can be a target for them. Make sure you do your research on where to stay. Also, read road signs and don’t leave your campervan for extended periods in spots where you aren’t permitted to stay.

As with all road trips make sure you take care while driving. You may find yourself driving in areas where cars are infrequently seen and wildlife abundant. So respect the wildlife that lives in that area by keeping to the speed limit and being extra vigilant of animals near the road at dawn and dusk. To help maximise your visibility on long road trips we recommend regularly cleaning your windscreen and making sure your windscreen wipers are in good working order.

If you do find yourself with a cracked or chipped windscreen, O'Brien^® is here to help wherever you are with our national network covering 99% of the Australian population. If you’ve rented your campervan, your first port of call is the rental company. If you own your campervan, O'Brien^® can assist you in repairing or replacing your windscreen and can be contacted 24/7 on 1800 059 829.

The post Top Tips For Your Campervan Holiday appeared first on O'Brien.

Whether you’re on the road providing essential services or spending more time at home, now is the best time for one of our expert technicians to get that chip fixed at a local branch or using our mobile service. O'Brien® are open and operating as usual and are taking increased hygiene and protective measures to help keep customers and staff safe. You can read our COVID-19 plan here.

So why should you choose and trust O'Brien®?

While many vehicle glass service providers offer a chip repair service, they’re not all the same. This means it’s important to ensure you have the right people repairing your windscreen chip.

To help you choose, here are 5 important questions to ask a chip repair service provider. You can then book confidently, knowing you’ve made the right choice.

1. What resin do you use for your windscreen chip repair?

To repair a chip, a resin is applied to the area which fills the gaps in the windscreen.

Service providers can use all different qualities and types of resin to repair your chip. Unfortunately, some resins deteriorate over time which can cause chips to reappear and even turn into cracks.

This is why O'Brien® developed our exclusive, specially formulated resin which dries stronger and lasts longer than ever – it’s our best ever resin.

2. What tools and technology are used to repair my chip?

Chip repairs require the utmost care to achieve a quality result every time. Some suppliers will repair chips by hand or use DIY kits. However, it requires steady workmanship and careful accuracy to fill right to the ends of all the micro-cracks.

At O'Brien®, we use our exclusive Advanced Repair Technology System. It creates a vacuum around the chip damage which helps to remove any dust and dirt particles, creating a cleaner area from which to work. Then, using pressure, it pushes the resin into the chip, filling even the finest micro-cracks. Once the vacuum is removed UV light hardens the resin.

Using exclusive tools and technologies like this enables us to provide a quality chip repair, every time, in just 30 minutes so you can drive away with confidence.

3. What warranty do I get for this service?

A windscreen repair is a professional service, which means you’re relying on them to perform a quality job and provide you with a guarantee of their workmanship.

At O'Brien®, we offer a workmanship guarantee for the lifetime of the vehicle. If your chip repair fails, we will credit the cost of the chip repair from the cost of a new O'Brien® windscreen.

For over 95 years, we’ve been dedicated to helping motorists like you, all over Australia. Our national network covers 99%* of the population, so you can be sure we’re always close by in the unlikely event of a problem.

* Based on 2016 Census population by postcode data

4. Will my windscreen look like new?

A chip can be frustrating to look at, but keep in mind a chip repair is not a cosmetic repair – it is designed to stop the chip turning into a crack and resulting in further damage.

At O'Brien®, our Windscreen repair work will always look better than the unrepaired damage. While it won’t make a chip completely invisible, we double-check the damaged area is completely filled and repeat the process if necessary, and then clean and polish the windscreen to leave a smooth finish.

5. Who will be working on my windscreen repair, and are they qualified?

If you want a quality chip repair, choose a service provider with extensive experience. At O'Brien®, we completed over 44,000 windscreen repairs last year. Every one of them was completed by a trained technician.

Our technicians are assessed every two years for quality and performance along with additional training for continuous improvement. We have a very high standard we hold ourselves to, helping to ensure the highest quality service.

So, which chip repairer should you choose?

Based on these 5 essential questions, which chip repairer will you be using? As you can see, not every chip repairer is the same, and it’s important to select the right service for you and your vehicle.

While you may have received different quotes, remember that the service quality of each provider can differ too. So, make sure you make the right decision when you book your chip repair service.

Also, in light of COVID-19, you should consider the steps that your service provider has put in place to ensure not only your vehicle is safe – but so are you. If you wish to learn more about our response to the current situation, whether you choose to visit a branch or use our mobile service, you can read our COVID-19 plan here.

Why choose O'Brien®?

When it comes to windscreen repairs and windscreen replacements, you’re in safe hands with a brand you can trust. Our technicians are extensively trained in vehicle glass and use our exclusive technology to ensure the utmost care for your vehicle. Not only do we offer repairs in branch, but we also come to you – whichever is more convenient.

Are you ready to book in your chip repair with O'Brien®? Simply call us on 1800 059 829. We’ll ask you a couple of simple questions and book you in as soon as possible.

The post Get Your Windscreen Chip Repaired Quickly Before It Cracks appeared first on O'Brien.