Windscreen Damage
Windscreen damage: chip repair or windscreen replace?
Sometimes things don’t go to plan, such as a cracked or chipped windscreen. If you’re trying to work out what to do next, don’t stress, as O’Brien is here to help.
With hundreds of local vehicle glass experts around Australia, we will either be able to repair or replace your windscreen, depending on what kind of damage you have. If your vehicle has Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology, you may need to have the forward-facing camera recalibrated after a windscreen replacement, and we’ll handle that too. So get in touch, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Do I need a windscreen chip repair or a replacement?
If your windscreen is chipped, your local O’Brien expert will always prefer to try and repair it with our specialist equipment rather than replace it – it’s faster, cheaper and greener to do so.
If your windscreen is cracked, O’Brien recommends replacing it. It takes just 90 minutes to replace a windscreen. If your vehicle has ADAS technology, it may require a Cal-Tech® Recalibration after a windscreen replacement, which will take extra time to complete.
We recommend replacing your windscreen if there is:
- a chip larger than an Australian $1 coin, or impeding the driver’s vision
- a crack extending more than 25mm length into the critical vision area (in front of the driver)
- any damage obstructing the driver’s line of sight
There may be other reasons why we recommend replacing your windscreen, and we can advise on this once we’ve done an inspection.
Windscreen chip repair
Minor windscreen damage, like a small chip, is generally repairable. A chip usually occurs when a stone flicks off the road, and its sharp edges impact the windscreen. When a windscreen chip happens, it’s essential to get it checked and fixed quickly, as it could crack at any time, maybe costing you a new windscreen.
We know time is important to you, so we’ll always assess your windscreen to see if we can fix the chip using our O’Brien Advanced Repair Technology (ART) system. It takes about 30 minutes to complete, and the chip will usually be almost invisible (depending on how much debris finds its way into the chip). You can also drive away immediately, knowing you’re covered by our O’Brien lifetime workmanship guarantee.
Windscreen replacement
If your chip cracks or damage obstructs the driver’s vision, we recommend replacing your windscreen. Our expert technicians can help regardless of your car’s make or model. We only use quality glass compliant with Australian and international standards, and back our work with our O’Brien lifetime workmanship guarantee.
It takes around 90 minutes for the damaged windscreen to be replaced. If your vehicle has ADAS technology, you will likely need the forward-facing camera recalibrated after the windscreen replacement, which takes extra time. We do this using our state-of-the-art Cal-Tech® Recalibration process, so you can drive away trusting your vehicle’s safety features, such as auto braking.
How much does windscreen repair cost?
Firstly, a chip repair is cheaper than a windscreen replacement. There are several other factors to consider as well, including the type, size, and location of the damage, the vehicle make and model, if your vehicle has ADAS technology (which may mean a Cal-Tech® Recalibration will be required) and whether you have insurance coverage for glass damage.
As Australia’s leading vehicle glass specialists, we work closely with most major insurance providers. If you are insured with glass cover and no excess, your repair or replacement will more than likely be at no cost to you. Plus, we often can even lodge the claim for you!
Not sure what your policy covers? Get in touch with us and one of our friendly consultants can help you find out.
Don’t worry, as O’Brien can still help. Many customers choose to pay for it themselves. We know that price is important to you, which is why we do everything to ensure we provide great value for money.
Complete the online booking form, and one of our friendly consultants will call you back with a quote. We’ll then help get your repair or replacement resolved as quickly as possible.
Call us on 1800 815 414 or complete our form, and we’ll get back in touch with you.
Call us on 1800 815 414 for a quote or fill in our form and our friendly advisors will call you back to discuss your options.
Complete our online formWe accept various electronic payment methods, including debit cards, major credit cards and Zip Pay.
Learn more about ZipWhy choose O’Brien® AutoGlass?
With an O’Brien AutoGlass expert, you can drive away with confidence knowing that your repair or replacement is completed to our high standards.
Australia’s leading vehicle glass experts
Extensively trained and certified vehicle glass technicians
Advanced tools and technology to ensure a high-quality service
- Lifetime guarantee on installation workmanship for the life of your vehicle
Quality glass, compliant with Australian and International standards
- Conveniently located, with over 150 locations Australia-wide
Mobile services available for some vehicles and locations
Our focus on recycling windscreens to give them a new purpose
Call 24/7, Australian-based customer service team