Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions – Eastern Suburbs Windscreens
1.What causes a windscreen to crack suddenly?
Cracks typically start from small chips caused by stones, debris, or sudden temperature changes. In Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, the combination of coastal heat, salt-laden air, and road vibration makes windscreens more vulnerable. When the glass heats unevenly — for example, one part shaded and another in sunlight — internal stress builds up, and an existing chip can extend across the glass within hours.
Other causes include poorly installed windscreens, pressure from door slams, and even extreme humidity. That’s why addressing minor chips immediately is critical — the local coastal climate accelerates deterioration faster than most inland areas.
2. Can a damaged windscreen fail my pink slip (eSafety) inspection?
Yes. NSW road regulations require all windscreens to be free from cracks or chips that obstruct the driver’s view. During your annual inspection, any visible damage larger than 75mm in the critical vision area (directly in front of the driver) can cause an automatic failure.
Inspectors may also reject vehicles if the damage affects the structural bonding between the windscreen and vehicle frame. Since the windscreen contributes to roof strength and airbag deployment, repairing or replacing it before inspection ensures safety and compliance — saving time and avoiding fines.
3. Are your technicians licensed and insured?
Every technician at Eastern Suburbs Windscreens is fully qualified in automotive glazing and trained under AS/NZS 2080 and AS/NZS 2366 installation standards. We also maintain complete public liability and workmanship insurance for your protection.
Our team regularly undertakes manufacturer training to stay current with ADAS recalibration, resin repair techniques, and modern adhesive systems. This ensures each replacement meets or exceeds the same quality controls followed by vehicle manufacturers.
4. Do you offer same-day windscreen replacement?
Yes — we provide same-day mobile windscreen replacement across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs whenever possible. Our vans carry glass for common vehicles, allowing us to replace windscreens on-site in Bondi, Randwick, Mascot, or Maroubra within hours of booking.
For specialised or imported models that require ADAS sensors or rare glass curvature, we can usually complete installation within 24–48 hours once parts arrive. Fast response is a key part of our service — your safety never waits until tomorrow.
5. What’s the difference between OEM and aftermarket glass?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) glass is made by the same supplier as your vehicle’s factory glass, guaranteeing perfect thickness, tint, and curvature. Aftermarket glass is produced to fit multiple vehicles and may vary slightly in optical clarity or acoustic insulation.
At Eastern Suburbs Windscreens, we only use OEM or OEM-equivalent glass from reputable brands such as Pilkington and Saint-Gobain. Each piece is tested to meet AS/NZS 2080 for impact strength, optical distortion, and UV resistance — ensuring the same safety and visibility as when your car left the showroom.
6. How do you ensure a proper seal during installation?
Our technicians follow a four-step installation process to ensure long-lasting, watertight bonding. First, we carefully remove old adhesive and treat any exposed metal to prevent corrosion. Next, we apply primer and high-modulus urethane adhesive (SikaTack® or Dow Betaseal) for superior bonding strength.
Once the glass is fitted, alignment tools ensure perfect placement before curing. After curing, we conduct leak tests and visual inspections to confirm the seal’s integrity. This process ensures your new windscreen performs flawlessly under Sydney’s heat, humidity, and heavy rain.
7. Can you replace windscreens with sensors, cameras, or heated glass?
Yes. Many modern vehicles include ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) such as lane-keeping, automatic braking, and rain sensors integrated into the windscreen. Our technicians use specialist diagnostic tools — like Hella Gutmann or Bosch DAS calibration systems — to recalibrate these sensors after installation.
We also handle heated windscreens and acoustic or tinted glass, ensuring all wiring, coatings, and visibility features match the original factory design. When we replace your windscreen, every system continues to function exactly as intended.
8. What happens if my new windscreen develops an issue after installation?
Every service we perform is protected by a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty. If you experience air leaks, whistling, or bonding concerns, our team will return promptly to inspect and fix the issue free of charge.
Our technicians document every job with photos and adhesive batch records, ensuring traceability for quality assurance. We rarely receive warranty claims — but if we do, your satisfaction and safety always come first.
9. Can I claim my windscreen replacement through insurance?
Yes. Most comprehensive car insurance policies in NSW include glass repair or replacement coverage, often without an excess fee. We provide all the required tax invoices, job reports, and certification details your insurer needs for claim processing.
We work closely with major providers such as NRMA, AAMI, GIO, and Allianz, streamlining your paperwork. Even if you’re paying privately, our $200 OFF promotion and no call-out fees keep costs affordable.
10. How long should I wait before washing my car after replacement?
We recommend waiting 24 hours before using an automatic or high-pressure car wash. The urethane adhesive used to secure the windscreen needs time to reach full strength. Light rain or hand-washing with a hose after about 12 hours is safe.
This curing period ensures your windscreen remains properly bonded to your vehicle’s frame, maintaining waterproofing and structural integrity. Our technicians will always advise your specific safe drive-away and wash-safe time based on adhesive type and ambient temperature.
11. Can you replace glass for classic or imported vehicles?
Yes — we regularly fit custom glass for vintage, luxury, and imported vehicles. For older models, we can source reproduction glass or cut laminated safety glass to custom size.
For imported Japanese or European vehicles, we reference global databases to match glass curvature, tint, and sensor placement precisely. This service ensures perfect authenticity for restoration projects and compliance with Australian safety standards.
12. Do you service fleets and commercial vehicles?
We do. Our fleet program provides regular glass maintenance for couriers, trades, and logistics businesses across the Eastern Suburbs. Services include bulk installation days, after-hours work, and flexible payment terms.
We understand downtime costs money, so our technicians arrive on-site with all tools and materials ready to perform same-day repairs and replacements. Every vehicle in your fleet remains compliant and road-safe, with full documentation for NHVR or company audits.
13. What should I do if my car window is smashed in a break-in?
First, secure the area and remove visible glass fragments safely. Then call the police to file a report if theft is involved — you’ll need the reference number for insurance.
Next, contact us for emergency car window replacement. We provide same-day response, vacuum all broken glass (including inside the door cavity), and fit OEM-quality side or rear windows. Our installations restore weatherproofing and security instantly so you can get back on the road the same day.
14. Is it safe to drive with a cracked windscreen?
Driving with a cracked windscreen is both unsafe and illegal under NSW Road Rule 297(2) if it obstructs vision. Even small cracks weaken the laminated structure that supports airbag deployment and roof rigidity.
In an impact, a weakened windscreen can detach, reducing occupant protection. If the crack is spreading or within your line of sight, avoid driving until we’ve inspected it — we can often come the same day for on-site repair or replacement.
15. How can I extend the lifespan of my windscreen?
Simple habits make a big difference. Replace worn wiper blades every 6–12 months, avoid parking under direct sun near beaches like Bondi or Coogee to reduce UV exposure, and use gentle, ammonia-free cleaners to preserve tint bands.
Avoid slamming doors for the first week after replacement to prevent pressure stress on the adhesive. If you notice tiny chips, call us early — quick resin repair prevents a costly replacement later.
15. How can I extend the lifespan of my windscreen?
Simple habits make a big difference. Replace worn wiper blades every 6–12 months, avoid parking under direct sun near beaches like Bondi or Coogee to reduce UV exposure, and use gentle, ammonia-free cleaners to preserve tint bands.
Avoid slamming doors for the first week after replacement to prevent pressure stress on the adhesive. If you notice tiny chips, call us early — quick resin repair prevents a costly replacement later.
