Why Australian Fleets Are Rethinking Windscreen Protection in 2025

The Hidden Cost of Windscreen Damage

In 2025, Australian fleet operators are under more pressure than ever to cut unnecessary costs and reduce vehicle downtime. One increasingly expensive problem? Windscreen replacements.

What used to be a $300 inconvenience has become a $1,200+ headache, especially for late-model vehicles with rain sensors, heads-up displays, or ADAS systems that require recalibration after glass replacement.

Did you know?
According to the National Windscreen Group, the cost of replacing modern windscreens in commercial vehicles has increased by over 60% in the past 5 years due to built-in tech and rising parts/labour prices.

For mining fleets, heavy haulage trucks, and even 4WDs, these costs multiply—fast.

It’s Not Just About the Cost. It’s the Downtime.

Every time a vehicle is off the road waiting for glass replacement, your business loses more than money—it loses productivity, deadlines, and sometimes compliance.

In industries like mining, waste, and logistics, windscreen damage can trigger:

  • Job stoppages

  • Chain of responsibility (CoR) risks

  • Vehicle non-compliance during inspections

Some fleets are replacing windscreens monthly due to abrasion from dust, wiper wear, and rock spray. Others are quietly absorbing the costs—without realising there’s a smarter option.

Why More Fleets Are Turning to Film-Based Windscreen Protection

ClearPlex® is a patented windscreen protection film used by performance fleets and government vehicles across the United States—and it’s now available in Australia through FG Screens.

The film is optically clear, tough, and specifically designed to:

  • Absorb everyday impacts from sand, gravel, and road debris

  • Protect against scratches, swirls, and abrasion from wipers

  • Extend the lifespan of your factory glass

Backed by Science: How Effective Is It?

Recent abrasion testing compared laminated glass alone to glass protected with ClearPlex® film.

Key results:

  • 6.5× more abrasion resistant than glass alone

  • 85% reduction in haze after abrasion

  • Clearer visibility before AND after wear (initial haze of 0.59 vs. 2.26 for unprotected glass)

That’s not just about protection, it’s about driver safety, optical clarity, and fleet compliance.

Real Savings, Real Impact

Let’s say your fleet of 20 vehicles replaces 10 windscreens a year at $1,200 each. That’s $12,000/year, not including downtime, rescheduling jobs, or admin time.

With ClearPlex® protection, you dramatically reduce:

  • Glass replacements

  • Visibility issues

  • Driver complaints about glare or distortion

And that means real dollars saved and more uptime.

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How ClearPlex® Film Improves Safety for Commercial Drivers