Smash and Grab Film: Why it’s a good investment for your car
South African motorists have gotten used to being alert when stopping at certain traffic lights and storing all valuables in the boot. This is because they often experience ‘smash-and-grab’ incidents, whether during their drive or when their car is parked. To address the ongoing smashing of car windows, manufacturers introduced a ‘smash-and-grab’ film. In this article we discuss what Smash and Grab Film is and how it can help you. 1,2
What is a ‘smash-and-grab’ film?
This is a film that is stuck on one side of car window glass to strengthen it and prevent glass from shattering during a ‘smash-and-grab’ attack. When hit with an object, plain glass shatters straightaway, propelling shards of glass everywhere, also giving the attacker the opportunity to Pgrab valuables or maybe hijack your car. The film on the glass gives the motorist more time to escape or prevents the criminal from making a fast move. It prevents the window from shattering immediately therefore alerting you, or those nearby, to the attack. 1,2
How does the film work?
The film contains nano-ceramic particles and alloy coating additives based on up-to-date technology. A strong adhesive coating provides the needed strength and grip on the glass windows. An added advantage is that the darker film minimises the effects of UV rays that are detrimental to the car’s interior, and your skin. The film also tends to keep the car cooler, reduces glare, and makes it difficult for criminals to see the inside of the car clearly. 1
How does ‘smash-and-grab’ film differ from a standard window film?
The thickness of ‘smash-and-grab’ film varies from 100 – 300 microns (micrometres) and is about 4 – 6 times thicker than standard window film at 25 – 50 microns. The usual thickness of the ‘smash-and-grab’ film is 100 microns, and manufacturers have laminated it for strength. 1
What is the legal limit on making the film darker?
The legal tint limit on window film is 35%, which means at least 35% of visible light must pass through the glass window. Regulations allow service providers to apply film on one side of all glass windows and back windows. The front windscreen must allow 70% of light to pass through it. The 35% film provides sufficient privacy making darker films unnecessary. If the film on your car’s glass windows is too dark, your insurance company may reject an accident claim. This is because it may consider your vehicle to be non-roadworthy due to the tint being too dark. 1,2
How long does it take to apply the film?
It all depends on the vehicle’s make and size, but usually takes 3-4 hours. 1
How long after application is the film dry?
It’s advised that you mustn’t open car windows until 48 hours after the application. That’s when the film has sufficiently fastened onto the glass window. Depending on the outside humidity and temperatures, the film can sometimes take as long as 30 days to dry. 1
Smash and Grab Film is not bullet-proof
It is a myth that smash and grab film is bullet-proof so don’t be misled. However, it can still protect the car’s occupants if a bullet strikes, by reducing the amount of shattering glass. 1
How much does the film cost?
According to the December 2021 article by SolaSafe, prices can range from under R1,800 to more than R4,500 per car – depending on how it is installed. 1
Disclaimer
The above article is meant to give general information to help you understand the different characteristics of car insurance.
Protecting yourself and anybody else in your car is essential, but what about protecting your vehicle with excellent, affordable car insurance? Why not contact PMD to find out more about their affordable car insurance products? Visit our website for more detail on our products’ terms and conditions.
As with all financial services products, first consult a certified financial advisor to make sure the product is right for you.
Sources:
1 https://www.solashayde.co.za/post/smash-grab-tint-faqs
2 https://marketsquare.co.za/news-article/95/purpose-of-smash-and-grab-tint
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
