Frequently Asked Questions

Safety and Security Film

Q. On the Security film page, it lists the gauge of the film as 10mil, isn't this too thick, stopping the window on vehicles from opening and closing?
A. The film is classed as 10 mil - 250 microns in English measurement (the thickness of thin cardboard) not millimetres which confuses most people. This will give maximum security without affecting the operation of the window mechanism.

Q. If a criminal cannot break into my vehicle or property, how will we be able to get out in the event of an accident or emergency?
A. For obvious reasons we cannot disclose details of how to exit from your vehicle or property from details listed on this website. We can assure you that the emergency services know all about security film and the ways of getting into your property in the event of an accident. The film is made in such a way that it is quite easy to exit from the vehicle or building for people with disabilities, the elderly and even small children. We can only explain how to do this once we have installed the film to the windows on your property.

Q. Is it expensive?
A. No. It is a small price to pay for the maximum in safety and security and works out more cost effective than other methods of security. With prices starting from as low as £50 and with all of the benefits of having security film installed, this is a serious option to consider. What other security products actually prevent the intruder from entering your property as well as giving you the added benefit of safety in the event of an accident! This is the very same film used on the Pentagon government building in the U.S.A.

Q. Will the 4mil ( 100 microns) give me a high level of security?
A. No. We only install 4mil films as a basic safety package to hold the glass in place in the event of an accident. We could sell it to you as a security product but we have undertaken a number of tests on a variety of applications and it will not give you the level of security that we feel that you require. We only believe in selling you the very best which is the 7mil safety and security films and above packages ensuring that you have the every best form of protection available on the present market. 7 mil and above have passed stringent bomb blast tests and with over 10,000 non-terrorist explosions in the UK every year, you can feel safe at all times.


Automotive Window Tinting

Q. Can you tint the front Drivers and Passengers front window glass?
A. Unfortunately the law states that the VLT (Visual Light Transmission) on the drivers and passengers front window glass cannot fall below the legal limit of 70%. Most modern cars do have a factory tint on these windows but all stay above the legal limit of 70% with most tints falling between 71 and 80%. For window glass showing slightly above the legal limit on tint meters, it would not be beneficial installing a film onto the glass bringing the film from 77% to 71% (Example) as it would hardly be noticeable and a waste of your finances. The complications of having a tint installed to the front windows of your car are far greater than the benefits as you will see below and is under no circumstances recommended! Please do not ask us to tint your front windows when ringing for a quotation as this will be refused. All quotations given are for installation of a tint to the rear glass only from the ‘B’post backwards.

Q. What are the complications of having a tint installed to the front windows of my car?
A. The implications of having a tint on your front windows of your car are far greater than the benefits as you will see. Whether you have a very light tint or dark limo film installed to these windows, anything below the legal limit of 70% will subject you to any of the following penalties with ALL Traffic police now carrying a tint meter within there vehicles.

  • For a routine stop by the police, if the tint on your front windows is found to be below the legal limit of 70%, you will automatically be subject to a £60 fine and 3 points on your driving license.
  • In the event of a vehicle accident caused by you, if the film is found to have restricted your vision you will automatically be subject to a £60 fine, 3 points on your license and the possibility of prison in the event of a fatality.
  • With all insurance policies, you MUST state if your vehicle has a tinted film to the front drivers and passenger front windows. If you inform them that you have, most if not all will decline your application. If you do not notify your insurance company and you are involved in accident either caused by you or a third party, if it is found that a tint has been installed to your vehicles glass, you will automatically be uninsured.
  • Any tint found on the front drivers and passenger glass by an MOT tester will automatically deem your vehicle as an MOT failure.
  • Whether the film installed on your windows is of a light or dark tint, driving at night can be treacherous with visibility in side mirrors being dramatically reduced on busy roads and motorways, increasing your chances of having a vehicle accident.

Q. How long will it take to tint my car?
A. It all depends on the size of the vehicle and the number of windows requiring a tint. For a small 3door hatchback it will take between 1 and 2 hours and for a larger 4 x 4, roughly between 4 and 5 hours.

Q. Will the film rip or peel off?
A. No. We use only the very best films available on the market which have a very strong adhesive and an anti-scratch coating to prevent damage from watches, rings etc.

Q. Will the film fade?
A. Unlike the cheaper ‘smoke’ films found at most car accessory shops which only have a 1 year guarantee against fading, we only install the very best films available on the market. Using only the very best techniques, our films are manufactured using colour stable dyes which have a minimum guarantee against fading of 5 years and for the Ultra Performance range, a lifetime guarantee giving you that extra piece of mind and real value for money.

Q. Do I get a warranty certificate with my installation?
A. After the installation has taken place on your vehicle, you will be issued with a full installation and manufacturers warranty certificate.
From the date of the install, you will receive a 2 years installation and minimum 5 years manufacturers warranty fully guaranteed against Scratches, Rips, Peeling, De-lamination of the film and discolouration.

Q. How much will it cost to tint my car?
A. Prices vary depending on whether it is a small 3 door hatchback or large 4x4. Our prices are very competitive and start from as little as £50. For a quotation, please contact us using any of the methods listed on our Contact Us page by clicking HERE.

Q. Do you offer a vehicle collection / drop off service?
A. Yes we do! We do have a fully comprehensive motor trader’s insurance policy which does allow us to drive any vehicle that you have. We can arrange to collect your vehicle from your home or place of work and return it once the installation has been completed depending on your location. For more information on the various options available to you with regards to collection/drop offs, please click HERE to enter our About Us page.

 


Telephone 01327 706885 or email info@smashgard.co.uk