For years, armoured vehicles were the preserve of diplomats, high-profile businesspeople, and secure logistics operations. But in South Africa, where crime and carjackings remain a real and present danger, the market for civilian armoured vehicles is expanding rapidly. Increasingly, everyday citizens are turning to vehicle armouring as a form of personal protection.
Yet, while bullet-resistant glass and reinforced panels can provide peace of mind, they also introduce a different kind of risk—one that many drivers may not anticipate.
“Armouring your vehicle can completely change the dynamics of its driving,” says Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive. “Depending on the level of protection, an armoured vehicle can carry an additional 180kg to 500kg. This changes everything from braking and acceleration to fuel consumption and handling.”
MasterDrive is calling for greater awareness and specialised training for drivers of armoured vehicles. “Does this mean South Africans should stop armouring their vehicles? No, it does not,” Herbert clarifies. “One should take whatever steps they feel necessary to reduce their risk. But it’s critical that drivers understand how armouring alters vehicle performance—and adapt their driving accordingly.”
Here are four critical areas where armouring changes the way your vehicle behaves:
Braking: More Weight, More Distance
In simple terms, Newton’s Law of Motion tells us that the heavier an object, the longer it takes to stop. For an armoured vehicle, that added weight significantly increases braking distance.
“South African roads are already filled with examples of drivers cutting off trucks with little understanding of how weight affects stopping power,” Herbert notes.
The fix? Drivers need training in a controlled environment to understand just how much more space is needed to brake safely. Increasing following distances and reducing speed are non-negotiable once your vehicle has been armoured.
Acceleration: Slower to Get Moving
A heavier vehicle also takes longer to get up to speed. This isn’t just an inconvenience—it can be dangerous in traffic when overtaking or merging.
The fix? Anticipation is essential. Plan further ahead, make smoother transitions, and avoid sudden manoeuvres. Herbert also advises only using OEM-approved armouring solutions that ensure your car can safely handle the increased strain on power and drivetrain components.
Fuel Efficiency: A Costly Trade-Off
Armouring a vehicle comes at a price—and not just at the time of installation. The added weight means the engine has to work harder, which translates directly into increased fuel consumption. For every 25% increase in weight, fuel consumption can rise by 1–2%.
For example, if your unmodified car consumed 10L/100km, an added 175kg could increase that to between 10.7 and 11.4L/100km.
The fix? Learning fuel-efficient driving techniques is part of MasterDrive’s armoured vehicle training programme. Driving more smoothly, reducing idling time, and maintaining steady speeds can all help mitigate the hit to your wallet.
Handling: Heavier, Less Agile
Extra weight compromises handling, making a car less responsive to steering input and more prone to oversteer, especially when cornering or during emergency manoeuvres.
The fix? Slower inputs, earlier braking, and heightened anticipation of road conditions are crucial. But nothing replaces experience—spending time getting used to your vehicle’s new weight distribution and dynamics is essential for safety.
Not Just Armour—Awareness
Ultimately, armouring a vehicle is a deeply personal decision driven by safety concerns. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and certainly not one without implications.
“If you plan on armouring your vehicle, do not neglect to undertake the training to drive that vehicle safely,” Herbert concludes.
As more South Africans invest in personal protection on the road, a new kind of road safety awareness must follow. It’s not just about surviving an attack—it’s about staying safe every time you get behind the wheel.
