Being trapped in a vehicle during an emergency is a terrifying thought. Car Window Breaking Tools, often called auto escape tools, can be lifesavers in such situations. This guide will explore the effectiveness of these tools, the different types of car window glass, and how to choose the right tool for your vehicle.
Understanding Car Window Glass Types
Before delving into car window breaking tools, it’s crucial to understand the two main types of automotive glass:
Tempered Glass
- Characteristics: Designed to shatter into small, relatively harmless pieces upon impact. This minimizes the risk of serious injury from sharp shards.
- Location: Commonly used in side and rear windows of older vehicles.
Laminated Glass
- Characteristics: Composed of two layers of glass bonded together by a layer of plastic interlayer. This construction makes it extremely resistant to breakage and helps prevent ejection in accidents.
- Location: Increasingly used in windshields and side windows of newer vehicles for enhanced safety. Often found in one-third of 2018 vehicle models and newer.
Car Window Breaking Tools: Effectiveness and Types
AAA research indicates that while most car escape tools effectively break tempered glass, none could break laminated glass in their tests. This highlights the importance of knowing your vehicle’s glass type.
Spring-Loaded Tools
These tools utilize a spring mechanism to concentrate force on a small point, effectively shattering tempered glass. AAA testing found them generally more reliable than hammer-style tools.
Hammer-Style Tools
These tools require swinging to generate force for breaking the glass. While they can break tempered glass, they may be less effective than spring-loaded tools and particularly challenging to use underwater.
Choosing the Right Car Window Breaker
- Know Your Glass Type: Check for a label in the corner of your side windows indicating “tempered” or “laminated.” Contact your vehicle manufacturer if no label is present.
- Consider Spring-Loaded Tools: Due to their ease of use and effectiveness on tempered glass, spring-loaded tools are often recommended.
- Accessibility is Key: Keep the tool within easy reach, such as on a keychain, attached to the sun visor, or mounted on the dashboard.
Emergency Escape Plan: The S-U-R-E Method
In a vehicle emergency, remember the S-U-R-E acronym:
- Stay Calm: Panic hinders clear thinking. Remain calm to execute your escape plan effectively.
- Unbuckle Seatbelts: Ensure everyone is unrestrained and ready to exit.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: Try rolling down windows first. If unsuccessful and you have tempered glass, use your escape tool. If the car is submerged, and windows won’t open, move to an air pocket until pressure equalizes, then open a door.
- Exit Quickly and Move to Safety: Once out, get everyone away from the vehicle to a safe location. Call 911 once you are safe.
Conclusion: Be Prepared
Car window breaking tools are valuable assets in emergencies, but their effectiveness depends on knowing your car’s glass type. Equip your vehicle with a spring-loaded tool, understand the S-U-R-E escape method, and be prepared to react swiftly and safely in any situation. For a comprehensive list of vehicles with laminated side windows, consult your vehicle manufacturer or the AAA website.
