In this EDC guide, we'll show you how to break a car window during an emergency using the most effective tools & methods.
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Although, it's not everyday that we get to break a window on the car, there may come a time when we must break a window in order to survive an emergency or help someone.
Best Tool for Breaking a Window
According to a study done by AAA, the best tool for breaking a a car window is the spring-loaded pin.
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It's simple to use and there is no need for striking or any complicated methods. Simply, place it up against the window and pull the trigger.
A spring loaded pin will shatter a window by striking it with a spring loaded pin. According to AAA, this is the most effective method for breaking a window.
Recommended!
RESQME Window Breaker and Seat Belt Cutter
Pros:
- Window Breaker
- Seatbelt Cutter Included
- Compact Keychain Size
- Easy to Attach Anywhere in the Car
- Easy to Keep within Reach
- Spring Loaded Pin
Cons:
- The small size may be hard to find during an emergency if left unattached
Video provided by HowtoDoIt
Where to Hit a Car Window to Break it
Best place to hit a car window to break is at any one of it's corners. Car windows are made this way by design, weaker on the edge and stronger in the center.
Simply striking a window with force is not enough unless you can find an object heavy enough to break through the window without causing further injury to anyone.
Also, you have to consider that the windows on your car are made of equal strength.
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Front side windows are going to be stronger than rear side windows. Also, front side windows are now being made from laminated glass.
But, rear side windows are still being made with tempered glass.
If all fails, the rear window on most cars is also tempered glass and can be easily shattered, but due to it's size it will be more difficult to shatter.
Also, the rear window on some cars is also made with laminated glass.
Do not try to break the front windshield unless it's the only thing you can do. You should always try to break the side windows first.
Click here to find out if you car has laminated car windows.
Airbag Deployment
During most car accidents, even minor ones, airbags will likely deploy.
Most modern cars now include side impact airbags as part of the standard safety package.
Although, they're are an essential life saving device, they can prevent you from getting out once they're deployed.
So, if you have a situation where you have to break a car window, but the side impact airbags are deployed having a EDC pocket knife will be essential.
Side impact airbags can remain inflated for a long time following the accident so you must find a way to deflate the side airbag.
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CRKT Drifter EDC Folding Pocket Knife
The CKRT Drifter is a fantastic pocket knife for everyday carry. The blade is made from durable stainless steel that will stand the test of time.
It has an easy to use frame lock mechanism and a pocket clip for easy carry. The blade shape is excellent for slicing and puncturing!
You can cut the airbag with a sharp blade, but in some case you may also have to cut away part of the side airbag to access the window or the driver.
Emergency Scenario
Imagine you're travelling across the desert, far from any populated areas where emergency services will take a long time to arrive, and you come upon a burning car.
The driver is incapacitated and the doors are locked. The only way to get the driver out of the vehicle to save their life is to break a car window.
There are infinite number of scenarios like the one above where knowing how to break a window may save a life.
Although, this may seem like a simple task, breaking a car window is actually difficult unless you know how to do and you have the right tools.
Why is a Car Window Difficult to Break
Side windows on most newer cars are no longer made of tempered glass, but they're now made with laminated glass for safety reason.
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Laminated glass is designed to withstand resistance and breakage so it's much harder to shatter.
Example Image of Tempered Glass
Example Image of Laminated Glass
Although, laminated glass may the new standard for front side windows, majority of rear side are still made of tempered glass.
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So, if the front side window isn't breaking, it's probably laminated glass. You next option is the rear side window which is still mostly made with tempered glass.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to break a window is an everyday essential skill that most of do not have. We spend lot of time driving on the road where emergencies happen on daily basis.
Car emergencies are so common, that you've probably see one at least once a day.
Hopefully, this guide will help you understand how to break a car window during an emergency so that you're are prepared to potentially save a life!.
Drive safe!
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