Imagine the unthinkable: you’re trapped in your car, perhaps upside down after a collision, or worse, sinking rapidly in water. Panic sets in, but knowing how to react and having the right tools can be the difference between life and death. While these scenarios are rare, with approximately 8,000 submersion incidents in 2017, compared to a much higher frequency of rollover crashes, preparedness is key. A crucial element of this preparedness is understanding and utilizing a car escape tool, specifically designed to break car windows in emergencies.
Recent research from AAA sheds light on the effectiveness of these tools, highlighting critical distinctions that every driver should be aware of. Their comprehensive report (AAA research report) reveals that car escape tools are indeed effective at shattering tempered glass windows, but they are ineffective against laminated glass, a feature increasingly common in modern vehicles. This distinction is vital when considering your emergency plan and choosing the right “Break A Car Window Tool.”
Understanding Car Escape Tools and Window Glass Types
AAA’s rigorous testing of six different car escape tools provides invaluable insights for consumers. Their experiments focused on assessing the tools’ ability to break both tempered and laminated glass. The results were clear: while four of the tested tools successfully shattered tempered glass, none could penetrate laminated glass. Even after repeated attempts, laminated glass remained intact, merely cracking under the force. Furthermore, the study noted that spring-loaded tools outperformed hammer-style tools in breaking tempered windows.
Tempered vs. Laminated Glass: Knowing the Difference
The effectiveness of a “break a car window tool” hinges on the type of glass in your car windows. Tempered glass, commonly used in car side and rear windows, is designed to shatter into small, relatively harmless pieces upon impact. This is the type of glass that car escape tools are designed to break.
Laminated glass, on the other hand, is constructed with a layer of plastic sandwiched between two layers of glass. This makes it significantly stronger and more resistant to shattering. Originally used primarily for windshields, laminated glass is increasingly being used for side windows in newer vehicles to enhance safety and prevent ejection during accidents.
The crucial takeaway from the AAA research is that a standard “break a car window tool” will not work on laminated glass. This is not a flaw of the tool, but a limitation due to the glass type itself.
Spring-Loaded vs. Hammer-Style Escape Tools
When choosing a “break a car window tool” for tempered glass, you’ll typically encounter two main types: spring-loaded and hammer-style.
- Spring-loaded tools: These tools utilize a spring-loaded mechanism to deliver a concentrated impact to the glass. They are generally compact, often integrated into keychains, and have proven more effective in AAA’s tests for breaking tempered glass.
- Hammer-style tools: These resemble small hammers with a pointed head designed to break glass. While they can be effective, the AAA study indicated they were less consistently successful than spring-loaded tools, particularly underwater where swinging a hammer can be more challenging.
The Rising Prevalence of Laminated Side Windows
It’s becoming increasingly important to know your car window type because laminated side windows are becoming more common. AAA’s research points out that approximately 1 in 3 new vehicle models in 2018 were equipped with laminated side windows. This trend, driven by enhanced safety standards aimed at reducing occupant ejection during collisions, means that relying solely on a “break a car window tool” might not be a viable escape strategy in all modern vehicles.
John Nielsen, managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, emphasizes this point: “To improve safety, more cars have laminated side windows – but a majority also have at least one window made of tempered glass. Our research found that generally vehicle escape tools can be effective in an emergency, but only if drivers know what type of side windows they have, otherwise they could waste precious seconds trying to break glass that will not shatter.”
Identifying Your Car’s Window Glass Type
Before you rely on a “break a car window tool” in an emergency, you must determine what type of side windows your car has. Fortunately, identifying the glass type is usually straightforward.
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Check the window label: Look for a label located in the bottom corner of your side windows. This label should indicate whether the glass is “tempered” or “laminated.” The terms “Tempered,” “T,” or “AS2” typically denote tempered glass. “Laminated,” “L,” or “AS3” indicates laminated glass.
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Consult your vehicle manufacturer: If the label is unclear or missing, contact your car manufacturer or dealership. They can provide information specific to your vehicle’s make and model.
It’s also crucial to remember that some vehicles may have a combination of window types – for example, laminated front side windows and tempered rear side windows. Check each window individually to be certain.
How to Use a Car Escape Tool Effectively in an Emergency
Being prepared with a “break a car window tool” is only half the battle. Knowing how to use it correctly and having a plan is equally vital. AAA recommends the following steps to enhance your emergency readiness:
Pre-Emergency Preparation:
- Know your glass type: Memorize whether your car windows are tempered or laminated. Identify tempered glass windows as your primary escape points if laminated glass is also present. Remember, standard escape tools are ineffective on laminated glass.
- Acquire and familiarize yourself with a car escape tool: Choose a “break a car window tool” that you are comfortable using. Spring-loaded tools are generally recommended for their effectiveness. Practice using the tool beforehand to build familiarity. Ensure it is easily accessible in your vehicle – consider keychain models or mounting options on the dashboard or steering column.
- Develop and communicate an escape plan: Discuss and practice an emergency exit strategy with all vehicle occupants. This minimizes confusion during a stressful situation and saves precious time. Include a backup plan in case the escape tool is unusable or ineffective.
The S-U-R-E Escape Method
In a vehicle entrapment emergency, remember the S-U-R-E method:
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Stay Calm: While urgency is critical, maintaining composure allows for clear thinking and efficient action, ensuring everyone’s safe escape.
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Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately release all seatbelts and ensure everyone is ready to exit the vehicle as soon as possible.
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Roll Down or Break a Window: Attempt to roll down a window first. If submerged, be aware that water will rush in rapidly once a window is opened. If the window is jammed or the car is submerged and the window won’t open, and you have tempered glass, use your “break a car window tool” to shatter a side window. Remember, if you have laminated glass, a standard tool will not work.
- Submerged vehicle considerations: If windows are laminated and cannot be broken, move to the back of the vehicle or locate any air pocket. Stay with the air pocket until the vehicle fills with water and pressure equalizes, which may then allow a door to be opened. Hammer-style tools can be harder to use underwater due to water resistance.
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Exit the Vehicle: Once a window is broken or a door can be opened, evacuate the vehicle quickly and move to a safe location.
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Call 911: After escaping to safety, contact emergency services immediately. While calling 911 is typically the first step in most emergencies, prioritizing escape is crucial in situations like submersion or fire.
Choosing the Right “Break a Car Window Tool”
Selecting the appropriate “break a car window tool” is a vital part of your emergency preparedness. Consider these factors when making your choice:
- Type: Spring-loaded tools are generally recommended for their proven effectiveness on tempered glass and ease of use.
- Accessibility: Choose a tool that is easily accessible in an emergency. Keychain models are convenient for everyday carry. Mounting options ensure the tool remains within reach even after a collision.
- Ease of Use: Practice using the tool beforehand to ensure you can operate it effectively under stress.
While a “break a car window tool” is an invaluable asset, remember it’s only effective on tempered glass. For vehicles with laminated side windows, alternative escape strategies and tools designed for laminated glass may be necessary.
Conclusion: Preparedness Saves Lives
“Knowledge is power,” as John Nielsen stated, and understanding your vehicle, particularly the type of glass in your windows, is a crucial aspect of driver safety. Equipping yourself with a “break a car window tool” and knowing how and when to use it can significantly improve your chances of survival in a vehicle emergency. Take the time to check your car windows today, equip yourself with the appropriate tools, and formulate an escape plan. Preparedness is not just about having the right tools; it’s about having the knowledge and plan to act decisively when every second counts.
