Accidents happen, we all know this. One moment you’re traveling along the road and the next you’re dealing with a dangerous situation on the highway. While it is a cliché, the saying, “it happened in the blink of an eye”, ultimately rings true in most cases of automobile accidents. Now, we also realize you may have to break your automobile glass when your car is safely parked in your driveway, or on the street, as well. Read on for more details on how to safely bust your auto glass in the case of an emergency.
Metal, Stone, or Porcelain
This tip is for those who have their car parked in their driveway, a parking lot, or on the road. Remember when going into this that windows are made of tempered glass, which means they are built to withstand blunt force blows. However, using a sharp piece of metal, stone, or porcelain makes that a bit of a different story. Rather than dramatically shattering the window, a sharp object will concentrate the forced blow on a tiny area and subsequently create small cracks or holes. Continuing along with this method will allow you to get inside of your vehicle. This method is particularly effective in a situation where a pet or baby has to be rescued from the car, seeing as it won’t lead to glass flying everywhere.
Window Punch
Specifically designed for this purpose, a window punch is the most effective way to break an automotive window in the case of an emergency. Easily found for under $15 at most online retailers or automotive stores, we highly recommend buying one and keeping it in your glove box. It is not uncommon for these tools to come with additional features such as a flightlight, or seatbelt cutter.
VicTsing 2 Pack Car Safety Hammer, Emergency Escape Tool with Seatbelt Cutter
A Claw Hammer
A claw hammer is heavy, sharp, and should make breaking your auto glass relatively simple. Keep in mind that if you use heavy metal to break glass, you should go around the edge of the glass. Auto glass is reinforced in the middle, so the surface is weakest at the edges and is the place where the glass is most likely to crack or chip. Begin there and slowly make your way to the middle of the glass where it will eventually shatter.
IRWIN Hammer, Fiberglass, General Purpose, Claw, 16 oz.
The Headrest
Plenty of drivers have no tools at their disposal to utilize in breaking their auto glass. Surprisingly, your headrest can be a lifesaver. Pull the headrest completely out of your front seat, aim the metal pegs on the headrest at the glass, and jam them down inside the area where the window moves up and down within the door panel. When you have pushed the pegs as far down as you can get them, pull the headrest towards you until the window snaps. The glass should then fall away from the door.
While it certainly isn’t pretty, sometimes your auto glass gets in the way of a dire situation and needs to be broken. If you’re in an emergency and need to get out of your car, or gain access to your car, utilize our suggestions above. If you need auto glass repair after performing said suggestions, you know who to call. Contact Glassy and we’ll have you good to go in no time.