“Quick Ways to Break a Car Window to Escape Before it Submerges”

In an emergency situation where your car is submerged underwater, the ability to act quickly and efficiently is paramount to your escape. This introduction aims to provide a concise and comprehensive guide on the skills and methods required to break a car window while it is sinking, offering vital information that could potentially save lives.

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Choosing the Right Car Window to Break

The windshield of a car is usually made of laminated glass, which consists of two layers of glass with a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer in between. This type of glass is designed to absorb impact from collisions, reduce noise, and block UV rays.


Laminated glass, as indicated by the “Laminated” marking on this Ford vehicle. Image source: Nebraska

Laminated glass is flexible and can bend and stretch. In the event of breakage, the pieces of glass stick together, reducing the risk of injury. However, this type of glass is challenging to break with regular tools.

On the other hand, the side and rear windows are made of tempered glass, which is 5 to 10 times stronger than regular glass. Tempered glass is more prone to shattering when subjected to impact from small, sharp objects. When it breaks, it crumbles into small, blunt pieces, making it safer for the occupants of the vehicle.

Therefore, in an emergency, focus on breaking the side windows to increase your chances of escaping before the car sinks.

Using a Car Hammer or Other Tools

In a sinking car, a car hammer is the ideal tool to break the windows and escape safely. Its small, sharp steel head concentrates force on the glass, effectively shattering tempered glass.

Watch this video for a demonstration:

Using a car hammer to break a window. Source: The Weather Channel

For best results, aim for the corners or edges of the side windows, as these are the weakest points of the glass and the most likely to break.

If you don’t have a car hammer, you can use other objects in the car to break the windows. These include a fire extinguisher, a metal flashlight, or even a high-heeled shoe. Any object with a small striking surface can concentrate enough force to shatter tempered glass.

In an emergency, if you can’t find any of these objects, you can use your car keys or the metal tongue of your seatbelt buckle. Striking the corner of the window with the sharp end of your key or the metal tongue of the seatbelt buckle can also break the glass.

Act Quickly and Wait for the Right Moment to Break the Window

As soon as you notice water entering the car, attempt to break the window immediately. At this point, the external water pressure is still low, making it easier to break the glass. If you wait too long, the rising water level will increase the external pressure, making it much more difficult to break the window. Time is critical, so take advantage of those first few seconds to escape.

However, if you are unable to break the window immediately due to high water pressure, wait for the water levels inside and outside the car to equalize. When the car is almost completely submerged, the pressure from both sides will be nearly equal, making it easier to break the window or open the door. While this is a temporary solution, it may increase your chances of survival if you can’t escape immediately.

If the glass has weakened due to water pressure or shows signs of cracking during the sinking process, you can use your hands, elbows, or feet to push and break it completely. However, this should only be attempted if the glass is noticeably weakened and there are no other options.

In a sinking car, quickly and effectively breaking the window is crucial for survival. Knowing which window to choose, using the right tools, and having the necessary emergency equipment can improve your chances of safely escaping a submerged vehicle.

According to VNN

Frequently asked questions

There are a few quick and effective ways to break a car window in an emergency. One way is to use a spring-loaded center punch, which can be bought at most auto parts stores. Simply place the tip against the window and press the button to release the spring-loaded mechanism, shattering the window. Another way is to use a small resin or glass breaker tool, which can be found in most emergency escape tool kits. These tools are designed to break windows quickly and easily. Finally, if you don’t have access to either of these tools, you can use a heavy object such as a hammer, wrench, or even a rock to break the window. Aim for the corners of the window, as this is the weakest part, and use a swift, forceful motion to shatter the glass.

First, it’s important to remain calm and act quickly. Assess the situation and determine if breaking the window is the best course of action. If there are other means of escape, such as opening a door, try those first. When breaking the window, aim for the corners as this is the weakest part of the glass. If using a tool, follow the instructions provided with the device for safe and effective use. Finally, be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards, such as sinking in water or fire.

Yes, there are a few potential risks to be aware of. First, breaking the window will likely result in shattered glass, which could cause cuts or injuries. Try to protect your hands and body as best as possible when breaking the window and exiting the vehicle. Second, if the car is sinking in water, there is a risk of electrocution if the electrical system is damaged and water enters the vehicle. In this case, it is important to act quickly and exit the vehicle as soon as possible. Finally, breaking the window may set off the car alarm, which could attract attention and potentially alert emergency services, which may or may not be desirable depending on the situation.

It is always a good idea to be prepared and take preventative measures to ensure your safety. Keep a spring-loaded center punch or emergency escape tool kit in your vehicle at all times, and make sure you know how to use them effectively. Practice using these tools so that you are familiar with the process and can act quickly in an emergency. Additionally, regularly check that your car doors and windows are functioning properly, and keep the interiors free of clutter to ensure you have a clear escape path. Finally, always wear your seatbelt, but be sure you know how to quickly release it in an emergency.
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