Being trapped in a car during an emergency is a terrifying thought. Whether it’s a submerged vehicle or a rollover accident, having the right tools and knowledge can be lifesaving. This guide focuses on Emergency Car Break In Tools, outlining their effectiveness and how to use them properly.
Understanding Car Window Types: Tempered vs. Laminated
Before exploring escape tools, it’s crucial to understand the difference between tempered and laminated glass. Tempered glass, commonly found in older vehicles, shatters into small pieces when broken. Laminated glass, increasingly used in modern cars for side windows, consists of two layers of glass bonded with a plastic interlayer. This makes it much stronger and resistant to shattering, designed to prevent ejection in a crash. Identifying your car’s window type is vital, as standard emergency car break in tools are generally effective only on tempered glass. To determine your car’s window type, check for a label in the bottom corner of each side window. If there’s no label, consult your vehicle’s owner manual or contact the manufacturer.
Choosing the Right Emergency Car Break In Tool
AAA research reveals that spring-loaded emergency car break in tools are more effective at breaking tempered glass than hammer-style tools. While no tools tested could break laminated glass, spring-loaded options create focused force, increasing the likelihood of shattering tempered windows. When selecting a tool, consider ease of use and accessibility. A tool with a keychain attachment or mounted on the dashboard ensures it’s readily available in a crisis.
Escape Plan: The S-U-R-E Method
Having an escape plan is just as important as having the right tools. Remember the acronym S-U-R-E:
- Stay Calm: Panic hinders rational decision-making. Stay focused on escaping safely.
- Unbuckle Seat Belts: Ensure everyone in the vehicle can move freely.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: Attempt to roll down windows first. If unsuccessful and you have tempered glass, use your emergency car break in tool. If submerged, and unable to break a window, move to the back for an air pocket. Wait for pressure to equalize before opening a door.
- Exit Quickly and Move to Safety: Once out, move everyone away from the vehicle to a safe location. Call 911 after ensuring everyone’s safety.
Important Considerations for Submerged Vehicles
Escaping a submerged vehicle presents unique challenges. Water pressure makes opening doors difficult. Remember, breaking a window will cause water to rush in rapidly. If you have laminated windows and cannot break them, prioritize finding an air pocket and waiting for pressure equalization before attempting to open a door. Hammer-style emergency car break in tools might be harder to use underwater due to resistance.
Conclusion: Be Prepared, Be Informed
Emergency car break in tools are valuable assets in critical situations. Knowing your car’s window type, choosing the right tool, and having a well-defined escape plan are crucial for increasing your chances of survival. Being prepared can make all the difference.
