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Essential Steps to Safely Break Car Glass During Emergencies

June 25, 2025
Advice, Automotive
Editorial

Nobody wants to be involved in a major car accident, but it’s better to always be prepared, as car accidents have been on the rise in recent years. In fact, in 2022 alone, there were over 8,851 people injured due to roadway accidents and 1,931 motor vehicle fatalities in Canada.

Whether you have windshield calibration features installed or not, knowing how to break a car window safely may save your life during an emergency situation in which you’re trapped and unable to open the doors.

Modern windshields are designed to withstand various forces, making them extremely difficult to break. Knowledge is power, and this blog will discuss how to break a car window depending on several factors.

Helpful Tips On How To Break A Car Window In An Emergency

It’s important to understand the conditions you’re working with to effectively and safely break your car windows in an emergency situation. To effectively assess the situation and identify the best course of action, ask the following questions

  • Are you inside or outside?
  • Do you have tools?
  • What type of glass is it?
  • Where are the weak points?

How To Break A Car Window From The Inside

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to break your car’s windshield from the inside, it’s crucial to remain calm and act fast. However, as tempered glass and laminated windshields have different properties, you’ll need to adjust your approach. If you’re unsure what type of auto glass you have, consider going to your local windshield experts to accurately assess your glass.

Here are different ways you can break your car’s window from the inside, depending on the type of windshield you have:

For Tempered Glass Windshields:

  • Use a Glass Breaker Tool: This tool is designed to shatter windows quickly and is often included in emergency kits or multi-tools. Simply press the pointed end firmly against the corner of the window and apply force. The spring-loaded mechanism will automatically trigger and shatter the glass instantly.
  • Strike the Window with a Seatbelt Buckle: In case you don’t have any specialized tools available, using a seatbelt buckle is a strong alternative. Grab the metal part of the buckle, and strike the corners of the window repeatedly, where the glass is weaker, until it begins to crack.
  • Remove the Headrest: Using the headrest is another great way to break a window. Pull the headrest out of the seat, and insert one of the metal prongs into the gap at the edge of the window. Apply pressure to pry the glass outward or use it to strike the corners.
  • Hard Object (e.g., a shoe, phone, or metal item): If nothing else is available, you can use any hard object you find within the car, such as a phone or the heel of a shoe, to repeatedly hit the glass. Aim for the corners, as this is where the glass is more likely to give way. With steady strikes, you should be able to cause cracks to form, eventually breaking the glass.
  • Sharp Edge of a Car Key: You can also use the sharp edge of your car key by pressing it firmly into the corner of the window. Scrape and tap the edge against the glass to create small cracks, then use additional force or other tools to finish the break.

For Laminated Windshields:

  • Glass Breaker Tool with Spring-Loaded Mechanism: If you have laminated auto glass, a glass breaker tool with a spring-loaded mechanism is designed to apply concentrated force to crack the glass. Place the tool against the window’s edge, and the spring mechanism will fire, weakening the glass structure. Though it may not shatter completely, it will create enough cracks for you to push or pry the glass open.
  • Cutting the Laminated Glass: Some laminated windows can be cut through using a sharp object, such as a rescue knife with a glass saw. After cracking the glass, you can use the knife to slice through the plastic layer that holds the laminated glass together.
  • Use a Wire Saw or Glass Cutter: These tools come in handy when you need to cut through the tough layers of laminated glass. With a wire saw, you can cut through the layers of glass and the plastic laminate between them. Simply start by making a small crack or opening, then carefully guide the wire saw or glass cutter along the edges to slice through the glass.

Easiest Way To Break A Window From The Outside

If the situation arises where you need to break a car window from the outside to rescue a trapped child or a pet or other dangerous situations, remember that time is critical.

Use a tool like an emergency glass breaker or any hard object you can find, such as a hammer, and focus your strikes on the window’s corners. Be mindful of flying glass and clear a safe opening as quickly as possible. Once the window is broken, act swiftly to remove the child or pet from danger.

Key Takeaways

Emergencies can strike without warning, and being prepared to break a car window can be crucial to survival. Whether you’re inside the vehicle or trying to assist from the outside, having the right tools, such as a glass breaker, and understanding the type of glass you’re dealing with, will ensure a faster, safer escape.