Car Escape Tools: Glass Breaker, Seatbelt Cutter & More

Even with the paramount modern safety features in cars and strict traffic rules in the UAE, the probability of a car crash or a rollover is not entirely eliminated. Some risk factors such as human error or technical failure are always there. Some scenarios can be life-threatening but with access to proper car escape tools, you can increase the chances of your survival.

Here is a guide on how to use a car escape tool to break free from your car during any mishap or accident.

CAR ESCAPE TOOLS

Car escape tools are available in a wide variety as manufacturers come up with creative ways to integrate more functions. Among the versatile features of tools available, a window breaker and seatbelt cutter are the prime requirements for a car escape tool.

WINDOW BREAKER

tool for breaking side window of car — By pressing the sharp metal tip of the window breaker, you can break the side glass and escape in an emergency

A window or glass breaker has a sharp metal tip that can be pressed against the window to break them. Usually available in the market in various styles, the hammer is often integrated with other tools to serve as a multi-tool. Glass breakers come in two styles, the standard hammer style and the spring-loaded style.

The standard hammer style requires strength to swing in order to break the window. Meanwhile, the spring loaded glass breaker takes away the need of swinging. It works by pressing the metal tip against the glass and triggering the spring to shatter or break the window.

Unfortunately, such safety measures also lead to a drawback. The laminated glass is too resistant against the glass breakers. In such scenarios, you can opt for rear side windows, which might still be made of tempered glass. Nonetheless, it’s best to find out the car window glass type so you can take action accordingly during emergency situations.

SEATBELT CUTTER

Car seatbelt cutter is often available as a multi-tool just like the glass breaker tool. Unlike standard knives, the belt cutter consists of a sharp blade with a guided slot to prevent injuries in panic situations.

Moreover, some tool manufacturers such as ResQme have multi-tool equipped with a spring loaded glass breaker and a seatbelt cutter. These tools prove handy at any emergency situations where the driver or user can use the same multi-tool to cut seatbelt and break window to escape from the car.

DESIRED FEATURES FOR CAR ESCAPE TOOLS

features of car escape tools — Colour, LED light and keychain slot are some of the features to look for when buying car emergency escape tools

Market is packed with a range of car escape tools. Apart from spring loaded glass breaker and seatbelt cutter, look out for the following essential features when opting to buy one:

Mountable Support: Larger multi-tools with secured bracket allow installation in easy to reach location in the car.
Keychain: Portable car escape tool keychain should always be within driver’s reach.
LED light: A flashlight can be integral in night situation and can be used to alert others.
Colour: Like most emergency tools, bright colours are preferable so the tools can be located easily during accidental scenarios.

Some companies also market car escape tools with some maintenance tools to capture the public interest. For instance, along with essential escape tools, it may feature tools just like a Swiss army knife along with a digital tyre pressure gauge and tyre pressure release tool.

Modern cars are now packed with cutting edge safety features to make the diving experience safer and comfortable. Features like emergency brake and front collision sensor can prevent accidents due to human error. Explore some of the used cars for sale in the UAE to get a taste of high tech features:

Keep reading UAE’s top auto blog to find out more tips and hacks on how to deal with car emergency situations.