Since it seems like there have been a rash of 5th Gen break-ins in the past week or so, it got me thinking about my own experience with vehicle break-ins. In both instances, the entry way was through the driver's side door window on my 05 Tacoma. It seems that this same technique has been used in every instance of break-in I've seen on the 4Runners here as well.

I've had limited experience with anti-shatter films for building windows before, so I was curious if such a thing existed specifically for vehicle applications as well and I came across this: Safety and Security Window Film: LLumar Automotive Films

The demonstration video certainly makes it seem as though it is effective, and I know the films I've seen for home/commercial use are pretty good. Anyone have any experience with these types of films?

This is highly relevant to my circumstances.

Watch the video if you haven't - pretty cool.

I installed it myself on my last car. A mustang GT. I think it was a product called shatterguard, but would have to look it up.

Lessons learned. I'm not that great at window tinting. Having a dog around will get at least one hair under the film. I never got to test it out because no one every tried to bust my window, shot my car, and I didn't crash it.

I tried to find a place to do it for the 4runner, but ended up just going to a place in FL on vacation. I figured they are good at doing tint in FL, maybe better than a midwest shop. I think he was, and it was cheap.

That stuff is awesome. I got to get me some of that stuff installed!

Here's another video.

On my phone so can't really watch the vids, so not sure if the vid addresses this or not, what happens when your in an accident and need to break the window to escape?

Or when you use the window breakers to try and break in?

I was thinking about the same thing and whether or not it would make a difference. I can't find a demonstration anywhere that uses a specifically designed glass breaker such as that. Tempered safety glass is by nature stronger than regular plate glass, and I've seen this type of product work wonders on regular plate glass. I would really like to setup an impartial test to see how this stuff really works (but not if I'm paying for it). Here's another video:

I was thinking the same thing about having to break in or out in the event of an accident and would the window breaker work; I guess there's always the front and rear windshields. I don't know, but, I don't think those are common entry points.
The video is compelling and makes sense. Like most people, my windows are tinted, so, I'm wondering if the 3M tinting material does the same thing. Anyone know?

This stuff will be a death wish in an accident. Let em break in, you just lose "stuff". In an accident, you could lose your life when paramedics cannot get to you. As for breaking out the front window, good luck with that one! Go to a junk yard and try, that isn't happening!

It doesn't. All it does is hold the glass together after it's been broken.

Agreed. Great product for your home where you could open the window if needed but I would not use it for a car. FYI, the front window is actually two pieces of glass with film in between.

Don't agree with you here, gents. In the event of an accident and the situation where one needs to be extricated from a vehicle by first responders it's a very controlled process that utilizes specialized tools. Paramedics aren't going to go ripping people through windows like some action film hero. Also, if you check-out the videos you can see that the glass has no problem breaking due to the impact of a crash, so the first responders would simply have to use some kind of pry bar to remove the glass.

Agree or not, it is fact. I have this stuff on the windows of my store. I watched (on video) someone BEATING on them with a sledge hammer. BEATING. I came in the next morning to the window still being up and perfectly in the frame.

I am not ridiculous, I do not think that EMTs will be ripping people through the windows after they rip the glass out like its a movie. However, when doors are locked on impact, and someone is knocked out, how do you figure they get in? Smash the window out, open the door, and get them out.

Here is another scenario, figuring your thoughts that a pry bar will get you in easily. How about an accident that the vehicle is on fire, would you want to have to wait on paramedics to try to bust you out or would you rather have a bystander have a chance to do it? No thanks, you can have the stereo. Id like to not have to deal with this potential issue.