Vehicle Theft/Break-in Prevention Film

[limamike]

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?

 

[joneseyyy]

This is highly relevant to my circumstances.

 

[gray street]

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

 

[Mick1]

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. :violin:

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.

 

[TOPDECK]

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

 

[limamike]

Here's another video.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oN1TnQtRUfw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[whodat]

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?

 

[deekoi]

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?

 

[limamike]

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:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QRR2v2A3o2E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[cityblues]

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?

 

[brockeverly]

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!

 

[limamike]

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?

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

 

[phillyd2]

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!

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.

 

[limamike]

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.

 

[brockeverly]

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.

 

[Qjake]

Looks like impressive stuff though I usually discount the results of a test conducted by any company on their own product. As Limamike said, an impartial test is the only way to truly test a product. If afterall it does work as they say then Brock has hit the nail right on the head! You might as well put keyed deadbolts on the inside of your home.

If they want in they will get in no matter what you do to deter them, don't sacrifice your own safety for material possessions. That is what we pay outrageous amounts of money to auto insurance companies for.

 

[Antman]

If I can't break it with one of my pocket knives, which I ALWAYS have with me, I don't want it. If I need to get out fast, or get IN fast to get a family member out, I would NOT want that stuff on there!

Looks like it works good though- from the video. I would like a crack at it with a BFH! :lmao:

 

[phillyd2]

I happen to know of this company first hand and they are the real deal. Others offer similar products but they are the best. Stuff works unbelievably well for homes, store fronts, etc. Works great on cars too if the before mentioned risks are not a concern to you.

I'm not as worried about The Arnold getting me out of burning car during a terrorist attack but I am concerned if I ever need to break myself out. Not to say I'm not a super hero type guy, you understand. :lmao:

 

[Qjake]

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.

Again I totally agree! Yes we certainly do have the tools, we can open an armored car door in less than a minute. All this does you absolutely no good if we are not on scene and you need out NOW! Imagine you went into the water or your vehicle is on fire... We take our trucks off road, some of us WAY off road, how long for first responders to arrive then? Hours maybe? The sun will kill ya. They are material possessions they are replaceable you are not.

 

[SOcalTRAIL]

All window tint adds some level of structural integrity to the glass it is adhered to. Some more than others.

The thing is... If someone wants to break into your car... their gonna do it. Plain and simple. The security film doesn't defy the laws of physics, it just modifies the characteristics of the glass. A glass punch of some sort of focused pressure on the glass WILL compromise it. The glass will stay adhered to the film but it will compromise. Seen it quite a few times, with both security film and UV tint film. Like someone else said, that is what we have insurance for.

On a side note, I happen to be a first responder / EMT and can say that if you are in a vehicle accident bad enough to need extrication, the impact probably busted the windows for the responder's and depending on the situation... the driver and or passengers are in need of c-spine immobilization so nobody is ripping anyone out of anywhere. That said, I would say that most professional first responders should have the tools and be able to remove the glass whether it be tinted with UV tint, security film or whatever. I have yet to see of or hear of a situation window film causes a FR to not be able to gain access to a car. However, it may be a different story if you needed to self extricate from inside your vehicle, you may have a difficult time if you are injured, dont have a glass breaker or tool and are away from rescue.

On another side note, I had my 2005 Double Cab Tacoma with window film broken into. Thieves busted the front driver's side window, the glass sure as hell stayed attached to the film and it looked as if they punched a hole straight through the glass with something pointy and pryed the glass out, film and all. The bad part was the glass was shattered and stuck to the film and layed out against the outer door skin. It looked like the thief was in a hurry and jumped leaned through the now opened window to grab my ipod and in doing so, did almost $500 dollars in paint and body damage as he leaned on the sheet of broken glass and the door. Insurance covered it. I have pics somewhere, I will try to find them and post.