How Bulletproof is a Car?

Published on October 4, 2025
Duration: 15:28

This video tests the ballistic protection offered by a standard car, debunking movie myths. It reveals that common handguns like .380 ACP and .45 ACP can penetrate car doors, while 9mm FMJ rounds can pass through both doors. The engine block proved to be the only reliable cover, stopping a .50 caliber round. Windshields offer minimal protection, with 5.56 rounds easily penetrating.

Quick Summary

The engine block is the most reliable ballistic cover on a standard car. In tests, it successfully stopped a .50 caliber round, unlike doors, windshields, or body panels which offer minimal protection against most firearm calibers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Movie Myths vs Reality
  2. 01:40Handgun Door Penetration Tests
  3. 04:469mm and Crossbow Tests
  4. 06:38Engine Block Protection Test
  5. 08:18Windshield Ballistics Test
  6. 11:49Full Length .50 Caliber Penetration

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a car door stop bullets?

A standard car door offers limited protection. While smaller calibers like .22 LR and .380 ACP may be stopped, 9mm FMJ rounds can penetrate both front and rear doors. .45 ACP rounds can also cause significant damage or penetration.

What part of a car is bulletproof?

The engine block is the most reliable ballistic cover on a standard car. In tests, it successfully stopped a .50 caliber round, unlike doors, windshields, or body panels which offer minimal protection.

Will a 9mm round penetrate a car door?

Yes, a 9mm FMJ round was shown to successfully penetrate both the driver and passenger doors of a standard sedan during testing, indicating it is not reliable cover.

How effective is a car windshield against gunfire?

Car windshields offer very little protection. Rounds like .22 LR, 9mm, and 5.56 were all shown to penetrate the glass easily, with the larger calibers passing through the entire cabin.

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