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-   -   Anti-Theft Measure : Etching registration number on the windows (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/street-experiences/16860-anti-theft-measure-etching-registration-number-windows-3.html)

It is meant to be there on all windows and windshields.
If the car is stolen, it will be expensive for the gang behind this to replace all the glasses, and hence acts as a deterrent.
We got it done for all our cars, though I am not sure of the cost.

Etching is done on all the 4 windows, front and rear windscreens, so thats 6 glasses that need changing. Logic is that thieves will usually not go to the trouble of changing all those glasses, when they can flick another car without etching. IMO, its a good cheap deterrent to a car thief.

1500 is way too expensive. Take it to any glass shop. They will do the etching in 200 or 300 rupees at most.

What if we apply for NOC and sell the car, or get it registered in a different state? The numbers would conflict? And how visible is this number etching for cars that have sun-film?

Hi ,

As mentioned by everyone its just a deterrent to thieves. Changing all windows and wind screen is tedious procedure and costs a lot of money.

Does anyone know where I can get this done in Mumbai? If possible around Andheri East, Bandra or Chembur.

The JMD dealer are charging ridiculous rates for something as small as this. Today another person quoted me Rs 2000....

Regards,
Kunaal

Sun film doesn't hamper its visibility to a great degree. I have sun films on my old Zen and the number is fairly visible. Will try and get a pic and post here for reference.

I think the traffic police were asking people to get the windows etched earlier as a precaution measure not compulsory.

Pricing should be around 200, the cops even did it for 50 initially (I remember some one on T-BHP had mentioned that)

In the USA, the VIN of the vehicle is present on bottom the windsheild and rear wind screen. Do not remember if it was etched or printed on the material behind the glass.

I think this is a good idea and very useful, esp if it is in a place where it is hard to notice. There is a chance the thief might not even notice it.
It is just another hurdle for the thief, It makes stealing more difficult (or help the police to identify a stolen car),

I did read about this quite some time back and have even seen it on someones cars in Gurgaon. I found it quite odd and unnecessary at that time.

Incase it is mandated, and talking of it helping during car theft and identity, how long would it take someone to etch it away or scrape it away with a sharp object. Then whats the proof.

Guys, nothing can make your car theft-proof. You still lock the doors, don't you? Number-etching on the windows is one such additional deterrent and could make your car less appealing to the thief. If you have the time & inclination, it's definitely a recommended step.

It also helps cops in identifying your car if & when they find it abandoned. If the thief wants to sell it off, it's an additional headache for him to change all the glasses.

Related Thread 1

Related Thread 2

Impossible to etch or scrape it away without damaging or breaking the glass.

Have similar etching on my M800. Was then enfored in UP when we were at Noida. Reads on all glasses as UP14C xxxx (Similar to what you get etched on steel utensils :) )

Now we've moved back to Bangalore and Regn. no. has changed. Glass still reads UP14C xxxx. Funny. I cannot change it as it will make the glasses like a poster wall IMO

Actually you can do it yourself. Here's a link of how you can do it. Instead of the pattern you can put your registration number.
How To Do Glass Etching - How to Etch Glass
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_etching

So what happens when the car is sold and the buyer wants to re-register in another state or RTO ? It could make your car less appealing to thieves but also to second hand buyers.

Still most users wont be looking at selling out of the state. Given all the pros and cons, think it is a wise move.

Of course the better option would be if the manufacturers themselves etched the VIN.

Interesting to see renewed interested in etched windows. I got mine done in 1988 !! Nowadays you do not see that facility available anywhere. Whereas that should be mandatory to deter car thefts. When will the cops realise that AND implement it ??

Yes it is a problem if the car is sold in another state. But as a % how many ?? Very negligible.

Hope this window etching thing starts again. I remember I had sand blasted numbers etched for Rs.20/- if memory serves me right !!!







Cheerio

I wonder if they'll even etch a single letter for that price now.

Anyway, if it is indeed revived now, I hope it does not end up filling the cops' pockets.

I remember when the rule to change the registration plates came up, the cops made the most money randomly saying a particular style is illegal etc.

Is there any way, the etching can be manipulated/removed?