Armored cars are not just for the military or for James Bond movies; they are a necessity for civilians on a daily basis. Here is some basic information about armored cars: who might need one, and the mechanics of how these remarkable cars protect lives.

In the last 100 years or so, the world has undergone some very radical changes. Advances in technology and science have brought us computers, put men on the moon, and eradicated some of the planet's most insidious diseases. Unfortunately, these technological capabilities have been used for ill as well, and the days are long gone when high profile people could saunter out on the street unprotected.

Today, people who may be targeted for violent crime need to move around in cars that look like everyone else but have built in safeguards to protect against gunfire, explosives, and other forms of physical assault. Armored vehicles are the cars that fill this function: on the outside they may look like very normal transportation, but under the outer shells they are like military tanks.

Who uses armored cars?

When most people think of armored cars, they think of the President of the United States' motorcade traveling slowly down a boulevard; but there are many people in lesser positions who need similar protection. Politicians and ambassadors are regular passengers, and even mega-rich entrepreneurs who may worry about kidnapping or disgruntled employee reprisals. Armored cars are common in locations where violent incidents are more likely to happen, such as Iraq, Russia, Mexico City, and even Washington, D.C. Military contractors currently operating in Iraq use armored cars as standard vehicles because of the daily dangers they face.

How do they work?

Although a small percentage of armored cars are factory produced, most are regular automobiles that have been retrofitted to this purpose. One of the protective assets of a civilian armored car is that it is fairly inconspicuous: they pass Washington D.C residents on the roads every day and the other drivers don't even know it.

Layers of strong metal armor are put under the outer skin of the car to render the body of the automobile more impermeable to shrapnel and other penetrating materials. Regular windows and windshields are then replaced with high quality bulletproof glass for added safety. These are the standard features of armored cars, but buyers can choose to add other features as well such as run-flat tires, explosion-resistant fuel tanks, and even self-contained air supply systems.

Although the car looks virtually the same once the changes are made, it will be carrying around significant additional weight. For this reason, armored car retro fitters will outfit the vehicle with a more powerful engine and stronger brakes.

Using armored cars for transportation has become an essential part of life for those who operate in the public eye or who live and work in dangerous places around the world.