Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces
Many cars today have heightened security features. However, older models typically still have locks on the post that can be opened with some simple techniques.
Certain car manufacturers provide mobile applications that let you unlock your vehicle. You can ask your automaker to see if this service is available to you.
1. Shoelaces
Shoelaces might not seem like the best option when you're locked out of your vehicle, but they can actually be very useful if you know how to use them. If your car has a locking tab that slides up and down vertically, often near the window, you can open it using a pair of shoelaces.
First, remove the shoelaces from a pair of shoes that you're not wearing, then tie a slip knot around the middle of the two shoelaces. Bring both ends together to form a loop around 3/4 of the way down the shoelaces. Then, you can slide the noose down into the crack between your car's door and the frame, and maneuver the shoelace so that it connects to the lock mechanism. It could require some trial and error to get the shoelace to be secured. Once it's hooked you are able to pull both ends together to unlock your car.
The most important thing to remember when using this method is to do it slowly and be sure not to scratch or damage your car during the process. If you can successfully use this method to open your car, it could save you the cost of a locksmith or roadside assistance service and get you back on your way in just a few minutes.
While this is an excellent alternative to other more abrasive methods, like coat hangers (which could scratch your car) It doesn't always work, especially on more sophisticated models of cars. If the locking system of your vehicle isn't responding, you might require a screwdriver or a long wooden bar to open it open.
2. Coat Hanger
Being locked out of your car is one of the most frustrating experiences in our modern lives. Many people may have seen their uncle or father use coat hangers to open the door of their car when they were younger however, this method could be risky and may not work with all cars. The use of a coat hanger to open a car's door could damage the door frame, and in some states it is illegal.
You can unlock your car with an easy wire coathanger by sliding it between the door and door frame. Slide the hanger down into the gap and bend it into an elongated "V" shape to ensure that it has a good grip on the post of the lock. Then, pull upwards on the hanger to loosen the bar or pin that controls the door lock. You may have to move the hook a few times to catch something that will move the lock. However, it shouldn't take much effort to lift the bar.
If you're unable to reach the hook of the coat hanger to let go of the control arm, try putting it in between the window and weather stripping. You may have to look around with the hook end of the coat hanger to find this area, but once you have located it, you can play around with the hanger until you hear your door unlock. This method is risky however it can be an effective way to gain access to your vehicle without key or assistance from a professional. If this doesn't work, you can always contact an emergency roadside assistance service or locksmith for more help.
3. Wooden Wedge
A quick slip of the fingers or a bit of carelessness can leave you without keys in a snap. If you don't wish to wait for AAA roadside assistance, or for a locksmith to show up at your address You'll require a quick way to unlock your vehicle.
You can use any tool that can open a gap between your frame and your door. For example you could use a screwdriver or tennis-ball, or coat hanger. You may have to squirt air into the gap to get it wide enough for your tool to fit through and reach the lock. Be careful not to damage the car.
When they lock their keys in their cars, many people will reach for a pair of pliers or another tool. It's best to use a tool which will not scratch your aluminum trim or paint. Inflatable wedges are ideal for this purpose, and they can be found in a variety of sizes that fit into the majority of doors.
Another alternative is to make use of a long strip of plastic folded in half, such as a grocery bag. Place the strip inside the door that is pried open and, when it is close to the lock, wrap it around the knob and pull upward. This method can be messy, but it's much quicker than using a screwdriver, or a coathanger.
If you own a brand newer car, the lock mechanism may not be in the traditional handle on the outside, but rather on the top of your window, near the weather seal. To unlock a car using this kind of lock, you'll need bend the top of an old wire hanger into a hook, then slide it into the space between the window and the door (or the weather stripping) until it reaches the lever or lock switch.
4. Air Wedge
Air wedges, such as this one from HPC are a standard tool among locksmiths and repo professionals to create working room around the window frame of the car to facilitate entry of tools. They also serve as an effective method to avoid damaging the vehicle while gaining access without a key.
The wedge of the air pump is inserted between the weather stripping and the door to provide the proper pressure. A manual hand pump is then used to inflate a bag that separates the vehicle's door from its window, thereby creating an opening large enough for a car unlocking tool. This makes it easy to break the lock mechanism manually and unlock a car's door without a key.
A good air wedge has an elasticizer to stop it from bursting and a release vent to prevent over-inflation. It will also have a durable, non-marring vinyl bag designed for a variety of uses. They are most effective when they are used in conjunction with a picker or long reach tool for unlocking doors in cars which can be inserted into the wedge to assist move the lock.
It's important to note that a person shouldn't attempt this method to open the door of their car. This could cause damage to the vehicle and require costly repairs at an auto body shop. This is also not a safe way to unlock your car if you've locked your keys inside.
It is suggested to contact an experienced roadside service for assistance if you are stranded. They typically send a skilled, trained technician with the right tools to open the car door without damaging the vehicle. These experts can also help with battery replacement, towing and more.
5. Rod
A rod is a long piece of metal, typically tapered or cylindrical, that supports something else. It can be used in a car to create a gap so you can reach the keys and unlock the doors. It's not easy to master this technique but it's worth a try. If you're fortunate it could be successful.
If you don't feel at ease opening your vehicle yourself you can get someone else to help. You can also hire an auto locksmith. You can locate one near you by searching the internet or in the phone book. You can also purchase an AAA membership that includes roadside assistance. g28carkeys.co.uk will dispatch someone to your location fast and will be able to unlock your vehicle with no hassle.
Many modern cars come with security features that stop people from breaking into them without keys. Older models are more difficult to get into. You can open these vehicles with a coat hanger or a rod. To do this, you must separate the coathanger at the hook and bend the straight end into hook. Slip the hook behind the weather strip and into the door slit to create a gap. Then, insert the rod and then move it to press the door lock switch or slide it.
Some automakers also offer smartphone apps that can help you when you're locked out of your vehicle. BMW and Hyundai, for example have lockout apps that allow you to unlock your car using a smartphone's screen. OnStar is a program offered by other automakers, such as General Motors that can assist you in case your car is locked out. To use these apps you'll need an iPhone 11 or later or Apple Watch Series 5 or later, with the most recent version of watchOS and be within Bluetooth range of your compatible vehicle.