Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces
Many vehicles now have more secure features. Older models often come with post locks that can be opened with simple methods.
Some car makers also have mobile apps that let you unlock your vehicle. Check with your automaker to see if they offer this option available to you.
1. Shoelaces
Shoelaces might not seem like the best tool to use when you're locked out of your car but they can be very helpful when you know how to use them. If your vehicle has an opening tab that can be moved vertically, typically near the window, you can open it with a pair shoelaces.
First, take the shoelaces from any pair of shoes you're not wearing, then tie a slip knot in the middle of the two shoelaces and bring both ends together to form a loop around 3/4 of the way down the shoelaces. Then, pull the noose down into the crack between your car door and its frame. Then, move the shoelace in a way that it is able to connect to the lock mechanism. It could take some trial and error to get the shoelace hooked. Once it's hooked you are able to pull both ends to unlock your car.
The most important thing to keep in mind when using this method is to take your time and be sure not to scratch or damage your car in the process. You can save money by employing this method instead of calling a locksmith or a roadside assistance.
This method is a great alternative to more abrasive methods, such as hanging from a hook, which could scratch your vehicle. However, it might not always work, particularly on more sophisticated models. If your car's locking mechanism does not respond to this method then a long wooden rod or a screwdriver may be required to break the lock open.
2. Coat Hanger
Being locked out of your vehicle is one of the most frustrating experiences that can happen in our modern world. Many people may have seen their parents or uncles use coat hangers to open the door of their car when they were younger however, this method could be a bit dangerous and might not work on all vehicles. Utilizing a hanger for opening your car could damage the door frame and could be illegal in certain states.
A simple coat hanger made of wire can be used to help unlock your car by sliding it into the space between your door and door frame. The coat hanger is inserted into the gap between the door and the frame. Bend it into a small V shape to ensure it is secure against the lock. Pull it up and you will let go of the pin that controls the lock. You may have to move the hook a few times to catch something that can move the lock. However, it should not take a lot of effort to lift the bar.
If service to unlock car 're not able to get the hook of the coat hanger to let go of the control arm, try putting it in between the window and the weather stripping. You may need to feel around with the hook of the coat hanger to locate this spot however once you've located it, you are able to jiggle and wiggle the hanger until you hear your door lock. This method isn't safe however it can be a reliable method to gain access to your vehicle without a key or assistance from a professional. If this doesn't work you can always call an emergency roadside assistance service or locksmith to get help.
3. Wooden Wedge
You could lose your keys quickly if you slip up or are reckless. If you don't wish to wait for AAA roadside assistance or for a locksmith to show up at your address you'll need an immediate method of unlocking your vehicle.
You can use any tool that can open an opening between your frame and your door. For example you could use a screwdriver, tennis-balls, or a coathanger. You may have to spray air into the gap to allow it to be wide enough to insert your tool and reach the lock button, though, so be careful not to scratch your car.
Many people turn to a pair of pliers or other tools when they lock their keys in their cars It's recommended to choose tools that won't scratch or scuff your aluminum trim or paint. Inflatable wedges are the best choice for this purpose and are available in a variety of sizes to fit most doors.
Another option is to use a long strip of plastic folded in half, such as grocery bags. Then, slide the strip through the pried open door and, when it is close to the lock, loop it around the knob and pull it upwards. This method can be messy, but it's faster than using a screwdriver, or a coathanger.
If you're a recent car owner, it's likely that the lock mechanism isn't in a traditional handle at the exterior of the car but is instead located at the top of the window close to the weather stripping. To unlock a car using this kind of lock, you'll have to bend the tip of a wire hanger into a hook, then move it into the space between the window and the door (or the weather stripping) until it reaches the lever or locking switch.
4. Air Wedge
Air wedges, like this one from HPC are a standard tool for repo professionals and locksmiths to create working room around the car window frame for more straightforward tools entry. They are also an excellent method of avoiding damaging the vehicle if you are unable to enter it with the key.
The wedge of the air pump is inserted between the weather stripping and the door to provide the proper pressure. Then, a manual hand pump is used to blow up the bag so that it separates the car door from the window of the vehicle and makes an opening wide enough to accommodate a car unlocking tool. This makes it possible to unlock the door of a vehicle without using a key, by breaking the lock mechanism manual.
A quality air wedge comes with an elasticizer to stop it from bursting and a release vent to prevent over-inflation. It will also come with a durable vinyl bag that isn't marring and built to last dozens of times. The wedges are best utilized with a long-reach vehicle door unlocking tool or a picker that is inserted inside the wedge.
This method is not recommended for opening the car door by someone else. This could result in damage to the vehicle which would require expensive repairs at a bodyshop. Furthermore it's not an appropriate method to gain entry into your car in the case that you've locked your keys inside.
It is suggested that people who are stuck in their car call an experienced roadside assistance service to get help. They typically send a trained, experienced technician with the right tools to open the car door without causing damage to the vehicle. They can also assist with battery replacement, towing and other issues.
5. Rod
A rod is a long, thin metal piece, which is usually cylindrical or tapered. It is a support for another object. It can be used in the car to create a gap so that you can access the keys and unlock the doors. It can be difficult to use this method but it's worth a shot. If you're lucky, it will work.
If you don't feel comfortable opening your car yourself you can get someone to do it. You can also hire locksmith. You can find a locksmith near you by checking the internet or in the phone book. Another option is to get an AAA membership, which provides roadside assistance. This service will send someone to your location quickly and let them unlock your car without any difficulties.
Many modern vehicles come with security features to prevent people from breaking into the vehicle without a key. Older models, however, are more difficult to break into. To unlock these vehicles, make use of a coat hanger or a rod. To do this, separate the coat hanger at its hook and bend the straight side into a hook. Slide the hook over the weather strip and into the slit of the door to create a gap. Then, you can insert the rod and move it until it is depressed or slide the car's door-lock switch.
Some automakers also provide smartphones with apps that can assist you when you're locked out of your vehicle. BMW and Hyundai for instance offer lockout applications which allow you to unlock your car using a smartphone's screen. OnStar is a service offered by other automakers, such as General Motors that can assist you if 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 latest version of watchOS and be within Bluetooth range of your compatible vehicle.