Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces
Many cars are now equipped with enhanced security features. Older models often include post locks that are opened using simple techniques.
Certain car manufacturers offer mobile apps that can unlock your car. Contact your automaker to see if they have this service available for you.
1. Shoelaces
Shoes may not be the most effective tool to use when you're locked out of your vehicle but they can be quite helpful if you know what to do. If your car has an locking tab that slides up and down vertically, usually near the window, you can unlock it with a pair shoelaces.
First, remove the shoelaces from the pair of shoes that 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 about 3/4 of the length of the shoelaces. Place the noose in the crack between the car's frame and the door. Then, move the shoelace so that it connects to the lock mechanism. It may take some trial and trial and error to get the shoelace connected. Once it is you are able to pull both ends up to unlock your car.
When using this method, the most important thing to keep in mind is to be careful to not scratch or damage your vehicle. If you are able to successfully employ this method to unlock your car, it could save you the expense of an emergency locksmith or roadside assistance service and get you back on your way in less than a minute.
While this is a fantastic alternative to other more abrasive methods, like coat hangers (which could scratch your car), it doesn't always work, especially on the more sophisticated models of cars. If the locking system of your vehicle does not respond, you could require an electric screwdriver or a long wooden bar to pry it open.
2. Coat Hanger
Being locked out of your car is among the most frustrating experiences in modern life. Many people may have seen their uncle or father use a coat hanger to open the car door when they were children However, this method can be risky and may not work for all vehicles. Utilizing a hanger for opening your car may damage your door's frame and may be illegal in some states.
A simple wire coat hanger can be used to unlock a car by slipping it through the space between your door and door frame. Slide the coat hanger into the gap between the door and the frame. Bend it into a small V to ensure that it is secure against the lock. Pull the hanger up and you'll be able to let go of the pin that controls the lock. You may have to move the hook back and forth a few times before you find something that can move the lock however it shouldn't take much effort to raise the bar.
If you cannot get the hook of your coat to let go of the control arm, you could try placing it between the window and the weather stripping. The hook end of the hanger might be required to locate this spot. Once you have found it, jiggle and wiggle until you can hear the door unlock. This technique isn't without risk however, it could be a great way to gain entry into your vehicle without the need for professional assistance or a key. If this method doesn't work, you can always contact an emergency roadside assistance service or locksmith for more help.
3. Wooden Wedge
You can lose your keys quickly if you slip up or are careless. If you don't wish to wait for AAA roadside assistance or for a locksmith to show up at your location, you will need a quick way to unlock your vehicle.
You can make use of just about anything that can wedge open an opening between your door and frame, such as a coat hanger, a tennis ball, or even an screwdriver. You may need to spray air into the gap in order to make it large enough for your tool to pass through and reach the lock. Be careful not to scratch the car.
Many people turn to pliers or other tools whenever they lock their keys in their vehicles however, it's better to use an instrument that doesn't scratch or scuff your aluminum trim or paint. Inflatable wedges are perfect for this job, and come in a range of sizes that will fit on most doors.
A long piece of plastic folded in half, like the grocery bag is a second option. Then, slide the strip into the door that you have opened and, when it is inside the lock put it on the knob and pull it upwards. This method can be a bit messy but it's a lot faster than a coat hanger or a screwdriver, which can be difficult to control.
If you're a more recent model car owner, it's likely the lock mechanism doesn't have a traditional handle on the exterior of the vehicle it's situated at the top of the window, close to the weather stripping. To unlock vehicle unlock service with this kind of lock, you'll have bend the wire hanger's tip into hook. Then, slide it into the gap between the door and window (or weather stripping) until it reaches the lever or switch that locks.
4. Air Wedge
Locksmiths and repo professionals use air wedges like this one from HPC to make more room around the window frame of the car to allow them to enter tools easily. They are also an effective option to prevent damaging the vehicle while gaining access without keys.
A wedge of air pumps works by sliding between the door and the weather stripping on the door to an area where the correct pressure is applied. Then, a manual hand pump is used to inflate the bag so that it separates the car door from the vehicle window and makes an opening wide enough for inserting a car-unlocking tool. This enables you to unlock a vehicle door without using a key, by breaking the manual lock mechanism.
A good air wedge should have an elasticizer that stops it from bursting when pumped up and a release valve to prevent over-inflation. It also comes with a heavy-duty vinyl bag that isn't marring and designed to last several times. These wedges work best when coupled with a picker, or a long reach tool for unlocking doors in cars that can be inserted into the wedge to to manipulate the lock.
This method is not recommended to open a car door by someone else. This could cause damage to the vehicle that could require costly repairs at a bodyshop. This is also not a safe method to open your car when you have locked your keys inside.
It is recommended that people who are stranded in their vehicle contact a professional roadside assistance service to seek assistance. These services will send a technician who is skilled and knowledgeable with the correct tools to open the car door without causing any damage. These experts can also assist with battery replacement, towing and more.
5. Rod
A rod is a thin, long, metal piece, usually tapered or cylindrical. It is a support for another object. In the car, it can be used to create a gap through which you can reach your keys and open the door. It can be difficult to maneuver this method, but it is worth a try. If you're lucky, it'll work.
If you don't feel comfortable opening your car yourself, you can ask someone else to help. You can also hire an auto locksmith. You can locate one near you by checking the internet or calling. You can also purchase an AAA membership that provides roadside assistance. The service will dispatch someone to your location quickly and allow them unlock your car with no difficulties.
Many modern cars come with security features that can stop someone from breaking into them without a key. Older models are easier to break in. You can open these vehicles using a coathanger or rod. To do this, separate the coat hanger at its hook and bend its straight side into the shape of a hook. To create an opening, slide the hook behind the weather strip into the door slit. Then, insert the rod and move it to depress or slide the car's door lock switch.
Certain automakers have smartphones with apps that can help you unlock your car when you're locked out. For instance, BMW and Hyundai offer the lockout app that lets you to unlock your car with the smartphone screen. Other automakers, such as General Motors, have an OnStar program that can help you if your vehicle is locked out. To access these apps, you'll need an iPhone 11 or later or Apple Watch Series 5 or later running the most current version of watchOS and be within Bluetooth range of your compatible vehicle.