Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces
Many cars are now equipped with enhanced security features. Older models usually have post locks which are opened using simple methods.
Some car manufacturers offer mobile apps to unlock your vehicle. Check with your automaker to see if this service is available to you.
1. Shoelaces
Shoelaces may not be the best option when you're locked out of your car however they can be quite helpful if you know how to use them. 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.
Then, tie a slip knot in the middle of two shoelaces. Bring both ends together and form an elongated loop 3/4 of the way across the combined shoelaces. Then, you can slide the knot into the gap between your car door and its frame and maneuver the shoelace so that it hooks around the lock mechanism. It could take some trial and trial and error to get the shoelace hooked. Once it's hooked, you can pull both ends together 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. You can save money by using this method instead of calling for locksmith or roadside assistance.
While this is a great alternative to other methods, like a coat hanger (which can scratch your car) It doesn't always work, especially on more sophisticated models of vehicles. If your car's locking mechanism doesn't respond, you may need to use the screwdriver or long wooden bar to get it open.
2. Coat Hanger
Being locked out of your vehicle is one of the most frustrating experiences that can happen in modern times. Many people may have witnessed their parents or uncles use coat hangers to open the door of their car when they were younger however, this method could be a little risky and might not work on all cars. The use of coat hangers to open a door in a car can harm the door's frame and in some states it is illegal.
You can unlock your car with a simple coathanger made of wire by sliding it between the door and the frame. Slide the hanger down into this gap and bend it into the shape of a small "V" shape so that it gets a good grip on the lock post. Pull up on the hanger and you will let go of the pin which controls the lock. You may need to move the hook around several times before you find something that causes the lock to move, but it should not take much effort to pull the bar up.
If you're unable to get the hook of your coat to release the control arm you could try placing it between the window and the weather stripping. You may need to feel around using the hook of the coat hanger to find this area, but once you have located it, you are able to move the hanger until you hear your door lock. This method isn't safe, but can also be a reliable method to gain access to your vehicle with no key or professional assistance. If this doesn't work, you can call a roadside service or locksmith to get more help.
3. Wooden Wedge
A quick slip of the fingers or a moment of negligence can result in you losing your keys in a hurry. If you don't have the ability to call AAA roadside assistance or locksmith services, you'll require an emergency solution to unlock your car.
You can use any tool that can open up an opening between your frame and your door. For example you could make use of a screwdriver, tennis-ball, or coat hanger. You may need to inject some air into the space to allow it to be wide enough for you to insert your tool and reach the lock button but be cautious not to cause damage to your vehicle.
Many people use a pair of pliers or other tools when they lock their keys inside their vehicles It's recommended to use tools that won't scratch or scratch your paint or aluminum trim. Inflatable wedges are the best choice for this purpose and are available in a variety of sizes that will fit on most doors.
A long length of plastic folded in half, like the grocery bag, is another alternative. Slide the strip into the pried open door and, when it is close to the lock, wrap it around the knob and pull it upwards. This method can be a bit messy, but it's more efficient than the coat hanger or screwdriver that can be difficult to control.
If you're a more recent model car owner, it's likely the lock mechanism isn't located in a traditional handle at the outside of the vehicle but instead is located on the top of the window near the weather stripping. To unlock a car with this kind of lock, you will need bend the wire hanger tip into hook. Then, slide it into the gap between the window and door (or weather stripping), until it reaches the locking lever or switch.
4. Air Wedge
Air wedges, like this one from HPC, are a common tool used by repo and locksmith professionals to make 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 when gaining access without keys.
An air pump wedge works by sliding between the door and the weather stripping on the door to an area where the correct pressure is applied. A hand pump manual is then used to fill a bag that separates the door of the vehicle from its window, forming an opening large enough to fit a car unlocking tool. This makes it simple to break the manual lock mechanism and unlock a car door without the need for a key.
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 should also come with a tough, non-marring, vinyl bag designed for a variety of applications. These wedges are best utilized with a long-reach vehicle door unlocking tool or a picker that can be put into the wedge.
It is important to remember that a person shouldn't attempt this method to open the door of their car. This could result in damage to the vehicle that would require expensive repairs at a bodyshop. Furthermore it's not an ideal method of getting into your vehicle in the event that you've locked your keys inside.
It is recommended to contact an experienced roadside service to help you if you're stranded. They will send a technician who is well-trained and has the correct tools to open the car door without causing damage to it. These experts can help with towing and battery replacement as well as other issues.
5. Rod
A rod is a long, thin metal piece, which is usually cylindrical or tapered. It is used to support another object. In the car, it can be used to make a gap that allows you to reach your keys and unlock the door. This method isn't easy to maneuver however it's worth a try. If you're fortunate this method could be successful.
If you're not at ease opening your vehicle yourself you can get someone to do it. You can also hire an auto locksmith. You can locate one near you by checking the internet or calling. You can also sign up for an AAA membership that comes with roadside assistance. The service will dispatch someone to your location soon, and you can have them unlock your car with no difficulties.
A lot of newer cars come with security features that stop people from breaking into them without keys. Older models are easier to gain entry. You can unlock these vehicles using a coathanger or rod. To accomplish this, you'll need to separate the coathanger from the hook and bend the straight end to form hook. To create a gap between the hook and the weather strip into the door slit. Insert the rod, and then move it until you can depress the door lock switch or slide it.
key unlock service provide smartphones with apps that can assist you if you're locked out of your car. For instance, BMW and Hyundai offer a lockout app that allows you to unlock your car with the smartphone screen. Other automakers, like General Motors, have an OnStar program that can aid you if your vehicle is locked out. You'll need to have an iPhone 11 or newer or Apple Watch Series 5 with the most recent version watchOS, and be within Bluetooth range.