Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces
Many vehicles are now equipped with enhanced security features. Older models still often have post locks which can be opened using simple techniques.
Some car manufacturers offer mobile apps that allow you to unlock your vehicle. Check with your car manufacturer to see if they have 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 useful when you know what to do. If your vehicle has a locking tab that moves vertically, usually near the window, you can open it with a pair shoelaces.
Then, tie a slip knot through the middle of two shoelaces. Join both ends and form a loop 3/4 of the way along the shoelaces. Place the noose in the crack between the frame of your car and the door. Then, you can move the shoelace so that it connects to the lock mechanism. This may require a time and trial however once the shoelace is secured, simply pull up on both ends to unlock your car.
The most important thing to keep in mind when using this method is to work slowly and be sure not to scratch or damage your car during the process. If you can successfully use this method to unlock your car, it could help you save the cost of roadside assistance or a locksmith service and get you back on track in just a few minutes.
While this is an excellent alternative to other methods, such as using a coat hanger (which can scratch your car) however, it may not always work, particularly on more advanced models of cars. If your car's locking mechanism does not respond, you could need to use the screwdriver or long wooden bar to get it open.
2. Coat Hanger
Being locked out of your car is one of the most frustrating events that can happen in modern times. Many people have witnessed their fathers or uncles use coat hangers to open a car door when they were young but this could be risky and not work on all cars. The use of a coat hanger to open a car door can harm the door's frame and in certain states, it is illegal.
A simple coat hanger made of wire can be used to unlock your car by sliding it in the gap between your door and frame. Place the coat hanger in the gap between the door and the frame. Bend it into a small V to ensure that it holds tightly on the lock. Pull it up and you'll be able to release the pin that controls the lock. It is possible to move the hook around a few times before you catch something that can move the lock, but it should not require a lot of effort to pull the bar up.
If you cannot get the hook of your coat to release the control arm you can try placing it between the window and the weather stripping. The hook end of the hanger may be needed to locate the area. Once you have found it then jiggle and wiggle until you hear the door open. This method can be risky, but it can also be a great way to gain entry into your vehicle without the need for professional assistance or the use of a key. 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 erroneously or make a mistake. And if you don't have the ability to call AAA roadside assistance or a locksmith, you'll need something quick to unlock your vehicle.
You can use anything that can open a gap between your frame and door. For example, you can use a screwdriver, tennis-ball, or coat hanger. You may need to spray air into the gap in order to make it wide enough for your tool to pass through and reach the lock. Be careful not to damage the car.
A lot of people will use a pair of pliers or other tools when they lock their keys inside their cars It's recommended to choose a tool that won't scratch or scuff your aluminum trim or paint. Inflatable wedges work well for this purpose, and they are available in a variety of sizes that fit inside the majority of doors.
A long piece of plastic folded in half, similar to bags for grocery shopping, is another alternative. Then, slide the strip into the door that was opened, and when it reaches the lock put it on the knob and pull it upward. This method is a bit messy but it's a lot faster than the coat hanger or screwdriver, which can be difficult to control.
If you have a more modern vehicle the lock mechanism might not be located in the traditional handle on the outside, but instead in the middle of your window, right next to the weather seal. To unlock a car using this style of lock, you'll need bend the top of a wire hanger into a hook, then slide it into the space between the door and the window (or the weather stripping) until you reach the lever or locking switch.
4. Air Wedge
Air wedges, such as this one from HPC, are a common tool among locksmiths and repo professionals to make room around the window frame of the car to facilitate entry of tools. They are also a great way to prevent damaging the vehicle if you can't get into it using the key.
The wedge of the air pump is inserted between the weather stripping and the door to provide the proper pressure. A hand pump that is manual is then used to fill a bag that separates the vehicle's door from its window, creating an opening large enough to fit a car unlocking tool. This enables you to unlock a door without keys by breaking the lock mechanism manually.
A good air wedge has a stiffener to prevent it from collapsing and an exit vent to stop over-inflation. It should also come with a heavy-duty, non-marring vinyl bag that's built for dozens of applications. These wedges can be used with a long-reach car door unlocking tool or picker that is inserted in the wedge.
car lockouts to note that one shouldn't use this method to open the car door. This could cause damage to the vehicle which could require costly repairs at a bodyshop. This is also not a secure method to unlock your car if you have locked your keys inside.
It is suggested to contact a professional roadside service for assistance if stuck. These services will send a technician well-trained and has the correct tools to open the vehicle door without causing any damage. These experts can assist with towing and battery replacement among other things.
5. Rod
A rod is a long piece of metal, typically cylindrical or tapered, that is used to support another. It can be used in cars to create a gap in which you can access the keys and unlock the doors. This technique can be difficult to maneuver, but it's worth trying. If you're fortunate it could be successful.
If you don't feel at ease opening your vehicle yourself You can ask someone to do it. You can also employ a locksmith. You can locate locksmiths in your area through the phone book or online. Another option is to get an AAA membership, which includes roadside assistance. This service will dispatch a person to your location quickly, and they can unlock your vehicle without difficulty.
Many newer vehicles have security features to stop people from breaking into the vehicle without keys. Older models are more difficult to get into. To unlock these vehicles, you need to use a coat hanger, or rod. To do this, you must separate the coathanger from the hook and bend the straight end into a hook. The hook should be slipped behind the weather strip and into the slit of the door to create a gap. Then, you can insert the rod and move it to depress or slide the car's door lock switch.
Some automakers offer apps for smartphones that help unlock your car if you are locked out. BMW and Hyundai for instance, offer lockout apps that let you unlock your car using the smartphone's screen. Other automakers, including 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 in Bluetooth range.