Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces
Many vehicles are now equipped with advanced security features. Older models often come with post locks that can be opened with simple methods.
Certain car manufacturers also offer mobile apps that let you unlock your vehicle. You can check with your automaker if this service is available to you.
1. Shoelaces
If you know how to use them, shoelaces could be a useful device when you're locked out of your car. If your car has an locking tab that moves vertically, typically near the window, you can unlock it with a pair shoelaces.
Then you can tie a slip knot in the middle of two shoelaces. Join both ends and form a loop that runs 3/4 of the way across the shoelaces. Place the noose in the gap between the frame of your car and the door. Then, maneuver the shoelace to hook around the lock mechanism. It could take some trial and error to get the shoelace connected. Once it is, you can pull both ends up to unlock your car.
When using this method, the most important thing to bear in mind is to not scratch or damage your vehicle. If you are able to successfully employ this method to unlock your car, it may help you save the expense of an emergency locksmith or roadside assistance service and get you back on the road in less than a minute.
While this is an excellent alternative to other more abrasive methods, such as using coat hangers (which could scratch your car) It doesn't always work, particularly on the more sophisticated models of cars. In the event that the locking mechanism of your vehicle doesn't respond to this method using a long rod of wood or a screwdriver might be required to open the lock open.
2. Coat Hanger
Being locked out of your car is among the most frustrating experiences that can happen in modern times. Many people have witnessed their uncles or fathers use a coathanger to open a car door when they were young but this could be dangerous and may not work on all cars. Using a hanger to open your car may damage your door's frame and may be illegal in some states.
You can unlock your car with a simple wire coathanger by sliding it between the door and the 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 that it holds tightly on the lock. Pull it up and you'll be able to let go of the pin that controls the lock. It may be necessary to move the hook several times to catch something that will move the lock. It shouldn't take much effort to lift the bar.
If you're not able to get the hook of the coat hanger to let go of the control arm, put it in between the window and the weather stripping. The hook end of the hanger could be required to locate this spot. Once you've located it, jiggle and wiggle until you hear the door open. This method is risky, but can also be a viable method to gain access to your vehicle without a key or professional assistance. If this method doesn't work, you can always contact a roadside assistance company or locksmith to get help.
3. Wooden Wedge
Keys can be lost quickly if you erroneously or make a mistake. If you don't have the means to call AAA roadside assistance or a locksmith, you'll need an emergency solution to unlock your car.
You can use any tool that can open a gap between your frame and your door. For example, you can make use of a screwdriver, tennis-balls, or a coat hanger. You may need to spray air into the gap to make it wide enough for your tool to fit through and reach the lock. Be careful not to damage the car.
A lot of people will use pliers or other tools whenever they lock their keys in their vehicles It's recommended to choose tools that won't scratch or scratch your aluminum trim or paint. Inflatable wedges are perfect for this task, and come in a variety of sizes that will fit on most doors.
Another alternative is to use an extended strip of plastic folded in half, such as grocery bags. Place the strip inside the door that has been opened, and when it's at the lock, wrap it around the knob and pull it up. This method can be messy, but it's faster than using a screwdriver or coathanger.
If you're a more recent model car owner, it's likely the lock mechanism isn't in a traditional handle at the exterior of the car but is instead located on the top of the window, near the weather stripping. To unlock a vehicle with this kind of lock, you will need to bend the wire hanger's tip to form a hook. 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, such as this one from HPC, are a common tool for locksmiths and repo professionals to provide working space around the frame of the car window to facilitate entry of tools. They're also an excellent way to avoid damaging the vehicle if you are unable to enter it with keys.
The air pump wedge operates by sliding between the door and the weather stripping of the door into a position where proper pressure is applied. Then, a manual hand pump is used to fill the bag so that it separates the vehicle door from the window of the vehicle and opens enough to allow for the use of a car unlocking tool. This makes it simple to break the lock mechanism manually and unlock a car door without the need for a key.
A good air wedge has a stiffener to keep it from collapsing and an exit vent to stop over-inflation. It also comes with a heavy-duty vinyl bag that isn't marring and designed to last several times. These wedges can be used with a long-reach car door unlocking tool or a picker that is inserted inside the wedge.
It's important to note that one shouldn't try this method to open the car door. This could result in damage to the vehicle that will require costly repairs at a body shop. It is also not a secure method to open your car if you have locked your keys in.
It is recommended to call a professional roadside assistance service to help you if you're stranded. These services will send a technician trained and experienced with the right tools to open the vehicle door without causing damage to it. They can assist with towing and battery replacement as well as other issues.
5. Rod
A rod is a long, thin metal piece that is typically tapered or cylindrical. It supports another object. In the car, it can be used to make an opening through which you can access your keys and then open the door. This method can be difficult to master, but it's worth trying. If you're lucky it could be successful.
If lockout car service 're not confident trying to open your vehicle or garage, you can ask a friend to help you. You can also employ an auto locksmith. You can find a locksmith near you through the phone book or online. Another option is to purchase an AAA membership, which includes roadside assistance. This service will dispatch someone to your location in a short time, and they can unlock your vehicle with no hassle.
Many modern vehicles come with security features to stop people from breaking in without a key. Older models are simpler to gain entry. It is possible to unlock these vehicles by using a coathanger or rod. To do this, you must separate the coat hanger from its hook and bend its straight side into a hook. Slip the hook behind the weather strip and into the slit of the door to create an opening. Then, insert the rod and then move it to press the door lock switch or slide it.
Some automakers also provide smartphone apps that can aid you if you're locked out of your vehicle. BMW and Hyundai, for example offer lockout applications that let you unlock your car using a smartphone's screen. Other automakers, like General Motors, have an OnStar program that can aid you unlock your car if it's locked out. To access these apps, you'll require 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.