Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces

Many cars today have more secure features. However, older models typically still have post locks that can be opened with a few simple methods.

Some car manufacturers also have mobile apps that let you unlock your vehicle. Check with your car manufacturer to see if they offer this service for you.

1. Shoelaces

If you are able to make use of them, shoelaces can be a great device when you're locked out of your vehicle. If you have a vehicle with an locking tab mechanism that can be moved vertically up and down, usually by the window, there's an easy method that you can use to unlock your car with only a pair of shoelaces.

Then tie a slip knot in the middle of two shoelaces. Bring both ends together to form a loop 3/4 of the way across the shoelaces. Now, slide the resulting knot down into the crack between your car's door and its frame and maneuver the shoelace so that it connects to the lock mechanism. This may require a bit of trial and error however once the shoelace is hooked, 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 careful not to scratch or damage your car in the process. If you are able to successfully employ this method to unlock your car, it may save you the expense of roadside assistance or a locksmith service and get you back on your way in less than a minute.

While this is an excellent alternative to other abrasive methods, like a coat hanger (which can scratch your car) however, it may not always work, particularly on more advanced models of cars. In the event that your car's locking mechanism does not respond to this method using a long rod of wood or a screwdriver may be needed to pry the lock open.

2. Coat Hanger

Being locked out of your car is one of the most frustrating things that can happen in our modern world. Many people have seen their parents or uncles use coathangers to open car door when they were kids however, this is risky and not work on all cars. The use of a hanger to open your car could damage the door's frame, and is illegal in some states.

You can unlock car keys your car with a simple coathanger made of wire by sliding it between the door and the frame. Slide the coat hanger into the gap between the frame and the door. Bend it into a small V to ensure that it is secure against the lock. Pull it up and you will release the pin that controls the lock. You may need to move the hook back and forth a few 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 not able to reach the hook of the coat hanger out of the control arm, you can try putting it in between the window and weather stripping. The hook end of the hanger could be needed to locate the area. Once you've located it, jiggle and wiggle until you hear the door unlock. This technique isn't without risk however it can be a great way to gain access to your vehicle without having to seek professional assistance or keys. If this doesn't work you can always call a roadside assistance company or locksmith for more help.

3. Wooden Wedge

Keys can be lost quickly if you erroneously or are reckless. And if you don't have the ability to call AAA roadside assistance or a locksmith, you'll need something quick to unlock your car.

You can use any tool that can open the gap between your frame and door. For instance, you can use a screwdriver, tennis-ball, or coat hanger. You may need to squirt some air into the space to make it wider enough to insert your tool and reach the lock button but be cautious not to damage your car.

Many people use a pair of pliers or other tools whenever they lock their keys inside their vehicles however, it's better to use tools that won't scratch or scuff the aluminum trim or paint. Inflatable wedges work well for this purpose, and they can be found in various sizes that fit into the majority of doors.

A long strip of plastic, folded in half like the grocery bag, is another option. Slide the strip inside the door that was opened, and when it is inside the lock, wrap it around the knob and pull it upwards. This method can be a bit messy but it's a lot faster than hanging a coat or using a screwdriver, which is difficult to control.

If you're a recent car owner, it's likely that the lock mechanism doesn't have a traditional handle on the outside of the vehicle but instead is located at the top of the window near the weather stripping. To unlock a car with this type of lock you'll need bend the wire hanger tip into hook. Place it in the gap between the window and Unlock Your Car the door (or weather stripping) until it reaches the switch or lever that locks.

4. Air Wedge

Professionals in the field of locksmiths and repo use air wedges like this one from HPC to make more room around the car window frame so that they can access tools with ease. They are also an excellent option to prevent damaging the vehicle when gaining entry without a key.

The wedge of the air pump is inserted between the weather stripping and the door to apply the right pressure. Then, a hand pump is used to inflate the bag to the point that it separates the car door from the window of the vehicle and opens enough to allow for the use of a car unlocking tool. This enables you to unlock a door without keys by breaking the lock mechanism manual.

A good air wedge should have a stiffener that prevents it from bursting when pumped up, and a release valve to avoid over-inflation. It also comes with a heavy-duty vinyl bag that isn't marring and designed to last several times. These wedges are best when used with a long-reach automobile door unlocking tool or Unlock Your Car picker that can be put inside the wedge.

It's important to know that a person shouldn't attempt this method to open their own car door. This could result in damage to the vehicle which would require expensive repairs at a body shop. This is also not a safe method to unlock your car if you have locked your keys inside.

It is suggested to contact a professional roadside assistance service for assistance if stuck. These services will send a technician who is trained and experienced with the correct tools to open the vehicle door without damaging it. They can also assist with towing, battery replacement and more.

5. Rod

A rod is a long, thin, metal piece, usually cylindrical or tapered. It supports another object. In the car, it can be used to make a gap that allows you to reach your keys and open the door. This method isn't easy to master but it's worth trying. If you're fortunate this method could work.

If you aren't at ease opening your vehicle yourself you can get someone else to do it. You can also hire locksmith. You can locate one near you by searching the internet or phone book. You can also purchase an AAA membership that provides roadside assistance. The service will dispatch someone to your home or office within a short time and allow them unlock your car with no hassles.

Many newer cars have security features that stop people from breaking into them without keys. Older models are more difficult to break into. You can open these vehicles using a coathanger or a rod. To do this, separate the coat hanger at its hook and bend the straight side into a hook. Slip the hook behind the weather strip and into the slit of the door to create an opening. Insert the rod, and then move it until you can depress the door lock switch, or slide it.

Some automakers offer smartphones with apps that can help you unlock your car if you are locked out. For instance, BMW and Hyundai offer an app for locking out that allows you to unlock your car using the smartphone screen. Other automakers, including General Motors, have an OnStar program that can help you unlock your car if it's 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 car compatible with Bluetooth.