Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces

Many cars today have enhanced security features. Older models often have post locks which can be opened using simple methods.

Some car makers also offer mobile apps that let you unlock your vehicle. Check with your automaker to find out if they have this service available for you.

1. Shoelaces

Shoelaces may not be the best tool to use when you're locked out of your vehicle, but they can actually be quite helpful in the event that 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 using a pair of shoelaces.

Then, tie a slip knot in the middle of two shoelaces. Bring both ends together and create a loop that runs 3/4 of the way along the combined shoelaces. Then, you can slide the knot down into the crack between your car door and its frame. Then, move the shoelace in a way that it hooks around the lock mechanism. It might require some trial and error to get the shoelace hooked. Once it's hooked, you can pull both ends to unlock your car.

When using this method the most important thing to keep in mind is to not scratch or damage your vehicle. You can save money by using this method instead of calling a locksmith or roadside assistance.

This method is an excellent alternative to more abrasive techniques such as hanging from a hook, which can scratch your car opening. However, it does not always work, particularly on models that are more advanced. In the event that your vehicle's locking mechanism 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 things that can happen in the present. Many people have seen their parents or uncles use coat hangers to open a car door when they were children, but this can be risky and might not work on all cars. The use of a coat hanger to open a door in a car can cause damage to the door's frame, and in some states, it is illegal.

You can unlock your car with an easy 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 has a firm grip on the lock. Pull the hanger up and you'll let go of the pin which controls the lock. It may be necessary to move the hook several times to catch something that can move the lock. It isn't a huge effort to lift the bar.

If you're unable to reach the hook on the coat hanger to release the control arm you could try placing it between the window and the weather stripping. You may need to feel around with the hook end of the coat hanger to locate this spot however once you've located it, you are able to move the hanger until you hear your door open. This is a risky method, but can also be a viable method to gain access to your vehicle without key or professional assistance. If this method doesn't work, you can always call a roadside assistance business or locksmith for assistance.

3. Wooden Wedge

A quick slip of the fingers or a bit of carelessness could leave you without keys in a hurry. And if you don't have the means to call AAA roadside assistance or a locksmith, you'll need something quick to open your car.

You can use almost 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 have to spray some air into the space to make it wide enough to insert your tool and reach the lock button, though, so be careful not to damage your car.

When they lock their keys in their cars, many people will reach for a pair of pliers or some other tool. However, it's better to use a tool which will not scratch your aluminum trim or paint. Inflatable wedges work well for this purpose, and they are available in various sizes that will fit in the majority of doors.

A long strip of plastic folded in half, like bags for grocery shopping is a second option. Then, slide the strip into the door that you have pried open and, once it's at the lock put it on the knob and pull it up. This method is a little messy, but it's more efficient than a coat hanger or a screwdriver, which can be difficult to control.

If you're a recent car owner, it's likely the lock mechanism isn't located in the traditional handle that is located on the exterior of the car but is instead located at the top of the window, close to the weather stripping. To unlock a vehicle with this type of lock, you'll need to bend the wire hanger's tip into hook. Slide it into the gap between the door and window (or weather stripping) until it reaches the locking lever or switch.

4. Air Wedge

Air wedges, such as this one from HPC are a popular tool among repo professionals and locksmiths to make room around the car window frame for more straightforward tools entry. They're also an excellent method of avoiding damaging your vehicle if you aren't able to access it with a key.

The air pump wedge is placed between the weather stripping and the door to apply the proper pressure. A hand pump that is manual is then used to fill bags that separate the door of the vehicle from its window, forming an opening big enough to accommodate an unlocking tool for cars. This makes it simple to break the lock mechanism manual and open a car door without a key.

A good air wedge will have a stiffener that prevents it from collapsing when pumped up, and an escape valve to stop over-inflation. It will also come with a tough vinyl bag that is not marring and built to last for many times. The wedges are best paired with a picker or long reach car door unlocking tool that can be put into the wedge to assist manipulate the lock.

It's important to know that one shouldn't try this method to open the door of their car. This could cause damage to the vehicle which will require costly repairs at a body shop. This is also not a safe way to open your car when you've locked your keys in.

It is suggested that people who are stuck in their vehicle contact an experienced roadside assistance service to get help. They will usually provide a qualified, experienced technician equipped with the appropriate tools to open a vehicle's door without damaging the vehicle. These experts can assist with battery replacement and towing among other things.

5. Rod

A rod is a piece of metal, typically tapered or cylindrical, which is used to support another. In the car, it can be used to create a gap through which you can reach your left my keys in the car and then open the door. It isn't easy to maneuver this method but it's worth a try. If you're lucky, it'll work.

If you're not at ease opening your car you can get someone else to do it. You can also hire an auto locksmith. You can find locksmiths near you by using the phone book or internet. You can also get an AAA membership that comes with roadside assistance. The service will dispatch someone to your location quickly, and you can have them unlock your car without any hassles.

Many newer vehicles have security features to prevent people from breaking into the vehicle without keys. Older models are more difficult to break into. To unlock these vehicles, you need to use a coat hanger or a rod. To do this, you must separate the coat hanger from its hook and bend the straight side into a hook. Slide the hook over the weather strip and into the door slit to create a gap. Insert the rod, and then move it until you can depress the door-lock switch or slide it.

Some automakers offer smartphone apps to help you unlock your car when you're locked out. BMW and Hyundai for instance have lockout apps that let you unlock your car using a smartphone's screen. Other automakers, such as General Motors, have an OnStar program that can help you if your vehicle is locked out. You'll need an iPhone 11 or newer or Apple Watch Series 5 with the most recent version watchOS and be in Bluetooth range.