Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces

Many vehicles now have more secure features. Older models often include post locks that can be opened with simple techniques.

Some car manufacturers also offer mobile apps that can unlock your vehicle. You can ask your automaker if this service is available to you.

1. Shoelaces

Shoelaces might not seem like the most effective tool to use when you're locked out of your car, locked but they can actually be quite helpful in the event that you know what to do. If your car has an opening tab that slides up and down vertically, usually near the window, you can open it using a pair of shoelaces.

First, take the shoelaces from the pair of shoes you're not wearing then tie a slip knot around the middle of the two shoelaces and bring both ends together to form a loop about 3/4 of the length of the shoelaces. Place the noose in the gap between the car's frame and the door. Then, maneuver the shoelace so that it connects to the lock mechanism. It might take some trial and error to get the shoelace hooked. Once it's hooked you're done, pull both ends to unlock your car.

The most important thing to remember when using this method is to work slowly and be sure not to scratch or damage your car in the process. You can save money by employing this method instead of calling for locksmith or a roadside assistance.

This is a great alternative to more abrasive methods, such hanging a hanger which can scratch your car. However, it may not always work, especially on more advanced models. If your car's locking mechanism does not respond, you could require the screwdriver or long wooden bar to open it open.

2. Coat Hanger

Getting locked out of your car is among the most frustrating experiences in modern life. Many people have witnessed their fathers or uncles use coathangers to open car door when they were young but this could be risky and not work for all vehicles. Utilizing a hanger for opening your car can damage the door frame and could be illegal in some states.

A simple wire coat hanger can be used to unlock your car by sliding it in the space between your door and frame. The coat hanger is inserted into the gap between the door and the frame. Bend it into a small V to ensure it has a firm grip on the lock. Pull the hanger up and you will let go of the pin that controls the lock. You may have to move the hook a few times to catch something that will move the lock. But, it shouldn't take much effort how to get keys out of locked car lift the bar.

If you cannot reach the hook on the coat hanger to release the control arm you might try placing it between the window and the weather stripping. You may need to feel around with the hook of the hanger to locate this spot, but once you have found it, you can jiggle and wiggle the hanger until you hear your door open. This method can be risky, but it can also be a great method to gain access to your vehicle without the need for professional assistance or keys. If this method doesn't work, you should contact a roadside service or locksmith to seek assistance.

3. Wooden Wedge

You could lose your keys quickly if you erroneously or make a mistake. If you don't wish to wait for AAA roadside assistance, or a locksmith to arrive at your location, you will need an easy method to unlock your vehicle.

You can use just about anything that can wedge open the gap between your frame and door, such as coat hangers or tennis ball or even the screwdriver. You may need to inject some air into the space to make it wider enough to insert your tool and reach the lock button but be cautious not to cause damage to your vehicle.

When they lock their keys in their car, a lot of people will reach for a pair of pliers or another tool. But, it's better to select a tool that will not scratch your aluminum trim or paint. Inflatable wedges are great for this purpose, and are available in a variety of sizes that will fit in the majority of doors.

Another option is to use the length of a plastic strip folded in half, such as a grocery bag. Place the strip inside the door that was opened and, when it is inside the lock then wrap it around the knob and pull it upwards. This method is a little messy, but it's more efficient than the coat hanger or screwdriver, which is difficult to control.

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

4. Air Wedge

Locksmiths and repo professionals use air wedges like this one made by HPC to make more room around the car window frame to allow them to enter tools easily. They are also a great way to prevent damaging the vehicle if you can't get into it using keys.

The wedge of the air pump is placed between the weather stripping and the door to provide the appropriate pressure. Then, a manual hand pump is used to inflate the bag to the point that it separates the vehicle door from the vehicle window and opens enough for inserting a car-unlocking tool. This makes it possible to unlock a door without keys by breaking the manual lock mechanism.

A good air wedge has an elasticizer to stop the wedge from collapsing, and an exit vent to stop over-inflation. It will also come with a heavy-duty vinyl bag that is not marring and designed to last many times. The wedges are best utilized with a long-reach vehicle unlocking tool for doors or a picker that can be inserted in the wedge.

This method is not recommended for opening the car door by a person. This could cause damage to the vehicle which could need costly repairs at an auto body shop. In addition this isn't an ideal method of getting into your car in the case that you've locked your keys inside.

It is suggested that people who are stranded in their vehicle contact an experienced roadside assistance service to seek assistance. They typically send a trained, experienced technician equipped with the right tools to open a car door without causing damage to the vehicle. They can assist with battery replacement and towing among other things.

5. Rod

A rod is a piece of steel, usually tapered or cylindrical, that supports something else. It can be used in cars to create a gap so that you can reach the keys and unlock the doors. It isn't easy to use this method however, it's worth a shot. If you're lucky, it will work.

If you're not comfortable trying to open your own car, you can ask a friend to help you. You can also hire locksmith. You can locate locksmiths in your area through the phone book or internet. You can also get an AAA membership that comes with roadside assistance. This service will send a person to your location fast, and they can unlock your vehicle without difficulty.

Many newer cars have security features that can stop someone from getting into them without keys. Older models, however, are more difficult to break into. It is possible to unlock these vehicles by using a coathanger or rod. To do this, separate the coat hanger from its hook and bend the straight side to form a hook. Slip the hook behind the weather strip and into the slit of the door to create an opening. Inject the rod, and then move it until you can depress the door lock switch or slide it.

Some automakers also provide smartphone apps that can aid you in the event that you are locked car keys in car out of your car. For example, BMW and Hyundai offer the lockout app that lets you to unlock your car using the smartphone screen. Other automakers, like General Motors, have an OnStar program that can assist you unlock your car if it's locked out. You'll need to have an iPhone 11 or newer or Apple Watch Series 5 with the most recent version of watchOS, and be within Bluetooth range.