Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces

Many vehicles now have enhanced security features. Nevertheless, older models often still have post locks that can be opened using a few simple methods.

Certain car manufacturers also have mobile apps that let you unlock your vehicle. You can check with your automaker if this feature is available to you.

1. Shoelaces

Shoelaces may not be the best tool to use when you're locked out of your car however they can be very useful if you know how to use them. If you own a car with a locking tab mechanism that can be moved vertically up and down, usually near the window, there's a simple trick you can employ to unlock your car with nothing more than a pair of shoelaces.

Then you can tie a slip knot in the middle of two shoelaces. Join both ends and create a loop 3/4 of the way along the shoelaces. Now, slide the resulting knot into the gap between your car's door and the frame, and adjust the shoelace until it hooks around the lock mechanism. This can take a little amount of trial and error but once the shoelace is secured, simply pull up on both ends to open your vehicle.

When using this method, the most important thing to keep in mind is to be careful to not scratch or cause damage to your vehicle. If you are able to successfully employ this method to open your car, it could help you save the cost of a locksmith or roadside assistance service and get you back on track in just a few minutes.

While this is a great alternative to other methods, like a coat hanger (which can scratch your car), it doesn't always work, especially on more sophisticated models of vehicles. 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 stressful experiences of the modern world. Many people have seen their parents or uncles use coat hangers to open the car door when they were children However, this method can be risky and may not work with all vehicles. The use of coat hangers to open a car's door could damage the door frame, and in certain states, it is illegal.

You can unlock your car using an easy wire coathanger by sliding it between the door and the door frame. Place the coat hanger in 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. You may have to move the hook a few times to catch something that will move the lock. But, it should not take a lot of effort to lift the bar.

If you're not able to get the hook of the coat hanger out of the control arm, put it 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 move it around until you hear the door open. This method is risky, but can also be a reliable method to gain access to your vehicle with no key or professional assistance. If this doesn't work, you can contact a locksmith or a roadside service to seek assistance.

3. Wooden Wedge

You can lose your keys quickly if you slip up or are reckless. If you don't wish to wait for AAA roadside assistance or a locksmith to arrive at your address you'll need a quick way to unlock your vehicle.

You can make use of just about anything that can open a space between your door and frame, such as coat hangers, a tennis ball, or even an screwdriver. You may need to spray air into the gap to make it wide enough to allow your tool to fit through and reach the lock. Be cautious not to damage your car.

When they lock their keys in their car, a lot of people will reach for a pair of pliers or a different tool. It's best to choose a tool that will not scratch your aluminum trim or paint. Inflatable wedges are ideal for this purpose, and come in a variety of sizes to fit most doors.

A long length of plastic folded in half, similar to a grocery bag is a second option. Place the strip inside the door that you have opened and, when it is inside the lock then wrap it around the knob and pull it up. This method is a bit messy but it's a lot faster than the coat hanger or screwdriver, which is difficult to control.

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

4. Air Wedge

Repo and locksmith professionals utilize air wedges like this one made by HPC to create more space around the window frame of the car to allow them to enter tools with ease. They also serve as a great option to prevent damage to the vehicle when trying to gain access without a key.

A wedge of air pumps works by sliding between the door and the weather stripping on the door to a position where proper pressure is applied. Then, a manual hand pump is used to fill the bag until it separates the vehicle door from the vehicle window and makes an opening wide enough for inserting a car-unlocking tool. This makes it simple to break the lock mechanism manual and open a car door without the need for a key.

A high-quality air wedge will have a stiffener to prevent it from bursting and release vents to avoid over-inflation. It also comes with a heavy-duty, non-marring vinyl bag that is designed for dozens of uses. These wedges are best used with a long-reach car door unlocking tool or picker that is inserted into the wedge.

It's important to note that one shouldn't try this method of opening their own car door. This could result in damage to the vehicle which would require expensive repairs at a body shop. It is also not a safe way to open your car if you've locked your keys in.

It is suggested that people who are stranded in their car call a professional roadside assistance service to get help. They will usually provide a qualified, experienced technician equipped with the right tools to open a vehicle's door without damaging the vehicle. They can assist with battery replacement and towing as well as other issues.

5. Rod

A rod is a piece of steel, usually tapered or cylindrical, that is used to support something else. In the lockout car service, it could be used to create an opening through which you can access your keys and open the door. This technique can be difficult to master but it's worth a try. If you're lucky, it will work.

If you're not confident opening your car on your own You could ask a friend to help you. You can also hire an auto locksmith. You can find a locksmith close to you by looking on the internet or phone book. You can also purchase an AAA membership that comes with roadside assistance. This service will send a person to your home or office within a short time and let them unlock your car with no difficulties.

A lot of newer cars come with security features that prevent people from breaking into them without a key. Older models, however, are easier to break into. It is possible to unlock these vehicles using a coathanger or rod. To accomplish this, you will must separate the coathanger at the hook and bend the straight end to form hook. Slide the hook over the weather strip and into the door slit to create an opening. Then, you can insert the rod and move it to depress or slide the car's door lock switch.

Certain automakers have smartphone apps to help you unlock your car if you are locked out. For example, BMW and Hyundai offer an app for locking out that allows you to unlock your car with the smartphone's screen. Other automakers, including General Motors, have an OnStar program that can aid you unlock your car if it's locked out. To use 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.