Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces

Many vehicles are now equipped with advanced security features. However, older models usually still have post locks that can be opened using some simple techniques.

Certain car manufacturers provide mobile apps to unlock your vehicle. Check with your automaker to find out if they have this option available to you.

1. Shoelaces

Shoelaces might not seem like the best option when you're locked out of your car but they can be quite helpful when you know what to do. For those who have vehicles that have a locking tab mechanism that moves vertically upwards and downwards generally in front of the window, there is an easy method you can employ to unlock your car using only the shoelaces.

Then you can tie a slip knot in the middle of two shoelaces. Bring both ends together and create a loop 3/4 of the way along the shoelaces. Place the noose in the gap between the frame of your car and the door. Then, move the shoelace to hook around the lock mechanism. It could require some trial and trial and connected. Once it's hooked you are able to pull both ends together to unlock your car.

The most important thing to remember when using this method is to do it slowly and be sure not to scratch or damage your car in the process. If you are able to successfully apply this method to open your car, it may save you the cost of roadside assistance or a locksmith service and get you back on the road in just a few minutes.

While this is a great alternative to other methods, like coat hangers (which can scratch your car) however, it may not always work, especially on the more sophisticated models of vehicles. If the locking system of your vehicle doesn't respond, you may need to use the screwdriver or long wooden bar to open it open.

2. Coat Hanger

Being locked out of your vehicle is among the most frustrating events that can happen in modern times. Many people may have seen their uncle or father use a coat hanger to open the car door when they were younger, but this method can be a bit dangerous and may not work for all vehicles. The use of a coat hanger to open a car's door could cause damage to the door's frame, and in some states, it is illegal.

A simple wire coat hanger can be used to unlock a car by slipping it into the space between your door and the door frame. The hanger is slipped into this gap and bend it into an elongated "V" shape to ensure that it has a good grip on the lock post. Pull it up and you will release the pin that controls the lock. You may have to move the hook back and forth a few times before you spot something that can move the lock but it shouldn't take too much effort to raise the bar.

If you're not able to get the hook of the coat hanger to let go of the control arm, you can try putting it in between the window and stripping. You may need to feel around using the hook of the coat hanger to locate this spot, but once you have found it, you can play around with the hanger until you hear your door unlock. This method is risky, but can also be an effective way to gain access to your vehicle with no key or assistance from a professional. If this method doesn't work, you can call a roadside service or locksmith for assistance.

3. Wooden Wedge

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

You can use any tool that can open up the gap between your door and frame. For instance, you can use a screwdriver or tennis-ball, or coathanger. You may need to squirt some air into the space to allow it to be wide enough for you to insert your tool and reach the lock button, however, be sure not to scratch your car door opener.

When they lock their keys in their cars, many people will reach for a pair of pliers or a different tool. It's best to use a tool which will not scratch your aluminum trim or paint. Inflatable wedges work well for this purpose, and are available in a variety of sizes that fit into most doors.

Another alternative is to make use of an extended strip of plastic folded in half, such as a grocery bag. Place the strip inside the door that has been pried open locked car door, and, when it is close to the lock, wrap it around the knob and pull upward. This method is a bit messy but it's a lot faster than a coat hanger or a screwdriver that can be difficult to control.

If you're a recent car owner, it's likely the lock mechanism doesn't have the traditional handle that is located on the exterior of the vehicle but is instead located on the top of the window near the weather stripping. To unlock a car with this type of lock, you'll have to bend the end of a wire hanger into a hook, then move it into the space between the door and the window (or the weather stripping) until it reaches the locking switch or lever.

4. Air Wedge

Air wedges, like this one from HPC, are a common tool used by locksmiths and repo professionals to create working room around the car window frame for more straightforward tools entry. They're also a great way to prevent damaging the vehicle if you aren't able to access it with keys.

The wedge of the air pump is inserted between the weather stripping and the door to apply the appropriate 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 easy to break the lock mechanism manual and open a car door without the need for a key.

A good air wedge will include an elasticizer that stops it from collapsing when it's pumped up, and a release valve to avoid over-inflation. It will also come with a heavy-duty vinyl bag that is non-marring and built to last several times. The wedges are best they are used in conjunction with a picker or long reach car door unlocking tool that can be put into the wedge to manipulate the lock.

This method is not recommended for opening a car lockout service door by someone else. This could cause damage to the vehicle that would require expensive repairs at a bodyshop. It is also not a safe way to open your car if you've locked your keys inside.

It is recommended that people who are stranded in their car contact a professional roadside assistance service for help. These services will send a technician who is trained and experienced with the correct tools to open the vehicle door without causing any damage. These experts can also help with battery replacement, towing and more.

5. Rod

A rod is a long piece of metal, typically cylindrical or tapered, that is used to support another. In the car, it could be used to make a gap through which you can reach your keys and then open the door. It can be difficult to maneuver this method however, it's worth a try. If you're fortunate it could work.

If you don't feel comfortable opening your car yourself, you can ask someone else to do it. You can also hire a locksmith. You can locate one close to you by looking on the internet or phone book. You can also get an AAA membership that includes roadside assistance. This service will send a person to your location in a short time and will be able to unlock your vehicle without hassle.

A lot of newer cars have security features to stop people from breaking into the vehicle without a key. Older models, however, are easier to break into. To unlock these vehicles, make use of a coat hanger or a rod. To do this, you need to separate the coathanger from the hook and bend the straight end to form hook. The hook should be slipped behind the weather strip and into the slit of the door to create an opening. Then, insert the rod and move it to depress or move the door lock switch.

Certain automakers have smartphones with apps that can help you unlock your car when you're locked car out. BMW and Hyundai, for example offer lockout applications which allow you to unlock your vehicle lockout using the smartphone's screen. OnStar is a service offered by other automakers such as General Motors that can assist you in case your car is locked out. You'll need an iPhone 11 or newer or Apple Watch Series 5 with the latest version watchOS, and be within Bluetooth range.