Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces

Many cars today have heightened security features. Older models often come with post locks that are opened using simple techniques.

Some car manufacturers offer mobile apps to unlock your vehicle. You can check with your automaker to see if this service is available to you.

1. Shoelaces

Shoes may not be the best tool to use when you're locked out of your car, but they can actually be quite helpful in the event that you know how to get your keys out of a locked car to use them. If you have a vehicle that have an locking tab mechanism that moves vertically upwards and downwards generally near the window, there is an easy method that you can use to unlock your car with nothing more than a pair of shoelaces.

First, remove the shoelaces from any pair of shoes you're not wearing then tie a slip knot through the middle of the shoelaces. Bring both ends together to form a loop around 3/4 of the way down the shoelaces. Then, you can slide the knot into the gap between your car's door and the frame, and move the shoelace in a way that it hooks around the lock mechanism. This can take a little bit of trial and error, but once the shoelace is hooked, simply pull up on both ends 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 during the process. You can save money by using this method instead of calling for locksmith or roadside assistance.

While this is a great alternative to other abrasive methods, like a coat hanger (which can scratch your car) however, it may not always work, particularly on more sophisticated models of vehicles. If your vehicle's locking system doesn't respond, you may require an electric screwdriver or a long wooden bar to get it open.

2. Coat Hanger

Being locked out of your vehicle is among the most frustrating things that can happen in the present. Many people have witnessed their uncles or fathers use coathangers to open car door when they were kids but this could be dangerous and may not work for all vehicles. The use of a hanger to open your car may damage your door's frame, and is illegal in some states.

A simple coat hanger made of wire can be used to unlock a car by slipping it through the space between your door and the door frame. Slide the coat hanger into the gap between the frame and the door. Bend it into a small V shape to ensure that it is secure against the lock. Pull it up and you'll release the pin that controls the lock. It is possible to move the hook around a few times before you spot something that causes the lock to move but it shouldn't take much effort to raise the bar.

If you're not able to reach the hook of the coat hanger out of the control arm, put it in between the window and the weather stripping. It may be necessary to poke around using the hook end of the hanger to locate this spot, but once you have found it, you can move the hanger until you hear your door open. This technique isn't without risk however it can be a great way to gain access to your vehicle without the need for professional assistance or a key. If this method doesn't work, you can always call an emergency roadside assistance service or locksmith for more help.

3. Wooden Wedge

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

You can use anything that can open up an opening between your frame and door. For instance, you can use a screwdriver or a tennis-ball, or a coat hanger. You may have to squirt air into the gap in order to get it wide enough for your tool to fit through and reach the lock. Be cautious not to damage your car.

Many people use a pair of pliers or other tools whenever they lock their keys inside their cars It's recommended to use a tool that won't scratch or scuff your aluminum trim or paint. Inflatable wedges are perfect for this purpose, and come in a variety of sizes that will fit on most doors.

Another alternative is to make use of an extended strip of plastic folded in half, for example a grocery bag. Slide the strip inside the door that was pried open and, once it is inside the lock then wrap it around the knob and pull it upward. This method is a little messy but it's a lot more efficient than the coat hanger or screwdriver, which can be difficult to control.

If you own a newer vehicle the lock mechanism might not be located in the traditional handle on the outside, but instead in the middle of your window, right next to the weather seal. To unlock a car using this type of lock, you'll need bend the tip of a wire hanger into a hook and move it into the space between the window and the door (or the weather stripping) until you reach the locking switch or lever.

4. Air Wedge

Air wedges, like this one from HPC are a standard tool for locksmiths and repo professionals to make room around the window frame of the car for easier entry into tools. They are also an effective way to avoid damaging the vehicle while gaining entry without a key.

The air pump wedge is placed between the weather stripping and the door to apply the right pressure. Then, a hand pump is used to blow up the bag so that it separates the door of the vehicle from the window of the vehicle and opens enough to accommodate a car unlocking tool. This allows you to break the lock mechanism manual and unlock a car door without the need for a key.

A good air wedge has a stiffener to prevent it from bursting and a release vent to prevent over-inflation. It also comes with a durable vinyl bag that is not marring and built to last for many times. These wedges work best when paired with a picker or long reach car door unlocking tool which can be inserted into the wedge to move the lock.

This method is not recommended for opening a car door by an individual. It could damage the car which could require costly repairs at an auto body shop. In addition it's not an ideal method of getting into your vehicle in the case that you've locked out of car help your keys inside.

It is recommended to call an experienced roadside service to help you if you're stranded. These services will typically provide a qualified, experienced technician equipped with the appropriate tools to open a car door without causing damage to the vehicle. These experts can assist with towing and battery replacement, among other things.

5. Rod

A rod is a piece of metal, usually tapered or cylindrical, which supports something else. In the car, it can be used to create a gap that allows you to reach your keys and open the door. This method can be difficult to use but it's worth a shot. If you're lucky, it'll work.

If you don't feel comfortable opening your car yourself, you can ask someone to do it. You can also hire a locksmith. You can find one near you by searching the internet or in the phone book. You can also sign up for an AAA membership that includes roadside assistance. The service will dispatch someone to your location quickly and let them unlock your car without hassles.

Many modern vehicles come with security features that prevent thieves from breaking in without a key. Older models are more difficult to gain entry. To unlock these vehicles, you need to make use of a coat hanger or a rod. To accomplish this, you will need to cut the coathanger from the hook and bend the straight end to form a hook. To create a gap, slide the hook behind the weather strip into the door slit. Then, you can insert the rod and move it to press or slide the car's door-lock switch.

Some automakers also offer smartphone apps that can help you in the event that you are locked out of your car. For instance, BMW and Hyundai offer the lockout app that lets you to unlock your car with the smartphone's screen. OnStar is a program provided by other automakers such as General Motors that can assist you in case your car is locked out. To use these apps you'll require an iPhone 11 or later or Apple Watch Series 5 or later, with the most recent version of watchOS and be within Bluetooth range of your compatible car.