Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces

Many cars are now fitted with enhanced security features. Older models often have post locks which can be opened with simple methods.

Certain car makers offer mobile applications that let you unlock your vehicle. You can check with your automaker if this service is available to you.

1. Shoelaces

If you know how to open a car door without keys to use them, shoelaces can be a great tool when you are locked out of your car. If your vehicle has an opening tab that slides up and down vertically, typically near the window, you can unlock it using a pair of shoelaces.

First, take the shoelaces from a pair of shoes you're not wearing then tie a slip knot around the middle of the shoelaces. Then, tie both ends together to form a loop approximately 3/4 of the way down the combined shoelaces. Then, you can slide the noose down into the crack between your car's door and its frame. Then, adjust the shoelace until it connects to the lock mechanism. It may take a bit of trial and error, but when the shoelace has been secured to the lock mechanism, simply pull it up on both ends to unlock your vehicle.

When using this method the most important thing to keep in mind is to not scratch or damage your vehicle. If you are able to successfully apply this method to open your car, it could reduce the cost of roadside assistance or a locksmith service and get you back on your way in less than a minute.

This method is a great alternative to more abrasive techniques such as using a hanger, which can scratch your car. However, it may not always work, especially on more advanced models. If your vehicle's locking mechanism doesn't respond to this method, a long wooden rod or a screwdriver might be needed to pry the lock open.

2. Coat Hanger

Being locked out of car service out of your car is one of the most frustrating events that can happen in our modern world. Many people may have seen their uncle or father use coat hangers to open the car door when they were younger However, this method can be risky and might not work on all cars. Utilizing a hanger for opening your car can damage the door's frame and may be prohibited in certain states.

A simple wire coat hanger can be used to help unlock a car by slipping it in the gap between your door and frame. The coat hanger is inserted into the gap between the frame and the door. Bend it into a small V to ensure it holds tightly on the lock. Pull up on the hanger and you'll let go of the pin which controls the lock. You may need to move the hook back and forth a few times before you spot something that causes the lock out service to move, but it should not take much effort to lift the bar.

If you're unable to get the hook of your coat to release the control arm you can try placing it between the window and the weather stripping. The hook end of the hanger may be required to locate this spot. Once you've located it then jiggle and wiggle until you can hear the door open. This is a risky method however, it could be an effective way to gain access to your vehicle without a key or professional assistance. If this method doesn't work, you can call an emergency roadside service or locksmith to seek assistance.

3. Wooden Wedge

A quick slip of the fingers or a little bit of carelessness can result in you losing your keys in a snap. If you don't want to wait for AAA roadside assistance, or a locksmith to arrive at your address you'll need an immediate method of unlocking your vehicle.

You can make use of just about any object that can create an opening between your frame and door, like coat hangers, a tennis ball, or even the screwdriver. You may need to spray air into the gap to make it wide enough for your tool to pass through and reach the lock. Be careful not to scratch the car.

A lot of people will use pliers or other tools whenever they lock their keys in their cars however, it's better to use a tool that won't scratch or scuff your aluminum trim or paint. Inflatable wedges are ideal for this purpose and are available in a range of sizes that fit all doors.

Another alternative is to make use of a long strip of plastic folded in half, such as grocery bags. Place the strip inside the pried open door and, when it is close to the lock, loop it around the knob and pull it upwards. This method is a bit messy, but it's more efficient than hanging a coat or using a screwdriver, which can be difficult to control.

If you own a newer car the lock mechanism might not be in the traditional handle on the outside, but instead in the middle of your window, close to the weather seal. To unlock a vehicle with this style of lock, you'll need to bend the top of a wire hanger into a hook and slide it into the space between the window and the door (or the weather stripping) until it's reached the lever or lock switch.

4. Air Wedge

Air wedges, such as this one from HPC, are a common tool among repo and locksmith professionals to provide working space around the window frame of the car for easier entry into tools. They also serve as an effective method to avoid damaging the vehicle while gaining entry without a key.

The wedge of the air pump is inserted between the weather stripping and the door to create 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 vehicle window and makes an opening wide enough to allow for the use of a car unlocking tool. This enables you to unlock a door without using a key, by breaking the manual lock mechanism.

A good air wedge will have an elasticizer that stops it from collapsing when it's pumped up and a release valve to avoid over-inflation. It also comes with a durable, non-marring vinyl bag designed for a variety of uses. These wedges are best used with a long-reach car door unlocking tool or a picker that can be put in the wedge.

It's important to note that one shouldn't try this method of opening their own car door. This could cause damage to the vehicle that could require costly repairs at a body shop. Additionally, this is not a safe way to get into your vehicle in the event that you've locked myself out my car your keys inside.

It is recommended to contact a professional roadside service for assistance if stranded. These services will send a technician who is well-trained and has the correct tools to open your car door without causing damage to it. These experts can assist with towing and battery replacement among other things.

5. Rod

A rod is a long, thin metal piece, which is usually circular or tapered. It is used to support another object. In the car, it could be used to make an opening through which you can reach your keys and unlock the door. This method isn't easy to maneuver, but it's worth a shot. If you're lucky, it will work.

If you're not comfortable opening your car on your own, you can ask a friend to help you. You can also employ an auto locksmith. You can find locksmiths near you by through the phone book or internet. You can also get an AAA membership that includes roadside assistance. This service will send someone to your location quickly, and you can have them unlock your car without any hassles.

A lot of newer cars come with security features that prevent people from breaking into them without keys. Older models, however are more difficult to break into. It is possible to unlock these vehicles with a coat hanger or rod. To accomplish this, you will need to separate the coathanger at the hook and bend the straight end to form a hook. Slip the hook behind the weather strip and into the door slit to create an opening. Insert the rod, and then move it until you can depress the door lock switch, or slide it.

Some automakers also provide smartphones with apps that can assist you in the event that you are locked out of your vehicle. BMW and Hyundai for instance, offer lockout apps which allow you to unlock your vehicle using the smartphone's screen. Other automakers, such as General Motors, have an OnStar program that can assist you if your vehicle is locked out. To use these apps, you'll require an iPhone 11 or later or Apple Watch Series 5 or later with the latest version of watchOS and be within Bluetooth range of your compatible vehicle.