Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces

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

Certain car manufacturers also offer mobile apps that can unlock your vehicle. Check with your automaker to see if they have this service available for you.

1. Shoelaces

Shoes may not be the most effective tool to use when you're locked out of your vehicle however they can be quite helpful if you know what to do. If your vehicle has an locking 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 a pair of shoes that you're not wearing and tie a slip knot in the middle of the shoelaces and bring both ends together to form a loop around 3/4 of the way down the combined shoelaces. Now, slide the resulting knot down into the crack between your car door and the frame, and adjust the shoelace until it connects to the lock mechanism. It may take a time and trial however once the shoelace is secured to the lock mechanism, simply pull it up on both ends to unlock your car.

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 employ this method to open your car, it can reduce the cost of a locksmith or roadside assistance service and get you back on track in just a few minutes.

This method is a great alternative to more abrasive techniques such hanging a hanger which could scratch your vehicle. However, it might not always work, particularly on models that are more advanced. If the locking system of your vehicle doesn't respond, you may require a screwdriver or a long wooden bar to pry it open.

2. Coat Hanger

Locked out of your car is one of the most stressful experiences of our modern lives. Many people have seen their father or uncle use coat hangers to open the door of their car when they were children, but this method can be a bit dangerous and may not work for all cars. The use of coat hangers to open a car door can cause damage to the door's frame, and in some states it is illegal.

You can unlock your car using a simple wire coathanger by sliding it between the door and door frame. The hanger is slipped into the gap and bend it into a small "V" shape to ensure that it gets a good grip on the lock post. Then, pull upwards on the hanger to release the pin or bar that controls the door lock. You may have to move the hook back and forth several times before you catch something that can move the lock however it shouldn't take much effort to lift the bar.

If you cannot get the coat hanger hook to let go of the control arm, you might try placing it between the window and the weather stripping. It may be necessary to poke around using the hook of the hanger to find this area however once you've found it, you can move the hanger until you hear your door unlock. This method can be risky however, it could be a great way to gain entry into your vehicle without having to seek professional assistance or a key. If this does not work, you should contact an emergency roadside service or locksmith to get more help.

3. Wooden Wedge

You could lose your keys quickly if you erroneously or make a mistake. And if you don't have the resources to call AAA roadside assistance or locksmith services, you'll require an emergency solution to unlock your vehicle.

You can use any tool that can open the gap between your frame and door. For instance you could use a screwdriver, tennis-ball, or coathanger. 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.

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 doesn't scratch paint or aluminum trim. Inflatable wedges are the best choice for this job, and come in a variety of sizes to fit most doors.

Another option is to use a long strip of plastic folded in half, like grocery bags. Place the strip inside the door that has been pried open, and, once it's to the lock, loop it around the knob and pull upward. This method is a bit messy, but it's quicker than a coat hanger or a screwdriver, which is difficult to control.

If you own a newer car the lock mechanism might not be in the traditional handle on the outside, but at the top of your window, near the weather seal. To unlock a vehicle with this type of lock you'll need to bend the wire hanger's tip to form hook. Slide it into the gap between the window and door (or weather stripping) until it is at the switch or lever that locks.

4. Air Wedge

Air wedges, such as this one from HPC are a popular tool used by repo and locksmith professionals to create working room around the frame of the car window for easier entry into tools. They're also an excellent way to avoid damaging the vehicle if you aren't able to access it using keys.

The air pump wedge is placed between the weather stripping and the door to provide the proper pressure. Then, a hand pump is used to fill the bag to the point that it separates the vehicle door from the vehicle lockout window and makes an opening wide enough to allow for the use of a car unlocking tool. This makes it possible to unlock a vehicle door without a key by breaking the manual lock mechanism.

A good air wedge will include a stiffener to prevent it from bursting when pumped up and a release valve to avoid over-inflation. It should also come with a durable, non-marring vinyl bag that's built for dozens of uses. The wedges are best utilized with a long-reach vehicle unlocking tool for doors or a picker that can be put into the wedge.

This method is not recommended for opening the car door by a person. It could damage the car, which would require costly repairs at an auto body shop. This is not a safe way to open your car if you've locked keys in car your keys inside.

It is recommended that people who are stranded in their car contact an experienced roadside assistance service to get help. They typically send a skilled, trained technician equipped with the appropriate tools to open a car door without damaging the vehicle. They can assist with battery replacement and towing, among other things.

5. Rod

A rod is a piece of metal, usually cylindrical or tapered, that is used to support another. In the car, it could be used to make an opening through which you can access your keys and then open the door. It isn't easy to master this technique but it's worth a try. If you're fortunate, it may work.

If you aren't comfortable opening your car yourself, you can ask someone else to do it. You can also employ an auto locksmith. You can find one close to you by looking on the internet or phone book. Another option is to get an AAA membership, which includes roadside assistance. The service will dispatch someone to your location quickly and let them unlock your car with no hassles.

Many newer vehicles have security features to prevent people from gaining entry without a key. Older models are more difficult to get into. To unlock these vehicles, you can make use of a coat hanger or rod. To accomplish this, you'll must separate the coathanger at the hook and bend the straight end to form a hook. To create an opening between the hook and the weather strip into the door slit. Then, insert the rod and then move it to press the door lock switch, or slide it.

Some automakers also offer smartphone apps that can help you if you're locked out of your vehicle. For example, BMW and Hyundai offer an app for locking out that allows you to unlock your car using the smartphone's screen. OnStar is a program provided by other automakers such as General Motors that can assist you if your car is locked out. how to unlock your car door without a key 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 car.