Unlock Your Car 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces
Many cars now come with more secure features. However, older models usually still have post locks that can be opened with some simple techniques.
Certain car makers offer mobile apps that allow you to unlock your vehicle. You can ask your automaker if this feature is available to you.
1. Shoelaces
Shoes may not be the best tool to use when you're locked out of your vehicle but they can be very useful in the event that you know what to do. If your car has an locking tab that moves vertically, usually near the window, you can unlock it using a pair of shoelaces.
Then tie a slip knot through the middle of two shoelaces. Bring both ends together to form an elongated loop 3/4 of the way across the shoelaces. Then, pull the knot down into the crack between your car's door and its frame. Then, move the shoelace in a way that it is able to connect to the lock mechanism. It could require some trial and trial and hooked. Once it is you're done, pull both ends to unlock your car.
When using this method the most important thing to bear in mind is to not scratch or cause damage to your vehicle. If you are able to successfully apply this method to unlock your car, it could save you the expense of an emergency locksmith or roadside assistance service and get you back on track in just a few minutes.
This is a great alternative to more abrasive methods such as using a hanger, which can scratch your car. However, it does not always work, especially on models that are more advanced. In the event that your vehicle's locking mechanism doesn't respond to this method using a long rod of wood or a screwdriver may be required to open the lock open.
2. Coat Hanger
Being locked out of your vehicle is one of the most frustrating events that can happen in our modern world. Many people have witnessed their uncles or fathers use coathangers to open car door when they were young but this could be risky and might not work on all cars. Using a hanger to open your car may damage your door frame and could be illegal in some states.
You can unlock your car with a simple wire coathanger by sliding it between the door and door frame. Slide the hanger into the gap and bend it into an elongated "V" shape to ensure that it gets a good grip on the post of the lock. Pull the hanger up and you'll let go of the pin which controls the lock. You may need to move the hook around several times before you find something that causes the lock to move but it shouldn't require a lot of effort to raise the bar.
If you cannot get the hook of your coat to release the control arm you might try placing it between the window and the weather stripping. The hook end of the hanger may be needed to locate this area. Once you've found it move it around until you hear the door open. This method can be risky, but it can also be a great method to gain access to your vehicle without the need for professional assistance or a key. If this doesn't work, you can always contact a roadside assistance company or locksmith for assistance.
3. Wooden Wedge
You could lose your keys quickly if you make a mistake or are reckless. If you don't want wait for AAA roadside assistance or for a locksmith to show up at your home, you will need an easy method to unlock your vehicle.
You can make use of anything that can open an opening between your frame and door. For instance you could make use of a screwdriver, tennis-ball, or coathanger. You may need to inject some air into the space to make it wider enough for you to insert your tool and reach the lock button, though, so be careful not to damage your car.
A lot of people will use pliers or other tools whenever they lock their keys in their cars It's recommended to use tools that won't scratch or scuff your paint or aluminum trim. Inflatable wedges are ideal for this purpose, and they can be found in various sizes that fit inside most doors.
A long piece of plastic folded in half, like bags for grocery shopping, is another alternative. Slide the strip inside the door that was opened, and when it is inside the lock then wrap it around the knob and pull it upwards. This method can be a bit messy but it's a lot faster than hanging a coat or using a screwdriver, which can be difficult to control.
If you own a newer car, the lock mechanism may not be located in the traditional handle on the outside, but rather on the top of your window, right next to the weather seal. To unlock a vehicle with this type of lock, you will need to bend the wire hanger's tip into hook. Then, slide it into the gap between the window and door (or weather stripping) until it is at the lever or switch that locks.
4. Air Wedge
Repo and locksmith professionals utilize air wedges like this one made by HPC to make more room around the frame of the car window so that they can enter tools with ease. They are also a great option to prevent damaging the vehicle while gaining access without a key.
The air pump wedge operates by sliding between the door and the weather stripping on the door to a position where proper pressure is applied. Then, a hand pump is used to blow up the bag to the point that it separates the car door from the vehicle window and makes an opening wide enough to allow for the use of a car unlocking tool. This allows you to break the lock mechanism manually and unlock a car door without using a key.
A good air wedge will have a stiffener that prevents it from bursting when pumped up and a release valve to prevent over-inflation. It should also come with a durable, non-marring vinyl bag that is designed to last for many uses. These wedges work best when they are used in conjunction with a picker or long reach tool for unlocking doors in cars which can be inserted into the wedge to help move the lock.
This method is not recommended to open a car door by someone else. It could damage the car, which would require costly repairs at an auto body shop. Furthermore this isn't a safe way to get into your car in the event that you've locked your keys inside.
It is suggested that those who are stuck in their car contact an experienced roadside assistance service to seek assistance. These services will send a technician who is trained and experienced with the right tools to open the vehicle door without causing any damage. G28CarKeys can assist with battery replacement and towing among other things.
5. Rod
A rod is a piece of metal, typically tapered or cylindrical, that is used to support something else. It can be used in a car to create a gap so you can access the keys and unlock the doors. It isn't easy to use this method however, it's worth a try. If you're fortunate it could be successful.
If you aren't at ease opening your car, you can ask someone else to do it. You can also employ an auto locksmith. You can find a locksmith near you by checking the internet or in the phone book. Another option is to get an AAA membership, which comes with roadside assistance. This service will send a person to your location soon and let them unlock your car without hassles.
Many newer cars have security features that stop people from getting into them without keys. Older models are more difficult to get into. You can unlock these vehicles using a coathanger or rod. To accomplish this, you will must separate the coathanger from the hook and bend the straight end to form a hook. The hook should be slipped behind the weather strip and into the slit of the door to create a gap. Insert the rod, and then move it to press the door-lock switch or slide it.
Certain automakers have smartphones with apps that can help you unlock your car when you're locked out. For instance, BMW and Hyundai offer an app for locking out that allows you to unlock your car using the smartphone screen. Other automakers, including General Motors, have an OnStar program that can help you if your vehicle is locked out. To access these apps, you'll require 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 compatible vehicle.
