Unlock unlock car keys inside With Shoelaces
Many vehicles are now equipped with advanced security features. Older models still often come with post locks that can be opened using simple methods.
Certain car manufacturers provide mobile apps that allow you to unlock your vehicle. Check with your automaker to see if they offer this service for you.
1. Shoelaces
If you know how to use them, shoelaces could be a fantastic option when you are locked out of your vehicle. If you own a car that have the locking tab mechanism which moves vertically upwards and downwards generally in front of the window, there's a simple trick you can employ to unlock your car using just a pair of shoelaces.
First, remove the shoelaces from the pair of shoes that you're not wearing and tie a slip knot around the middle of the shoelaces and bring both ends together to form a loop approximately 3/4 of the length of the shoelaces. Slide the noose into the crack that exists between the frame of your car and the door. Then, maneuver the shoelace to hook around the lock mechanism. This can take a little bit of trial and error, but when the shoelace has been secured, simply pull up on both ends to open your vehicle.
The most important thing to remember when using this method is to work slowly and be careful not to scratch or damage your car in the process. You can save money by employing this method instead of calling for roadside assistance or locksmith.
This method is a great alternative to more abrasive methods such hanging a hanger which can scratch your car. However, it might not always work, particularly on more advanced models. If your vehicle's locking system doesn't respond, you may require an electric screwdriver or a long wooden bar to open it open.
2. Coat Hanger
Being locked out of your vehicle is among the most frustrating things that can happen in our modern world. Many people have witnessed their uncles or fathers use coathangers to open car door when they were children, but this can be dangerous and may not work for all vehicles. The use of coat hangers to open a door in a car can damage the door frame, and in some states, it is illegal.
You can unlock your car with a simple wire coathanger by sliding it between the door and the door frame. The coat hanger is inserted into the gap between the frame and the door. Bend it into a small V to ensure that it has a firm grip on the lock. Pull it up and you'll be able to release the pin that controls the lock. You may have to move the hook back and forth several times before you find something that moves the lock but it shouldn't require a lot of effort to lift the bar.
If you are unable to reach the hook of the coat hanger out of the control arm, you can put it between the window and weather stripping. It may be necessary to poke around with the hook end of the hanger to locate this spot however once you've located it, you are able to play around with the hanger until you hear your door unlock. This is a risky method however it can be a great way to gain access to your vehicle without the need for professional assistance or keys. If this does not work, you should contact a roadside service or locksmith for assistance.
3. Wooden Wedge
A slip of the fingers or a bit of carelessness could result in you losing your keys in a flash. If you don't want to wait for AAA roadside assistance, or a locksmith to arrive at your home you'll need a quick way to unlock your vehicle.
You can use anything that could open the gap between your frame and door. For example, you can make use of a screwdriver, a tennis-ball, or a coat hanger. You may need to spray air into the gap in order 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 cars, many people grab a pair of pliers or another tool. However, it's better to select a tool that doesn't scratch aluminum trim or paint. Inflatable wedges are ideal for this task and are available in a variety of sizes that fit all doors.
A long piece of plastic, folded in half like bags for grocery shopping, is another option. Then, slide the strip through the pried open door and, when it gets to the lock, loop it around the lock knob and pull it upwards. This method can be messy, but it's faster than using a screwdriver or a coathanger.
If you own a newer vehicle, the lock mechanism may not be in the traditional handle on the outside, but at the top of your window, near the weather seal. To unlock a car using this style of lock, you'll need to bend the end of the wire hanger into a hook, then slide it into the space between the door and the window (or the weather stripping) until you reach the lever or lock switch.
4. Air Wedge
Air wedges, like this one from HPC are a standard tool among repo and locksmith professionals to create working room around the frame of the car window to facilitate entry of tools. They are also an effective way to avoid damaging the vehicle while gaining access without keys.
An air pump wedge works by sliding between the door and the door's weather stripping into a position where proper pressure is applied. A hand pump manual is then used to inflate bags that separate the door of the vehicle from its window, creating an opening large enough to fit an auto unlocking tool. This allows you to unlock the door of a vehicle without a key by breaking the manual lock mechanism.
A good air wedge will include an elasticizer that stops it from collapsing when it's pumped up, and a release valve to prevent over-inflation. It will also come with a heavy-duty vinyl bag that isn't marring and designed to last dozens of times. They are most effective 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 assist move the lock.
This method is not recommended to open a car door by someone else. This could cause damage to the vehicle which could require costly repairs at a body shop. Additionally, this is not an ideal method of getting into your car in the case that you've locked your keys inside.
It is suggested that those who are stuck in their car contact a professional roadside assistance service to seek assistance. These services will send a technician trained and experienced with the right tools to open the vehicle door without causing any damage. These experts can assist with towing and battery replacement as well as other issues.
5. Rod
A rod is a piece of metal, usually tapered or cylindrical, that supports something else. In the car, it can be used to create a gap through which you can reach your keys and unlock the door. This technique can be difficult to master, but it's worth trying. If you're lucky, it may be successful.
If you don't feel at ease opening your vehicle yourself, you can ask someone to do it. You can also employ locksmith. You can find one close to you by looking on the internet or phone book. Another option is to purchase an AAA membership, which includes roadside assistance. This service will send a person to your location quickly and allow them unlock your car with no hassles.
Many newer vehicles have security features to stop people from gaining entry without keys. Older models are easier to gain entry. To unlock these vehicles, you can use a coat hanger, or a rod. To accomplish this, you'll need to cut the coathanger from the hook and bend the straight end to form a hook. Slide the hook over the weather strip and into the door slit to create a gap. Insert the rod, and then move it to press the door lock switch or slide it.
Some automakers also provide smartphone apps that can aid you if you're locked out of your car. BMW and Hyundai for instance, offer lockout apps that allow you to unlock your vehicle using the smartphone's screen. OnStar is a program offered by other automakers such as General Motors that can assist you in case your car is locked out. You'll need to have an iPhone 11 or newer or Apple Watch Series 5 with the most recent version of watchOS, and be within Bluetooth range.