The Infrequently Known Benefits To Unlock Your Car
Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces
Many cars now come with more secure features. Nevertheless, older models often still have post locks that can be opened using a few simple methods.
Certain car manufacturers offer mobile apps that let you unlock your car. Contact your automaker to find out if they have this service for you.
1. Shoelaces
If you know how to use them, shoelaces can be a useful device when you're locked out of your car. If your vehicle has a locking tab that can be moved vertically, typically near the window, you can unlock it with a pair shoelaces.
First, remove the shoelaces from any pair of shoes you're not wearing and tie a slip knot through the middle of the shoelaces. Then, tie both ends together to form a loop approximately 3/4 of the length of the shoelaces. Now, slide the resulting knot into the gap between your car's door and its frame and move the shoelace in a way that it hooks around the lock mechanism. It may require some trial and trial and hooked. Once it's hooked 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. You can save money by employing this method instead of calling a locksmith or a roadside assistance.
While this is an excellent alternative to other methods, like using coat hangers (which can scratch your car) It doesn't always work, especially on more advanced models of cars. If your vehicle's locking system isn't responding, you might 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 experiences that can happen in our modern world. Many people have seen their parents or uncles use coat hangers to open a car door when they were young but this could be risky and not work on all cars. The use of coat hangers to open a door in a car can harm the door's frame and in certain states, it is illegal.
A simple wire coat hanger can be used to help unlock a car by slipping it in the gap between your door and frame. Slide the hanger into this gap and bend it into the shape of a small "V" shape so that it has a good grip on the post of the lock. Pull the hanger up and you will release the pin that controls the lock. You may have to move the hook a few times to catch something that will move the lock. But, it should not take a lot of effort to lift the bar.
If you're unable to get the hook of your coat to let go of the control arm, you might try placing it between the window and the weather stripping. The hook end of the hanger could be needed to locate this spot. Once you've found it move it around until you hear the door open. This method can be risky however it can be a great method to gain entry into your vehicle without having to seek professional assistance or a key. If this doesn't work, you can call a locksmith or a roadside service to seek assistance.
3. Wooden Wedge
You can lose your keys quickly if you slip up or are reckless. If you don't wish to wait for AAA roadside assistance, or a locksmith to arrive at your location, you will need an immediate method of unlocking your vehicle.
You can make use of anything that could open a gap between your frame and your door. For instance, you can use a screwdriver, a tennis-ball, or a coat hanger. You may have to squirt air into the gap to make it wide enough for your tool to pass through and reach the lock. Be careful not to damage the car.
When they lock their keys in their cars, many people will reach for a pair of pliers or some other tool. However, it's better to use a tool which won't scratch your paint or aluminum trim. Inflatable wedges are perfect for this purpose, and come in a range of sizes that will fit on most doors.
A long length of plastic, folded in half like a grocery bag is a different alternative. Place the strip inside the door that you have opened and, when it is inside the lock, wrap it around the knob and pull it upwards. This is messy, but it's faster than using a screwdriver or coathanger.
If you own a newer vehicle the lock mechanism might not be located in the traditional handle on the outside, but rather on the top of your window, close to the weather seal. To unlock a car using this kind of lock, you'll have to bend the tip of a 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
Locksmiths and repo professionals use air wedges such as this one from HPC to make more room around the window frame of the car to allow them to enter tools with ease. They are also an effective method to avoid damaging the vehicle when gaining access without keys.
An air pump wedge works by sliding between the door and the weather stripping on the door to the proper position when pressure is applied. Then, locked out of my car help is used to inflate the bag until it separates the door of the vehicle from the window of the vehicle and makes an opening wide enough for inserting a car-unlocking tool. This makes it easy to break the lock mechanism manual and open a car door without a key.
A good air wedge will include a stiffener to prevent 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 that is designed for dozens of uses. They are most effective when they are used in conjunction with a picker or long reach tool for unlocking doors in cars that can be put into the wedge to help move the lock.
This method is not recommended for opening a car door by someone else. This could cause damage to the vehicle which will require costly repairs at a bodyshop. It is also not a safe method to open your car when you have locked your keys inside.
It is recommended to call a professional roadside service for assistance if stuck. They typically provide a qualified, experienced technician with the right tools to open a vehicle's door without causing damage to the vehicle. These experts can also assist with towing, battery replacement and more.
5. Rod
A rod is a piece of metal, typically tapered or cylindrical, which is used to support something else. It can be used in a car to create a gap in which you can reach the keys and open the doors. It can be difficult to maneuver this method but it's worth a shot. If you're lucky, it will work.
If you don't feel comfortable opening your car yourself you can get someone else to do it. You can also hire an auto locksmith. You can find one near you by searching the internet or calling. Another option is to purchase an AAA membership, which comes with roadside assistance. This service will send someone to your location soon and allow them unlock your car without hassles.
Many modern vehicles come with security features that prevent thieves from gaining entry without keys. Older models, however are more difficult to break into. To unlock these vehicles, use a coat hanger or rod. To do this, you need to separate the coathanger from the hook and bend the straight end into hook. Slide the hook over the weather strip and into the door slit to create a gap. 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 when you're locked out of your vehicle. For example, BMW and Hyundai offer the lockout app that lets you to unlock your car using the smartphone's 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 need 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 car compatible with Bluetooth.