The Reason Unlock Your Car Is So Beneficial When COVID-19 Is In Session
Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces
Many cars today have heightened security features. However, older models usually still have locks on the post that can be opened with some simple methods.
Some car manufacturers offer mobile applications that let you unlock your car. Contact your automaker to see if they offer this service for you.
1. Shoelaces
Shoelaces might not seem like the most effective tool to use when you're locked out of your vehicle but they can be quite helpful in the event that you know what to do. If you have a vehicle that have a locking tab mechanism that can be moved vertically up and down typically in front of the window, there is an easy method you can try to unlock your car with just shoes.
Then you can tie a slip knot through the middle of two shoelaces. Bring both ends together and form a loop that runs 3/4 of the way across the combined shoelaces. Now, slide the resulting knot down into the crack between your car's door and its frame. Then, maneuver the shoelace so that it is able to connect to the lock mechanism. This can take a little bit of trial and error, but once the shoelace is secured, simply pull up on both ends to unlock your car.
When using this method the most important thing to keep in mind is to be careful to not scratch or damage your vehicle. If you are able to successfully employ this method to open your car, it can save you the cost of a locksmith or roadside assistance service and get you back on your way in a fraction of the time.
While this is a fantastic alternative to other methods, such as using coat hangers (which could scratch your car) It doesn't always work, particularly on more advanced models of vehicles. In vehicle unlock service that your car's locking mechanism does not respond to this method, a long wooden rod or a screwdriver could be required to open the lock open.
2. Coat Hanger
Being locked out of your car is among the most frustrating events that can happen in our modern world. Many people have seen their parents or uncles use a coat hanger to open the car door when they were children however, this method could be a little risky and may not work for all cars. 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 door frame. Slide the hanger into the gap, and then bend it into an elongated "V" shape to ensure that it gets a good grip on the post of the lock. Then, pull upwards on the hanger to release the pin or bar that controls the door lock. You may have to move the hook a few times to catch something that will move the lock. But, it isn't a huge effort to lift the bar.
If you are unable to get the coat hanger hook to release the control arm you could 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 have found it then jiggle and wiggle until you hear the door open. This method can be risky however, it could be a great way to gain access to your vehicle without having to seek professional assistance or the use of a key. If this method doesn't work, you can always call a roadside assistance business or locksmith to get help.
3. Wooden Wedge
Keys can be lost quickly if you slip up or are reckless. If you don't want wait for AAA roadside assistance or for a locksmith to show up at your location, you will need an easy method to unlock your vehicle.
You can use almost anything that can wedge open an opening between your door and frame such as a coat hanger or tennis ball or even the screwdriver. You may need to squirt some air into the gap to make it wider enough for you to insert your tool and reach the lock button, though, so be careful not to cause damage to your vehicle.
Many people use pliers or other tools when they lock their keys in their vehicles, but it's best to use tools that won't scratch or scuff the aluminum trim or paint. Inflatable wedges are ideal for this job, and come in a variety of sizes that fit all doors.
Another alternative is to make use of the length of a plastic strip folded in half, such as a grocery bag. Place the strip inside the pried open door and, when it gets to the lock, wrap it around the knob and pull upward. This method is messy, but it's faster than using a screwdriver, or a coathanger.
If you're a recent car owner, it's likely the lock mechanism doesn't have a traditional handle on the exterior of the car but is instead located on the top of the window near the weather stripping. To unlock a car using this style of lock, you'll need to bend the top of the wire hanger into a hook, then place it in the space between the window and the door (or the weather stripping) until you reach the lever or lock switch.
4. Air Wedge
Repo and locksmith professionals utilize air wedges such as this one made by HPC to create more space around the car window frame so that they can enter tools easily. They also serve as a great option to prevent damaging the vehicle when gaining access without a key.
An air pump wedge works by sliding between the door and the weather stripping of the door into an area where the correct pressure is applied. A manual hand pump is then used to inflate bags that separate the door of the vehicle from its window, forming an opening large enough to fit a car unlocking tool. This allows you to break the lock mechanism manually and unlock a car door without the need for a key.
A good air wedge will include a stiffener that prevents it from collapsing when pumped up and a release valve to prevent over-inflation. It also comes with a heavy-duty vinyl bag that is non-marring and built to last dozens of times. The wedges are best when used with a long-reach automobile unlocking tool for doors or a picker that is inserted into the wedge.
This method is not recommended for opening the car door by someone else. This could cause damage to the vehicle and require costly repairs at a body shop. Additionally it's not an appropriate method to gain entry into your vehicle in the event that you've locked your keys inside.
It is recommended that people who are stranded in their car call a professional roadside assistance service to seek assistance. These services will send a technician who is well-trained and has the correct tools to open your car door without damaging it. These experts can also assist with towing, battery replacement and more.
5. Rod
A rod is a piece of steel, usually tapered or cylindrical, that is used to support another. In the car, it can be used to create a gap through which you can reach your keys and unlock the door. It's not easy to master this technique but it's worth a shot. If you're lucky, it will work.
If you aren't at ease opening your vehicle yourself, you can ask someone else to help. You can also hire a locksmith. You can locate locksmiths in your area through the phone book or on the internet. Another option is to sign up for an AAA membership, which includes roadside assistance. This service will dispatch a person to your location in a short time, and they can unlock your vehicle without hassle.
Many modern cars come with security features that can stop someone from entering them without keys. Older models, however are more difficult to break into. To unlock these vehicles, you can make use of a coat hanger or a rod. To do this, you must separate the coat hanger from its hook and bend its straight side into a hook. Slide the hook over the weather strip and into the slit of the door to create a gap. Inject the rod, and then move it to press the door-lock switch or slide it.
Certain automakers also have smartphones with apps that can assist you when you're locked out of your vehicle. For instance, BMW and Hyundai offer a lockout app that allows you to unlock your car using the smartphone screen. OnStar is a program provided by other automakers like General Motors that can assist you in case your car is locked out. You'll need an iPhone 11 or newer or Apple Watch Series 5 with the most recent version of watchOS and be in Bluetooth range.