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Blog entry by Julienne Hellyer

5 Unlock Your Car Projects For Any Budget

5 Unlock Your Car Projects For Any Budget

Unlock Your Car With Shoelaces

renault-logo-evolution.jpgMany cars now come with enhanced security features. Older models often have post locks which are opened using simple methods.

Certain car manufacturers also have mobile apps that allow you to unlock your car. Check with your automaker to see if they offer this service for 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 helpful if you know what to do. If you have a vehicle with an locking tab mechanism that can be moved vertically up and down typically by the window, there is an easy trick you can try to unlock your car with nothing more than a pair of shoelaces.

First, remove the shoelaces from a pair of shoes you're not wearing then tie a slip knot in the middle of the two shoelaces. Bring both ends together to form a loop approximately 3/4 of the way down the combined shoelaces. Now, slide the resulting knot down into the crack between your car's door and the frame, and adjust the shoelace until it connects to the lock mechanism. This can take a little time and trial but when the shoelace has been secured, simply pull up on both ends to unlock your car.

The most important thing to remember when using this method is to do it slowly and be careful not to scratch or damage your car in the process. If you can successfully use this method to unlock your car, it can reduce the expense of a locksmith or roadside assistance service and get you back on your way in less than a minute.

While this is an excellent alternative to other abrasive methods, like using coat hangers (which can scratch your car), it doesn't always work, especially on more sophisticated models of vehicles. If your car's locking mechanism does not respond to this method, a long wooden rod or a screwdriver may be needed to pry the lock open.

2. Coat Hanger

Being locked out of your vehicle is among the most frustrating events that can happen in our modern world. Many people may have witnessed their father or uncle use coat hangers to open the car door when they were children however, this method could be a bit dangerous and may not work for all vehicles. The use of a coat hanger to open a car door can harm the door's frame and in some states it is illegal.

You can unlock your car using an easy wire coathanger by sliding it between the door and the frame. The hanger is slipped into the gap and bend it into an elongated "V" shape so that it has a good grip on the post of the lock. Pull it up and you will let go of the pin which controls the lock. You may need to move the hook around a few times before you spot something that causes the lock to move however it shouldn't take too much effort to lift the bar.

If you're not able to reach the hook of the coat hanger to let go of the control arm, you can put it between the window and stripping. It may be necessary to poke around using the hook end of the coat hanger to locate the area and once you've found it, you can move the hanger until you hear your door open. This method can be risky however it can be a great way to gain entry into your vehicle without having to seek professional assistance or keys. If this doesn't work you can always contact a roadside assistance business or locksmith for assistance.

3. Wooden Wedge

A quick slip of the fingers or a little bit of negligence can result in you losing your keys in a flash. If you don't have the ability to contact AAA roadside assistance or a locksmith, you'll need something quick to open your car.

You can use anything that can open a gap between your door and frame. For example, you can use a screwdriver, a tennis-ball, or a coat hanger. You may need to spray air into the gap to make it large enough for your tool to fit through and reach the lock. Be careful not to damage the car.

When they lock their keys in their cars, many people grab a pair of pliers or some other tool. However, it's better to select a tool that won't scratch your paint or aluminum trim. Inflatable wedges work well for this purpose, and are available in a variety of sizes that fit inside most doors.

A long length of plastic folded in half, similar to the grocery bag is a different option. Slide the strip inside the door that you have pried open and, once it reaches the lock, wrap it around the knob and pull it upward. This method is messy, but it's faster than using a screwdriver, or g28carkeys.co.uk a coathanger.

If you own a newer car, the lock mechanism may not be located in the traditional handle on the outside, but on the top of your window, near the weather seal. To unlock a car with this style of lock, you'll need bend the top of an old wire hanger into a hook and 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

Air wedges, such as this one from HPC, are a common tool for repo professionals and locksmiths to provide working space around the window frame of the car for easier entry into tools. They also serve as a great way to avoid damaging the vehicle while gaining access without a key.

The air pump wedge operates by sliding between the door and the weather stripping of the door into an area where the correct pressure is applied. A hand pump manual is then used to fill bags that separate the door of the vehicle from its window, thereby creating an opening large enough for a car unlocking tool. This makes it simple to break the manual lock mechanism and open a car door without a key.

A quality air wedge comes with a stiffener to keep it from bursting and release vents to avoid over-inflation. It will also have a tough, non-marring, vinyl bag that's built for dozens of applications. These wedges are best when used with a long-reach automobile door unlocking tool or picker that can be put inside the wedge.

It's important to note that one shouldn't use this method to open the door of their car. This could result in damage to the vehicle which will require costly repairs at a bodyshop. In addition it's not an ideal method of getting 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 get help. They will send a technician who is well-trained and has the right tools to open your car door without causing damage to it. These experts can also assist with towing, battery replacement, and other issues.

5. Rod

A rod is a long, thin, metal piece, usually circular or tapered. It supports another object. It can be used in the car to create a gap so 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 ask someone else to do it. You can also employ locksmith. You can find a locksmith near you by checking the internet or calling. Another option is to purchase an AAA membership, which comes with roadside assistance. The service will dispatch someone to your location soon and allow them unlock your car without difficulties.

Many newer vehicles have security features to stop people from breaking into the vehicle without keys. Older models are more difficult to break into. To unlock car service these vehicles, you need to use a coat hanger or rod. To do this, separate the coat hanger at its hook and bend its straight side to form a hook. Slip the hook behind the weather strip and into the slit of the door to create an opening. Inject the rod, and then move it until you can depress the door-lock switch or slide it.

Some automakers also provide smartphone apps that can aid you if you're locked out of your vehicle. BMW and Hyundai for instance offer lockout applications that let you unlock your car using a smartphone's screen. OnStar is a program offered by other automakers like General Motors that can assist you if your car is locked out. To use these apps, you'll need 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 vehicle.

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