Smart driving: 8 useful methods to unlock your car doors without a key

Can you actually count how many times you left it inside your car and discovering that you’re trapped, inside-out? Well, if you are somewhat of a goldfish (because goldfish has a 3-second memory span), it might be helpful to discover and learn the following methods to unlock your car when the key is left inside

1. The shoestring method

Who could tell that the lace of your shoes can actually help you in times of despair? There is a video demonstration of this method online if you need visual references. Take note; however, this method only works on car lock mechanisms that unlock by pulling the trigger upwards.

First, you need to make a knot in the middle of the shoelace that can be tightened when pulled or placed on the locking mechanism. Immediately work the string to wiggle into the place of the car’s interior and through space where the car’s door meets the exterior part. Hook the knot around the car’s lock and tighten the loop once it is secured to the locking mechanism.  Then, pull the string in an upwards direction to open the car.

This method only works on car lock mechanisms that unlock by pulling the trigger upwards.

2. The coat hanger method

Coat hangers are not just for your clothes, unbelievably, it can also be used to unlock car doors. To do this method, first, use a coat hanger with a twistable head. Make a hook that can go through a car’s weather stripping which located by the window. Make a few moves and wiggles to discover the placement of the locking mechanism.

This way also works with horizontal and vertical locks. That means you have to try to make the left and right movements and up and down motions as well.

Coat hanger method also works with horizontal and vertical locks.

We have also mentioned this method in another guide of us on how to unlock car door without key.
 

3. The steel rod and screwdriver method

With this method, you’ll be suspected of trying to snatch a car instead of getting your keys (all the options actually are). Use a Philips screwdriver and a steel rod for this process. Try to open the hinge of your door to make way for the steel rod’s entry. Then, with the steel rod in place, push the unlock button of your car to let yourself in and obtain your car keys.

Be careful not to snatch your car instead of getting your key back

4. The old slim and Jim method

If you tend to forget your car keys for about the millionth time already, maybe you need a slim jim tool to keep in handy. With the same method from the coat hanger method, just insert the device through your car’s weatherstripping area, give it a few tugs and pulls and unlock the door in front of you. However, this method only works on old door lock mechanics.

5. The inflatable wedge method

Similar to the steel rod and screwdriver method, you create a gap so that a steel rod can go through and push the unlock button. With an inflatable wedge, it utilizes air to force an opening instead of steel (screwdriver) that can potentially damage the car’s paint. Try to open up the door of your vehicle so that an inflatable wedge can go through and once you insert it, fill it up with air. After creating a gap, stick the steel rod inside and push the unlock button.

With an inflatable wedge, it utilizes air to force an opening instead of steel (screwdriver) that can potentially damage the car’s paint.

6. The Hail Mary Method (a.k.a The tennis ball method)

This is actually more of a myth rather than a technique. Even the controversial show, “Mythbusters” tried to debunk the myth. You can try it if you want and if your resources are limited. First, make a hole in the tennis ball. You can use a drill or a screwdriver to do this. Then, put the ball on the keyhole and push it to create pressure that’ll unlock the door. You can try to do this on your own but before experimenting, make sure that you have your keys in your pocket!

The tennis ball method is actually more of a myth rather than a technique.

7. Asking assistance from service 

There’s nothing wrong with admitting your fault and being responsible to it. If you don’t want to risk your car’s paint, your car’s exterior or being called out for trying to commit a robbery, then it’s wise to contact your trusted car service provider. Just be ready to spend some money for the service (nothing in this world is free anymore).

If you don’t want to risk your car’s paint, your car’s exterior or being called out for trying to commit a robbery, then it’s wise to contact your trusted car service provider.

8. Asking assistance from security 

Security and maintenance people are equipped with key opener tools that are pretty much a saver for any locked-away area. You can talk to the nearest security guard and ask them for help. However, make sure that they are not busy or currently doing something that can be of top priority and you might be hampering their job. After all, it’s your responsibility to take care of the car keys in the first place.

How to unlock a car door without keys, the easy way

There are a lot of things that can possibly stress you out and made you lose track of where your car keys are. We are all busy; we understand if sometimes you forgot that you still have your phone inside the car and worse, you can’t open it because you forgot the keys inside. It would never hurt you to ask for help and let the professionals handle it. Especially that if you try to think of it, you might be causing damage to your own car. Think about the possibilities if your screwdriver method failed you and it leads to the ugly scratch that messed your new paint job.

Remember, there are a lot of ways that you can keep your car keys with you. You can make duplicate copies, hell; make it triplicate ones just to be sure. You can tie it up on your pants with a key chain of its own and many more. Your possessions are your responsibility. Think of it all as a valuable investment that needs a careful and keen eye to monitor on.

>>> Click here for more useful tips and advice for car owners