How to Get Into a Locked Car: Methods and Risks

Introduction

It’s a scenario we’re all familiar with: you’re running errands or coming back from a trip, you go to unlock your car door, and…nothing happens. Maybe the lock is stuck, maybe the key broke inside the lock—but either way, you’re locked out of your own car and don’t know what to do. In this article, we’ll explore several different methods for getting into a locked car, as well as the potential risks and downsides of each method, so you can make an informed decision in case of an emergency.

The Coat Hanger Method

The coat hanger method is one of the oldest and most well-known ways of unlocking a car door, and it involves creating a loop with a wire coat hanger to pull the lock from the outside. Here’s how to use this method:

1. Find a wire coat hanger and stretch it out as straight as possible.
2. Bend one end of the hanger into a hook shape.
3. Slide the hanger through the top of the weatherstripping on the door, on the far side of the lock.
4. Twist the hanger until the hook is facing the lock button.
5. Hold the hanger with your non-dominant hand and use the hook to pull the lock button up or push it down, depending on your car.
6. Once the lock is open, pull the hanger out of the door while holding the lock button in place to make sure the door stays unlocked.

Although the coat hanger method can be effective, there are some potential risks and downsides to be aware of. For one, you need to have a wire coat hanger on hand, which may not always be the case. Additionally, some cars have different lock mechanisms that may not be compatible with this method, and it can also cause damage to the weatherstripping or the paint job if you’re not careful.

Slim Jim Method

A slim jim is a long, thin piece of metal that can be used to manipulate the lock mechanism inside the car door. Here’s how to use this method:

1. Slide the slim jim inside the door, between the glass and the weatherstripping.
2. Move the slim jim back and forth until you feel it latch onto the lock mechanism.
3. Use the slim jim to push the lock mechanism up or down, depending on your car.
4. Once the lock is open, remove the slim jim and be sure to hold the lock button in place to keep the door unlocked.

Like the coat hanger method, using a slim jim has its downsides and risks. Not all cars have compatible lock mechanisms, and using the slim jim incorrectly can cause damage to the lock mechanism or the weatherstripping. Additionally, unless you have experience using this tool it can be difficult to manipulate the lock mechanism in the correct way.

Lock Picking

Lock picking is a more technical method of unlocking a car door, and requires specific tools and knowledge of lock mechanics. Here’s how to use this method:

1. Insert the tension wrench into the lock cylinder and apply a slight amount of pressure in the direction you would turn the key.
2. Insert the lock pick into the lock cylinder and feel for the pins inside the lock mechanism.
3. Apply pressure to the pins using the lock pick until they line up with the shear line, allowing the lock to turn.
4. Turn the lock using the tension wrench and open the door.

Lock picking requires specific tools and a certain level of skill and knowledge that most people don’t have. Additionally, modern car locks are often more complex than traditional padlocks, making lock picking even more difficult. Attempting to pick the lock on a car you don’t own or have permission to enter can also result in legal consequences, so it’s important to be aware of these risks before attempting this method.

Call a Locksmith

If you’re not confident in your ability to unlock a car door on your own, or if none of the previous methods have been successful, it may be time to call in a professional locksmith. Here are some benefits of using this method:

• Locksmiths have specialized tools and knowledge that can help unlock even the most complex car locks without damaging the vehicle.
• Locksmiths are often available 24/7 for emergency situations, so you can rest assured that help is on the way.
• A professional locksmith can provide additional services such as re-keying the lock or making a spare key, which can be useful in preventing lockouts in the future.

The main downside of calling a locksmith is the cost, which can be higher than other methods. However, in some cases, the peace of mind and guaranteed results may be worth the price.

Use a Tennis Ball

Although this method may seem too good to be true, some people claim that using a tennis ball can unlock a car door in a pinch. Here’s how to use this method:

1. Take a standard tennis ball and use a knife or scissors to cut a hole in the ball, about the same size as the lock on the car door.
2. Hold the tennis ball up to the lock and press firmly, making sure the hole is over the lock mechanism.
3. Press the ball hard and release quickly, which is supposed to create a burst of air that dislodges the lock and causes the door to unlock.

Despite the anecdotal evidence, there is no scientific proof that this method actually works. Attempting to use a tennis ball to unlock your car door can also cause damage to the lock or the car’s paint job, so use this method at your own risk.

Break the Window

Breaking a car window should only be used as a last resort or in an emergency situation, as it is unsafe and can cause serious damage to the vehicle. However, if you find yourself in a situation where breaking the window is the only option, here’s what to do:

1. Find a hard object such as a hammer or rock that can break the window.
2. Wrap the object in a towel or cloth to prevent injury from broken glass.
3. Stand outside the car and aim for the corner of the window away from the center of the door.
4. Use a firm, forceful motion to break the window and reach inside to unlock the door.

Breaking the car window can cause serious injury or harm to yourself or others, so it should only be used in dire situations. Additionally, repairing or replacing a car window can be expensive, so be prepared for the financial consequences of this method.

Conclusion

Getting locked out of a car can be a frustrating and stressful experience, but there are several methods you can use to get back in. From the classic coat hanger to modern lock picking tools, each method comes with its own set of risks and benefits. Remember to always prioritize safety and be aware of the potential consequences of each method before attempting to unlock your car. And, of course, the best way to avoid getting locked out of your vehicle is to take preventative measures such as keeping spare keys in a safe place or setting up automatic lock systems.