How to Get Into Your Car Without Calling a Car Locksmith

Cars are one of the most useful tools in modern life, getting us from point A to point B more efficiently than ever before. But they can also throw a major wrench in your day when things go wrong. And if you’ve locked your keys in your car, you may need to call an auto locksmith to help get you back on the road.

If you have roadside assistance included in your vehicle insurance policy, the service will usually send someone to unlock your car for a fixed cost based on your membership level. However, if you don’t have that option or need to get into your car immediately, there are a few ways to gain access.

Most locksmiths use a special tool called a Slim Jim (see the picture below). These are long rods that can be bent to navigate around any mechanical security measures built into a door. A hook at the end can then grab a latch or other linkage within the door to open it. They’re relatively inexpensive and come in a variety of lengths. Some are even car specific, which means they can be used in the lock on a particular make and model of vehicle.

You can also try the coat hanger trick, which requires a thin wire coat hanger and pliers. Simply unfold the coat hanger, bend one pin slightly and stick it in the lock, then bend the other pin and push it in. You might need to do this a few times to get it right, but the method can work in older vehicles with manual locks. Just be careful not to damage the lock or lock mechanism itself, which could lead to bigger problems later on. car locksmith