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How to break into a car

If you've ever locked your keys in your car, you'll know how much of a hassle it is to get a hold of a locksmith, have them come out to your location, and unlock your car door for you. There are several solutions to getting inside one's car if they are unable to get in using the traditional lock-and-key method. I will detail the recommended solution, as the method used in this solution is quite cheap (you may destroy the rubber lining surrounding the car door), and quick.

What you'll need:

  • A doorstop or any object in the shape of a wedge, preferably wood (to reduce any damage done to the car).
  • A metal wire coat hanger, broken and bent so that you have both a side that has the loop, and a side that just ends at a metal point.
  • A hammer, or an object to hit the wedge (optional).
  • Steady hands.

Take the wedge, and secure it between the car door and the car. Pry the wedge around a little, and a slight opening will form. This opening should be as close to the locking mechanism (whether it be a button for a power lock, a lever for traditional lock, or any other type of lock) as possible. The wedge should be far enough in that it will stand in place on its own. Place the coat hanger in the car door using the opening the wedge has created. Depending on what type of locking mechanism the car is equipped with, use either the hooked side, or the long side to trigger or unlock the door lock.

With practice this can be accomplished in less than a minute, but is not easy. Once the door is unlocked, you can open the door, but be careful, as opening the door from the outside after opening the inside lock WILL sound any alarm system present in the car! Most cars with factory alarm systems will terminate the alarm if either you

  • Start the car as normal.
  • Shut the car door, lock the door, unlock the door, open the door from the inside.
  • Find and use a kill switch, usually located on the underside of the dashboard.

The damage done to the car in this situation is minimal: a slight battery drain while the alarm is active (most alarms sound from 2-10 minutes, then shut off), and a possible destruction of the rubber lining inside the car door, or dislodging of this lining.

If you've lost your keys, then you WILL need to call a locksmith, or hotwire the car yourself. I'd recommend the blacksmith for this situation, for obvious reasons.

Locking your keys in your car is not a fun experience, but with a few common items, you can save any fees and embarrassment that comes with calling a locksmith!

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