If you’ve ever been locked out of your car, you know how frustrating it can be. You can call AAA roadside assistance or hire a locksmith, but both can be expensive and take time to get to you.
You can also try a few DIY techniques to open your door. One method is to use a wire coat hanger and pliers.
1. Break the Window
If you need to get out of a locked car, or you’re trying to rescue a child or pet trapped inside, breaking the window may be the best option. However, it’s important to know how to do it safely so you don’t hurt anyone.
First, plan to break the window on the opposite side of where the child or pet is. This will ensure they’re not hit with shards of broken glass.
Then, find something sharp and heavy to use as a window breaker. This could be a tire iron, a rock, or anything else that will have a pointy end that can get into the frame of the window.
Remember to take careful aim, though; blunt force will not break the window and it will even cause the alarm to go off! The key is to break the window at its weakest points. Ideally, this is near the center of the window, but you may need to try other spots.
2. Break the Glass
If you’re locked inside a car, there are a few ways to break a window. One way is to use a standard hammer and seatbelt cutter.
Another method is to break the glass with a stone, rock, or piece of metal. The sharpness of the object will help concentrate force in a small area, making it easier to break tempered glass.
A shattered porcelain poker is also a useful tool for breaking tempered glass. Its sharp point will pierce and shatter the glass, creating tiny holes that can be easily removed to access the internal door handle.
Finally, a windshield cutter may be necessary for laminated glass. While it’s a bit more complex than using a standard hammer, it’s an efficient option for quickly getting out of a vehicle.
3. Break the Door
If your wallet is in a bag and you have no luck getting back in, breaking the door might be the only way out. For the safety conscious, it’s not advisable to ram, bang, or drill the lock and frame to get the job done. Nevertheless, there is no reason not to try and do it yourself. You can probably find the tools and supplies at your local home improvement center or hardware store. The trick is in not overdoing it. The key is to keep a cool head and use the right tools for the job. The best way to go about it is to have a list of the essentials ready at all times. It might even be a good idea to have a few backup plans on hand.
4. Call 911
Dialing 911 to make a report of an Emergency Car Opening is always important. But it can be confusing and stressful for everyone involved.
Dispatchers are trained to help callers through the process. The first thing to remember is to stay calm and be sure to tell them exactly what’s happening.
The next step is to give them all the information they need about your location, including the street address and any nearby cross streets or landmarks you can think of. This will help the dispatcher send the correct responders to your location.
If you have a cell phone, make sure the telephone number is displayed for the dispatcher to see. This will help them find you if the phone connection is lost.
