Top 10 Car Unlocking Hacks Busted: What Really Works (and What Doesn’t)

If you’ve ever been locked out of your car, chances are you’ve searched online for a quick fix. The internet is full of “life hacks” that claim you can open your car with nothing more than a shoelace, a tennis ball, or even your smartphone.

But how many of these tricks actually work? And how many will just waste your time—or worse—damage your car?

Here at Mr Car Keys, we’ve seen it all. So let’s bust the top 10 online car unlocking hacks and reveal what really works.

 

1. Coat Hanger Trick

• The Hack: Straighten out a coat hanger, slip it between the window and weatherstripping, and pull up the lock.
• The Reality: This worked on older cars with vertical post locks, but modern vehicles are sealed tight and mostly electronic. You’ll probably just scratch your paint and damage the weatherstripping.

 

2. Tennis Ball Trick

• The Hack: Popular on Tik Tok, cut a hole in a tennis ball, press it over the lock, and squeeze to “pop” it open with air pressure.
• The Reality: Total myth. Multiple tests have proven this doesn’t work. It won’t open your car—and you’ll just ruin a tennis ball.

 

3. Shoelace Trick

• The Hack: Make a loop in a shoelace, slide it down through the door gap, hook the lock, and pull it up.
• The Reality: Only possible on very old cars with raised manual locks. Modern flush or electronic locks can’t be hooked.

 

4. Screwdriver or Slim Jim

• The Hack: Pry the door open slightly with a screwdriver or use a Slim Jim to pull the lock mechanism.
• The Reality: You risk damaging your paint, bending the door, or breaking airbags and wiring. Slim Jims require training—using one without experience often does more harm than good.

 

5. Smartphone + Spare Key Fob Trick

• The Hack: Hold a spare key fob up to your phone, call someone at home with the other fob, and “transmit” the unlock signal.
• The Reality: Fun idea, but impossible. Phones can’t transmit radio frequencies used by car remotes.

 

6. Butter Knife Trick

• The Hack: Slide a butter knife into the lock or door to force it open.
• The Reality: Car locks are precision-engineered—knives won’t work. At best, you’ll scratch your car. At worst, you’ll bend the lock beyond repair.

 

7. Blood Pressure Cuff or DIY Air Wedge

• The Hack: Slip an inflatable cuff between the door and frame, pump it up to make a gap, then use a rod to press the unlock button.
• The Reality: Professionals do use air wedges, but they’re designed for cars. A DIY cuff can bend the frame, crack glass, or damage weatherstripping.

 

8. Tape + Ruler Trick

• The Hack: Stick tape to a ruler or rod, slide it down the window gap, and try to stick the lock button.
• The Reality: Nearly impossible to control, and modern locks are often flush or electronic. Mostly frustration, little success.

 

9. String or Fishing Line Loop

• The Hack: Feed a loop of string or line through the door gap, hook it over the lock, and pull.
• The Reality: Works only on very old vertical locks. Not useful on most cars built in the last 20 years.

 

10. Car Antenna as a Rod

• The Hack: Unscrew your antenna, slide it through the window gap, and try to press the unlock button.
• The Reality: You’ll probably damage the antenna or scratch the interior before you ever hit the button.

 

What Actually Works

Household hacks may look clever on TikTok or YouTube, but in reality:

• They rarely work on modern vehicles.
• They often cause costly damage to paint, weather seals, electronics, or locks.
• They can waste valuable time in an already stressful situation.

The best solutions are:

• Calling a professional automotive locksmith like Mr Car Keys (fast, safe, damage-free).
• Keeping a spare key somewhere secure.
• Using roadside assistance if included with your insurance or car manufacturer.

 

Online hacks may go viral, but when it comes to your car, they’re more myth than magic. Instead of risking damage with coat hangers, tennis balls, or shoelaces, call a qualified automotive locksmith. They have the right tools and training to get you back in your car—quickly, safely, and without a scratch.

Most times, the smartest hack is trusting the expert. So, if you ever find yourself locked out of your car, don’t trust the Youtube “experts”, call Mr Car Keys on 0404 621 621 and let us get you back on the road safely.