If you’re standing in a parking lot, staring at your keys sitting on the driver’s seat, you’re not alone.
A automotive locksmith in NYC is exactly who you need to get you out of this pickle. But have you ever wondered how they actually do it? How does someone show up, do something with some tools for a few minutes, and suddenly your locked car is open?
Let’s walk through exactly how locksmiths open car doors and why you shouldn’t try most of these methods yourself.
It Depends on Your Car
The first and most important thing to know is that there’s no single method that works for every car. A locksmith looks at your specific vehicle, the year, make, model, and what kind of locking system it has, and picks the technique that’ll work best while doing the least damage.
Older cars are generally easier to unlock than newer ones. Newers ones have way more security features built in specifically to prevent unauthorized access.
The Wedge and Long-Reach Tool Method
This is probably the most common method locksmiths use, especially on newer cars.
Here’s how it works:
The locksmith uses a wedge and slides it between your car door and the door frame. They pump it up just enough to create a small gap. We’re talking like an inch or less.
Then they insert a long-reach tool through that gap. Using this tool, they can reach the unlock button inside your car and press it. They can grab the interior door handle and pull it or manipulate the lock mechanism directly.
When done by someone who knows what they’re doing, this method is quick, usually just a few minutes, and causes no damage.
The Slim Jim Method
A slim jim is a thin, flat piece of metal that gets slid between the window and the weather stripping on your car door. Once it’s inside, a locksmith maneuvers it down to the locking mechanism and uses the hook to manipulate the mechanical linkage that controls the lock.
This sounds simple, and on older cars with simpler locking systems, it kind of is, if you know what you’re doing, that is.
However, modern cars have airbag sensors, electrical wiring, and other components inside the door. If you’re jamming a piece of metal around in there without knowing exactly where everything is, you can disable your airbags, damage electrical systems, or break something that’ll cost hundreds of dollars to fix.
Also Read: How Mobile Auto Locksmiths Save You Time During a Lockout
Using J-Tools and L-Tools
These are similar in concept to a Slim Jim but shaped differently, one looks like a J, the other like an L.
They’re mainly used on older cars that have those physical lock/unlock buttons on the inside of the door panel. The locksmith slides the tool down between the window and the weather stripping, reaches the unlock button, and lifts it.
Again, this works on older cars. Newer cars either don’t have those buttons or are designed so tools can’t reach them easily.
Programming a New Key
If you’ve lost your keys entirely, a locksmith can make you a new one right there.
For cars with traditional keys, they can cut a new key based on your vehicle identification number (VIN). Every car’s VIN is unique and corresponds to specific key cuts.
For cars with keyless entry or push-button start, this a little more complicated. These systems use electronic key fobs that communicate with your car’s computer. A locksmith with the right equipment can program a new fob to work with your car.
This typically costs more than just unlocking the door, but if you’ve lost your keys completely, it’s often cheaper and faster than getting your car towed to a dealership.
Bypassing the Immobilizer
Newer cars have immobilizers or theft-deterrent systems that prevent the car from starting even if someone manages to get inside and mess with the ignition.
Sometimes these systems malfunction and prevent you, the actual owner, from starting your car even with the correct key. A locksmith who specializes in automotive work can fix immobilizer problems. This is more technical than just unlocking a door, but it’s something experienced locksmiths handle regularly.
When You’re Locked Out in NYC
If you’re locked out of your car, you want someone who can get to you quickly and get you back on the road fast.
The NYC Locksmith specializes in automotive lockouts throughout all five boroughs. We’ve handled pretty much every car model you can think of, and we show up fast. We have the right tools for your specific vehicle, and can get you back in without damaging anything.
When you need a locksmith in NYC for a car lockout, The NYC Locksmith is who you call. Fast response, fair pricing, and professional service that gets you back on your way without the hassle.
Save our number in your phone now. You’ll be glad you did when you’re standing in a parking lot staring at your keys through the window! Give us call.