WHAT YOU’LL NEED

The kits we keep at the firehouse are simple. If you can walk to a hardware store or a neighbour’s house and find these materials, you’ll be able to unlock the car without any damage.

A long metal rod / Rigid enough to stay stiff under pressure, but flexible enough to bend by hand. A heavy coat hanger can work, but it might flex when trying to press down on things.

Wedges / You’ll want felling wedges or construction shims. The longer and thinner, the better. Nylon and plastic are ideal. Wood is second best. Metal is a distant last. Whichever kind you find, you’ll need at least two.