Getting locked out of your car is a frustrating experience. You can call a locksmith for help, but that can be costly and takes time.

If you’re in a hurry, there are online hacks that can help you open your car without damaging it. Here are some of them:

1. Break the Window

In some situations, breaking the window in your car may be a necessary last resort. This might happen if you’re in an accident that leaves your car submerged in water or if you have a child or pet trapped inside.

It’s important to know how to break a car window properly. Otherwise, you could end up getting hurt.

One way to break the window is to use the metal pegs of the headrests. Take the metal hook and start hitting it against the corners of the window, avoiding the middle section. This method might take a few minutes to get the window to shatter.

Another method is to find something that can focus the force of impact, such as a sharp object or a stone. Using this technique might damage the door mechanism, so it should only be attempted in dire circumstances.

2. Break the Glass

If you’re in a situation where you realize there’s a child or pet trapped inside a car and is in danger of overheating, you’re going to want to break the window. But it’s important to know the right way to do it, and not just for your own safety, but also to prevent further harm from being done to the victim.

First, call the authorities and get there as soon as you can. They’ll probably help, but if not you’ll need to use some brute force (though the goal should be to break the windows far away from the trapped person) to free the occupant.

The most effective tool for this is a safety hammer, which has a hardened tip that can shatter tempered glass with just one blow. These are relatively inexpensive, and you can stow one in the glove box for quick access in an Emergency Car Opening. You can also try hitting the windows with a sharp object, like a metal rod or even a straightened wire clothes hanger.

3. Break the Lock

If you’re stuck outside your car and can’t get in, if there are children or pets inside, or if someone’s safety is in danger, breaking into the car may be the only option. This should be the very last resort, though. It is not only expensive to replace a window or door, but it can be dangerous for you and your family.

There are several makeshift tools you can use, including sticks or wire coat hangers. You can also try using a rod (such as from an inflatable blood pressure cuff) to push the unlock button. This method will most likely scratch the paint of your vehicle, damage the weather stripping, and allow more road noise to enter the vehicle. It also takes a very long time. It might be better to wait for emergency services to arrive. A shoestring with a slip knot can also work in some cases. Straighten the hanger and slide it between the window and the weatherstripping to pull up the lock mechanism.

4. Break the Door

If there is a child or pet in the car and their safety is at risk, you may have to break the door open. This method should be a last resort, but it can be done quickly and efficiently.

Use a wedge to create space between the car door and its frame. Try to push the wedge into the top of the door, as this has the least amount of pressure on it from the hinges and lock mechanism.

Then, take a rod or straightened clothes hanger and make a hook out of it. The end should be able to fit around the locking pin and pull it up, which will unlock the door.

This is a quicker alternative to using a Slim Jim, but it is also more likely to cause damage. However, it may be the best option if your spare key is at home or you don’t have time to call for professional help.