How to Steal a Car in Grand Theft Auto

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Grand Theft Auto is one of the only places in the world where you are encouraged to steal a car. They are the main means of transportation in any Grand Theft Auto game. It provides the most convenient method of going around the city and getting to all those tight spots that can be explored in any version of the game. Cars are also very accessible since you can find them in every location of the map; all you need to do is to steal them.

Steps

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    Cars can be found parked anywhere on the map. Just look along the sides of the roads or parking lots to find one. Pick the car you want to get and approach it.
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    Before you steal a car, look around and check if there are cops around the area. If you see one, you may want to let him walk by first until he’s a few meters away from you.
    • Stealing a car while there’s a cop near you will instantly raise your wanted level to one star. Cops will start chasing you and shoot at your car.
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    Stand right beside the vehicle and press the Y (Xbox), Triangle (PlayStation), or F (PC) button to get into the car. Your character will break the side window, enter, and start the vehicle.
    • In some occasions, a car may have an alarm. Once your character breaks the side window, the alarm will set off. Don’t panic because the alarm is useless unless there are cops near the vehicle. It will eventually turn itself off after a few seconds.
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    Whether if it's a killing spree, for a mission, or just plain joyrides. Press the Right Trigger (Xbox), L2 (PlayStation), or W (PC) button to accelerate and drive away from the spot.
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    If there are cops around the area when you stole a car, they will chase after you. To escape the cops, look at the mini map on the lower left corner of the screen to check the range of the police, marked by a large flashing circle, that’s chasing you. Simply speed away out of the cop’s range, and they will stop chasing you, removing any wanted star you have.
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Method 1
Method 1 of 1:

Stealing a Moving Car

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    Cars can be seen on every street on the map. Just walk along the sides of the street and wait for the car you want to steal to drive by.
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    Before you hijack a car, look around and check if there are cops around the area. If you see one, you may want to let him walk by first until he’s a few meters away from you.
    • Hijacking a car while there’s a cop near you will instantly raise your wanted level to one star. Cops will start chasing you and shoot at your car.
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    Once the car is getting close, walk up the street and stand in its way. The driver will stop the vehicle and honk at you.
    • Do not steal cars from the freeway. These vehicles are moving too fast, and standing on its way will only kill you. Hijack cars that are moving at an average speed, like those on avenues or streets.
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    Walk towards the side of the vehicle and press the Y (Xbox), Triangle (PlayStation), or F (PC) button to get in. Your character will open the door and pull the driver out of the vehicle.
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    Press the Right Trigger (Xbox), L2 (PlayStation), or W (PC) button to accelerate and drive away from the spot.
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    If there are cops around the area when you stole a car, they will chase after you. To escape the cops, look at the mini map on the lower left corner of the screen to check the range of the police, marked by a large flashing circle, that’s chasing you. Simply speed away out of the cop’s range and they will stop chasing you, removing any wanted star you have.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I get in the car?
    Community Answer
    Walk towards the side of the vehicle and press the Y (Xbox), triangle (PlayStation), or F (PC) button to get in. Your character will open the door and pull the driver out of the vehicle.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 10
  • Question
    Will hijacking a cop car in GTA with no cops around raise my wanted level?
    Community Answer
    No not at all. The only way to raise a wanted level is if a cop sees you.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 8
  • Question
    How do you become a cop in Grand Theft Auto 5?
    Community Answer
    There is currently no safe ways to become a cop. However, you could install mods that allow you to do that.
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      Things You'll Need

      • One of the following: PS2, Xbox, a PC, Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One, PS4 or a PSP
      • Copy of the game for your particular game system

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