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Project Zomboid: How to Hotwire Cars

By BenjaminFeb 04,2025

Mastering the Art of Hotwiring in Project Zomboid: Your Guide to Stealing Cars

Project Zomboid's vast map encourages exploration, but traversing it on foot is impractical. Fortunately, many vehicles remain functional, and if keys are elusive, hotwiring offers a solution. This guide details the process and skill requirements.

Hotwiring isn't as complex as it sounds; it often involves just a few button presses. However, prerequisites must be met. While not requiring a top-tier build, these requirements are crucial:

How Hotwiring Works in Project Zomboid

Successfully hotwiring a car allows driving as long as fuel and vehicle condition permit, even without the correct keys. To hotwire, you need at least Level 1 Electrical and Level 2 Mechanics skills. Alternatively, selecting the Burglar profession during character creation bypasses these skill requirements.

Hotwiring a Car: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Enter the vehicle.
  2. Access the vehicle radial menu (default key: V).
  3. Select "Hotwire" and wait.

After fulfilling the prerequisites, follow these steps on any operable vehicle. Hotwiring is automated; once complete, press W to start the engine. Remember that fuel levels vary, so acquiring gasoline is advisable.

Leveling Up Electrical and Mechanical Skills

For non-Burglars, manual skill increases are possible:

  • Electrical: Dismantle electronics (watches, radios, televisions).
  • Mechanics: Remove and reinstall mechanical parts.

Books and magazines also provide skill boosts. Check mailboxes, sheds, and bookshelves while looting. Server admins can use the "/addxp" command to directly grant skill XP. Appropriate tools (screwdrivers, etc.) are necessary for dismantling and installation. Right-click vehicle parts and select "Vehicle Mechanics" to remove them.

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