In the vast world of Project Zomboid, traversing the entire map on foot is a daunting task, typically reserved for challenge enthusiasts. Fortunately, the game offers a practical solution: cars. Even if you can't find the keys, you have the option to hotwire them, making vehicular travel a feasible option for most players. Hotwiring a car in Project Zomboid is straightforward and can be achieved with just a few button presses, provided you meet certain prerequisites. While it's not necessary to have the best build to accomplish this, being aware of these requirements is crucial before you embark on your journey to collect vehicles.

How Does Hotwiring Work in Project Zomboid?

Successfully hotwiring a car allows you to drive it as long as it remains fueled and in good condition, regardless of whether you have the keys. To hotwire a vehicle, you must achieve at least Level 1 in Electrical and Level 2 in Mechanics skills. Alternatively, selecting the Burglar occupation during character creation bypasses these skill requirements, enabling you to hotwire vehicles from the start.

How to Hotwire a Car in Project Zomboid

1. Enter the vehicle.
2. Open the vehicle radial menu (default key is V).
3. Select the Hotwire option, then wait for a few seconds.

Once your character meets the necessary requirements, follow these steps on any operational vehicle you can access. The hotwiring process is automated by your character; upon completion, press W to start the engine. Remember, not all vehicles will have fuel, so it's wise to secure some gasoline in Project Zomboid as a precaution.

How to Level Electrical and Mechanical Skills

If you choose not to start as a Burglar, you can manually increase your Electrical and Mechanical skill levels through specific in-game activities. To gain XP in these skills, engage in the following:

• Electrical: Dismantle electronics such as digital watches, radios, and televisions.
• Mechanics: Remove and reinstall mechanical parts.

Additionally, reading books and magazines related to these skills can boost your levels. These items can be found while exploring homes and commercial spaces. Be sure to check mailboxes, storage sheds, and bookshelves, as they often contain such resources. If you're running a Project Zomboid server as an admin, you can use the "/addxp" command to directly award skill XP to players, following the syntax provided in the chat box.

To dismantle or install components, you'll need tools like a screwdriver. You can access vehicle parts by right-clicking and selecting the Vehicle Mechanics option.