Useful Car Hacks To Make Life Easier And Save Money
Are you tired of spending a fortune on car maintenance and upgrades? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of ingenious car hacks that will save you money, time, and hassle. From DIY solutions to clever tricks, these tips will transform your driving experience and help you get the most out of your vehicle. Buckle up and get ready to become a savvier car owner!
1. Create DIY Car Mats for a Personal Touch
Car mats are essential for keeping your vehicle’s interior clean, but they can be expensive to replace. Why not make your own? It’s easier than you might think and allows for personalization.
Grab some carpet scraps or affordable carpet tiles from your local home improvement store. Cut them to fit your car’s floor space, and voila! You have custom car mats that protect your floors and reflect your style.
2. Organize Your Trunk with Collapsible Laundry Baskets
A messy trunk can be frustrating when you’re trying to find something in a hurry. Collapsible laundry baskets are an excellent solution for keeping your trunk organized and tidy.
These baskets fold flat when not in use, saving space. When expanded, they can hold groceries, sports equipment, or emergency supplies. Sort items by category for easy access and a clutter-free trunk.
3. Use Seat Warmers to Keep Takeout Food Hot
Nothing ruins a takeout meal like cold food. Here’s a clever hack to keep your food warm on the drive home: use your car’s seat warmers!
Place your takeout containers on the passenger seat and turn on the seat warmer. The gentle heat will keep your food at the perfect temperature until you reach your destination. Just be careful not to overheat delicate items.
4. Touch Up Paint Scratches with Nail Polish
Small scratches on your car’s paint job can be unsightly and expensive to fix professionally. For a quick and affordable solution, try using nail polish that matches your car’s color.
Clean the scratched area thoroughly, then carefully apply the nail polish to the scratch. Once dry, gently buff the area with a soft cloth. While not a permanent fix, this hack can make scratches less noticeable until you can get a professional touch-up.
5. Maintain That New Car Smell with Homemade Air Fresheners
The new car smell doesn’t have to fade away. Create your own long-lasting air freshener using a few simple ingredients from home.
Take a small jar with a screw-top lid and poke holes in the lid. Fill the jar with scented wax melts or essential oils on cotton balls. Place the jar in your car’s cup holder or under a seat. The heat in your car will release the fragrance, keeping your vehicle smelling fresh.
6. Clean Foggy Headlights with Toothpaste
Dim headlights can be dangerous and make your car look older than it is. Before spending money on new headlight covers, try this simple cleaning hack using toothpaste.
Apply a generous amount of non-gel toothpaste to your headlight covers and rub it in circular motions. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. The mild abrasives in toothpaste help remove the foggy film, leaving your headlights clearer and brighter.
7. Prevent Items from Falling Between Seats
We’ve all experienced the frustration of dropping items between car seats. Here’s a simple solution to prevent this annoying problem.
Cut pool noodles or foam pipe insulation to fit the gap between your seats and the center console. Wedge them into place to create a barrier that prevents items from falling through. This hack not only saves you from fishing for lost items but also keeps your car cleaner.
8. Create a DIY Phone Mount with a Rubber Band
Need a phone mount for GPS navigation but don’t want to spend money on one? A simple rubber band can do the trick.
Loop a thick rubber band through your car’s air conditioning vent. Pull the other half out and wrap it around your phone, securing it in place. This DIY mount keeps your phone visible for navigation while driving without the need for an expensive mount.
9. Never Lose Your Car in a Parking Lot Again
Forgetting where you parked can turn a quick errand into a frustrating search. Use this simple trick to always remember your parking spot.
Take a photo of your parked car, including nearby landmarks or signs. If you’re in a parking garage, snap a picture of the level number and space. This visual reminder will save you time and stress when returning to your vehicle.
10. Protect Your Car Doors with Pool Noodles
Prevent door dings and scratches in tight parking spaces or narrow garages with this clever pool noodle hack.
Cut a pool noodle in half lengthwise and attach it to your garage wall at the height where your car door would hit. You can also attach them to the sides of your car when parked in tight spots. This creates a soft buffer that protects your car’s paint job.
11. Remove Dents with a Plunger
Small dents in your car’s body can be unsightly, but they don’t always require professional repair. Try this plunger trick before heading to the body shop.
Pour hot water over the dented area to make the metal more pliable. Then, place a standard toilet plunger over the dent and push and pull vigorously. The suction often pops out small to medium-sized dents, saving you a trip to the repair shop.
12. Create a Tidy Trash Solution
Keep your car clean and organized with this simple trash can hack using everyday items.
Take a plastic cereal container and line it with a small trash bag or plastic grocery bag. Place it under a seat or in a convenient spot in your car. This makeshift trash can is easy to empty and keeps garbage contained, preventing a messy car interior.
13. Check Tire Tread Depth with a Coin
Maintaining proper tire tread is crucial for safety, but how do you know when it’s time for new tires? This simple coin test can help.
Insert a quarter into your tire’s tread groove with Washington’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, your tires are worn and need replacing. This quick check can help you stay safe on the road.
14. Cool Your Car Quickly Without AC
On hot days, getting into a sweltering car can be unbearable. Use this trick to cool your car faster, even without air conditioning.
Roll down the front windows and open and close the opposite rear door several times. This creates a fanning effect that pushes hot air out of the car quickly. It’s a simple way to make your car more comfortable before you start driving.
15. Create an Emergency Cupholder
Ever been in a car without enough cupholders? Here’s a quick fix using something you’re already wearing.
Take off one of your shoes and place it on the floor of the passenger side. The shoe creates a stable base for your drink, preventing spills. It’s not the most elegant solution, but it works in a pinch!
16. Prevent Garage Parking Mishaps
Avoid bumping into things in your garage with this tennis ball guide hack.
Hang a tennis ball from the garage ceiling so that it touches your windshield when you’ve pulled in far enough. This visual guide helps you park in the perfect spot every time, preventing accidental bumps and scrapes.
17. Get More Gas for Your Money
Did you know that how you pump gas can affect how much you get? Use this trick to maximize your fill-up.
When pumping gas, use a slower speed and don’t squeeze the nozzle fully. This reduces air bubbles in the gas, allowing you to fit more fuel into your tank. It might take a bit longer, but you’ll get more gas for your money.
18. Protect Your Mirrors When Parked
If you’re parking in an area with lots of birds, protect your side mirrors with this simple hack.
Cover your side mirrors with plastic bags when parked. This prevents birds from pecking at or leaving droppings on your mirrors, which can be damaging and difficult to clean.
19. Clean Your Wheels with Coca-Cola
Believe it or not, Coca-Cola can be an effective cleaner for your car’s wheels and rims.
Pour Coca-Cola over your wheels and let it sit for a few minutes. The acid in the soda helps break down dirt and grime. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry. Your wheels will shine like new!
20. Use a Screwdriver for Detailed Cleaning
Get into those hard-to-reach spots in your car’s interior with this simple tool.
Use a flathead screwdriver wrapped in a microfiber cloth to clean tight spaces like air vents and between seats. The thin, flat edge can reach spots that fingers or larger cleaning tools can’t.
21. Obey Speed Limits for Car Longevity
While not a hack in the traditional sense, this tip can save you money and extend your car’s life.
Consistently driving at or below the speed limit reduces wear on your brakes, tires, and engine. It also improves fuel efficiency, saving you money at the pump. Plus, you’ll avoid costly speeding tickets!
22. Prevent Mirror Freezing with Ziplock Bags
In cold climates, frozen side mirrors can be a morning nuisance. Prevent this with a simple household item.
Cover your side mirrors with ziplock bags secured with rubber bands when parked overnight. This prevents frost from forming on the mirror surface, saving you time and effort in the morning.
23. Never Forget Which Side Your Gas Tank Is On
Pulling up to the wrong side of the gas pump can be embarrassing and time-consuming. Use this built-in reminder to avoid the mistake.
Look at your fuel gauge on the dashboard. Most cars have a small arrow next to the gas pump icon indicating which side of the car your fuel tank is on. No more guessing at the gas station!
24. Clean Your Dashboard with Olive Oil
For a natural way to clean and shine your dashboard, reach for the olive oil.
Put a few drops of olive oil on a coffee filter and wipe down your dashboard. It cleans effectively and leaves a subtle shine without harmful chemicals. Just be sure not to use too much, as it can attract dust.
25. Remove Old Bumper Stickers with WD-40
Tired of that old bumper sticker but worried about damaging your paint? WD-40 comes to the rescue.
Spray WD-40 on the sticker and let it soak for a few minutes. The solution will penetrate the adhesive, making it easy to peel off the sticker without leaving residue or damaging your paint.
26. Clean or Replace Air Filters Regularly
Maintain your car’s performance and air quality by paying attention to your air filters.
Check your car’s air filter regularly and clean or replace it as needed. A clean air filter improves fuel efficiency and ensures clean air circulates in your car. It’s an easy maintenance task that can save you money in the long run.
27. Make Your Own Washer Fluid
Running low on washer fluid? Make your own with this simple recipe.
Mix three cups of rubbing alcohol with four cups of water and two teaspoons of liquid dish soap. This homemade solution effectively cleans your windshield and won’t freeze in cold temperatures.
28. Eliminate Odors with Baking Soda
Combat persistent car odors naturally with this common household item.
Sprinkle baking soda on your car’s carpet and seats. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum thoroughly. The baking soda absorbs odors, leaving your car smelling fresh.
29. Use a Clay Bar for a Showroom Shine
Achieve a professional-level shine on your car’s exterior with a clay bar.
Rub an automotive clay bar over your car’s surface after washing. It removes contaminants that washing can’t, leaving your paint smooth and shiny. It’s an affordable way to get that just-detailed look.
30. Prevent Windshield Cracks from Spreading
Notice a small chip or crack in your windshield? Act fast with this temporary fix.
Apply clear nail polish to the chip or crack. Once dry, it helps prevent the damage from spreading until you can get it professionally repaired. This quick fix can save you from needing a full windshield replacement.
Charlie Golsley
