Useful Car Hacks That Every Car Owner Should Be Aware Of

Dirty Headlights And Toothpaste

Yes, that's correct! It's always a good idea to assess the cause of the fogging or yellowing on your headlights before attempting any DIY solutions. If the damage is severe or caused by internal factors, toothpaste may not be effective, and you may need to seek professional help. When using toothpaste to clean headlights, it's important to apply it gently with a soft cloth or sponge and to rinse thoroughly to avoid scratching the lens. And as you mentioned earlier, it's important to note that toothpaste can only clean the surface of the lens and cannot fix any deeper damage to the headlight.

Opening Your Keyring With A Staple Remover

That's a great tip! Using a staple remover to separate the end pieces of a metal keyring is a simple and effective way to add or remove keys without risking injury to your fingers. It's also a quick and easy solution for those who find it difficult to manipulate small keyrings. Here are the steps to follow:

Locate the end piece of the keyring that you want to separate.

Place the end piece between the jaws of a staple remover, positioning the jaws at the base of the end piece.

Squeeze the handles of the staple remover to gently pry apart the end piece from the rest of the keyring.

Slide your new key or keys onto the keyring, and then use the staple remover to reattach the end piece.

Squeeze the end piece firmly back into place using the jaws of the staple remover until it snaps shut.

It's a simple and quick solution that can save you time and prevent injuries.

Put A Shower Caddy In The Trunk

That's a great idea! Using a shower caddy to organize your emergency car supplies can help keep everything easily accessible and in its place. Here are the steps to follow:

Choose a shower caddy that will fit in the trunk of your car. Look for one with multiple compartments or pockets for organizing different items.

Gather all of your emergency car supplies, including oil, a funnel, a rag, a flashlight, and any other items you may need in case of an emergency.

Place your emergency car supplies in the different compartments or pockets of the shower caddy. Be sure to arrange them in a way that makes sense to you and that allows you to quickly find what you need.

Place the shower caddy in the trunk of your car, either on the floor or on a shelf.

Be sure to check the contents of your emergency car supplies regularly and replace any items that have expired or been used.

Using a shower caddy to organize your emergency car supplies can also help keep the trunk of your car clean and free of clutter. Plus, it's a great way to ensure that you always have the supplies you need in case of an emergency.

Use Pool Noodles To Prevent Car Dings

That's a great tip! Using a pool noodle to protect your car and garage wall is a simple and effective solution to prevent accidental scratches and dents. Here are the steps to follow:

Cut an old pool noodle in half using a sharp knife or scissors. You should have two long halves of equal length.

Locate the area on the garage wall where the car door typically hits when it swings open. This area may already have scuff marks or scratches from previous impacts.

Hold one half of the pool noodle up against the garage wall in the area where the door typically hits. Use a marker or pencil to mark the wall where the noodle ends.

Using either bolts or strong adhesive strips, attach the pool noodle to the garage wall. Be sure to place it at the correct height so that it will make contact with the car door before it hits the wall.

Repeat the process with the other half of the pool noodle on the opposite side of the garage wall.

Using a pool noodle to protect your car and garage wall is an inexpensive and simple solution that can save you time and money in repairs. Plus, it's a great way to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your car and garage.

Need A Trash Bin? Use Cereal Bins

That's a good tip! Keeping a garbage container in your car can help prevent odors and keep your vehicle clean. Here are the steps to follow:

Choose a small waste container that will fit easily in your car, such as a plastic cereal container or a small plastic trash can with a lid.

Line the container with a plastic bag. This will help keep the container clean and make it easier to dispose of the garbage later.

Keep the container in a convenient location in your car, such as the back seat or trunk.

Whenever you have trash to dispose of, simply place it in the container.

Be sure to empty the container regularly to prevent odors from building up.

Using a garbage container in your car is a simple and effective way to keep your vehicle clean and odor-free. Just be sure to dispose of the garbage properly and empty the container regularly to prevent any unpleasant smells from lingering.

Reduce Glare With A Tinted Plastic Sheet

Using a tinted plastic sheet is a good temporary solution if you forget your sunglasses and the sun is causing glare while driving. Here are the steps to follow:

Purchase a tinted plastic sheet that is large enough to cover the inside of your car window.

Clean the inside of the car window thoroughly with a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

Cut the tinted plastic sheet to the appropriate size, making sure it covers the entire window.

Spray a small amount of water on the inside of the window to help the tinted plastic sheet adhere.

Carefully place the tinted plastic sheet on the inside of the window, smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles.

Use a credit card or squeegee to remove any excess water and air bubbles.

Allow the tinted plastic sheet to dry completely before driving.

Using a tinted plastic sheet is a temporary solution and is not a replacement for wearing sunglasses while driving. Be sure to remove the tinted plastic sheet as soon as possible and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays.

Lessen Frost By Parking Your Car Facing East

This is a great tip for those who live in areas with cold weather and experience frost or ice on their car windows in the morning. Here are the steps to follow:

Park your car facing east, so that the front windshield receives direct sunlight in the morning.

Leave your car parked in this position for a few hours, allowing the sun's rays to defrost the front windshield.

When you're ready to leave, start your car and turn on the defroster to melt any remaining frost or ice on the back windshield and side windows.

Once the defroster has done its job, you should be able to drive away without any visibility issues.

It's important to note that this method only works if the sun is strong enough to defrost the windshield. If the weather is extremely cold, or if there is a lot of ice buildup on the windshield, you may need to use an ice scraper or other methods to remove the ice before using the defroster. Additionally, be sure to never leave your car unattended while it's warming up, as this can be a safety hazard.

Long Ride With A Messy Kid? MagnaDoodle Got You Covered

That's a great tip! MagnaDoodles are a fantastic toy to bring along on a long car trip with a young child. They're lightweight, mess-free, and can keep children entertained for hours. Plus, the drawing surface can double as a tray table for snacks and meals, making it easy to keep food contained and avoid messy spills. Just be sure to pack some extra pens and erasers in case they get lost or worn out during the trip.

Clean Your Wheels With Coke

While it's true that a solution of cola and dish detergent can effectively clean rims of road grime and brake dust, it's important to note that the acid in cola can also damage the finish on some rims. If you choose to use this method, be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first and rinse thoroughly with water afterward. Additionally, baking soda can be a useful and non-abrasive alternative for cleaning rims, as it can help break down grease and grime without scratching the surface. Just mix it with water to create a paste and apply it to the rims with a soft cloth or brush, then rinse thoroughly with water.

You Can Use Pantyhose As A Fan Belt

While using pantyhose as a temporary fan belt may seem like a convenient solution in a pinch, it is important to note that it is not a permanent fix and should not be relied upon as a long-term solution. The material may not be strong enough to withstand the demands of the engine, and using it for an extended period of time could lead to more severe engine damage. It is always best to have a professional mechanic repair or replace a damaged fan belt as soon as possible to avoid potential safety hazards and costly repairs.

Use Nail Polish On Small Scratches

While nail polish may be a quick fix for minor scratches or chips, it is important to note that it is not a long-term solution. Nail polish is not designed to withstand the elements and can eventually wear off or fade, leaving the scratch or chip exposed once again. Additionally, if the scratch is deep or the paint color does not match perfectly, the nail polish may actually make the scratch more noticeable. It is always recommended to have a professional repair deeper or more noticeable scratches and chips to ensure the longevity and overall appearance of your car's paint.

De-Ice Your Keyholes With Hand Sanitizers

It is not recommended to use hand sanitizer to defrost car door locks as it can damage the lock and the surrounding paint. Instead, use a de-icer spray specifically designed for car locks or a small amount of rubbing alcohol applied with a cloth or cotton swab. Additionally, it's a good idea to keep your car keyhole lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant to prevent it from freezing in the first place.

Keep Your Seats Buckled During Hot Weather

While it's true that metal parts of a car that are exposed to sunlight and heat can get very hot and potentially burn your hands, it's important to note that leaving your seatbelt buckled when you're not in the car can be dangerous. If someone were to break into your car or try to steal it, they may not realize the seatbelt is buckled and could cause damage to the seatbelt or other parts of the car when trying to move it. It's best to simply be cautious when buckling your seatbelt in the summer and avoid touching any hot metal parts of the car.

Use Over-The-Door Shoe Racks As Backseat Organizers

That's a great idea! Using an over-the-door shoe rack to organize the backseat essentials is a clever and practical solution, especially for families with kids. It saves space and keeps everything in one place, making it easy to access and find what you need while on the road. Plus, it can be easily removed and stored when not in use.

Window Chips? Clear Nail Polish Could Help

We do not recommend using clear nail polish to repair a cracked windshield. While this may temporarily stop the crack from spreading, it is not a reliable or safe long-term solution. Cracks in windshields can compromise the structural integrity of the glass, and it is always best to have them professionally repaired or replaced by a qualified technician. Driving with a cracked windshield can be dangerous and may result in reduced visibility, and it may also be illegal in some areas.