The Best Car Hacks to Try Out For Yourself

When you buy a car, whether it’s used or new, you probably don’t read the manual. Though you should know everything possible about the vehicle, you put it off. However, it’s wise to understand the essential aspects if you have a problem.

Sometimes, it’s important to learn about a few car hacks that will help you take care of the vehicle. Today, you’ll learn about the best ones and how to utilize them. Though they aren’t secrets, most people aren’t aware of them, but you can find out now. They’ll ensure you can handle just about anything that comes up, so let’s get started!

Warm Water and a Plunger for Dents

If you have damaged plastic components, you can use hot water and a plunger. Simply pour the water on the surface to soften it. Then, use a plunger and pull it straight out, fixing the issue!

Toothpaste for Headlights

When the headlights look foggy, you can use white toothpaste to fix the problem. It usually has baking soda, so it will clean the surface. Just use a small brush and gently apply pressure in a circular motion. Rinse and wipe clean.

Open Keychains with a Staple Remover

If you need to open the keyring quickly, use a staple remover. The fine teeth will easily slip between the rings. Then, squeeze down to pull them away so that you can slide on a key or remove one!

Shower Caddy in the Trunk

You need emergency supplies like flashlights, funnels, rags, and oil, but you don’t want them all over the vehicle. Use a shower caddy to hold all those items and put them in the trunk with luggage or groceries.

Pool Noodle for Door Dings

You’ve probably scratched your car doors a few times when leaving the garage, but you can prevent that by putting a pool noodle on the wall. Cut it in half long-wise with a knife and use screws to attach it to the wall at the same height as your door.

Trash Container

Instead of leaving trash in your car, grab a small plastic container, such as from an ice cream tub or something. Put a plastic bag inside from the grocery store, and you have a makeshift trash can that will keep your car organized!

Tinted Foil for Less Glare

Visors can be helpful unless you’re too short, and getting blinded by the sun is dangerous. Instead, grab some tinted plastic and put them on your windshield to protect your eyes and even keep heat out of the vehicle.

Park Eastward

You don’t want to deal with frosted glass when you leave in the morning, and you may not have a garage. Think about where you park. If your vehicle faces the sun, its heat will defrost the windshield, so if you head out after the sun comes up, that’s great!

Keys on the Head

Do you feel you have to be beside the car before using the remote to gain entry? Here’s a simple trick! Put the fob behind your head and hit the button. The fluids in your body act like a conductor. You could also rub the fob on your head to extend its reach.

Magna Doodle for Long Trips

Taking children on road trips is problematic because they get bored. However, a Magna Doodle can help. They’re highly entertaining because kids can draw without using pens and paper. Plus, it can be the tray table for meals on the go!

Coca-Cola for the Wheels

Coke can be used for many things, such as toilets, fabric stains, and car rust. However, it will also brighten up your vehicle’s wheels because of the carbonation. This dissolves the metal oxides and removes the tarnish.

Pantyhose for a Fan Belt

Don’t get stranded because your belt snapped! Keep some nylon or silk pantyhose in the car! Put them around your pulleys, tying them into a knot so that you can make it to the mechanic’s shop. This won’t work with serpentine belts, though!

Fix Abrasions with Nail Polish

If you have some ugly scratches on the car, wash it well, and make sure it’s dry. Then, simply use nail polish in the same color. Apply it gently and thoroughly, being careful and taking your time. You may need another layer!

Defrost Locks with Hand Sanitizer

Do you have hand sanitizer at home? Put a little bit on your key to unfreeze the door locks of your vehicle. Make sure to use gentle pressure. It works because sanitizer often features alcohol, which will burn through the ice fast.

Protect Your Hands from the Seatbelt

Summertime is great, but the metal pieces in your car can be dangerous and burn you. Make sure you keep a pair of inexpensive gloves in the car to protect yourself. Slip them on, put your seatbelt on, and take them back off (or use them on the steering wheel).

Back Organizer with a Shoe Rack

Backseat organizers are a great choice because you can keep your children occupied without making a mess. Instead of spending a ton of money, grab a shoe rack for over the door. Put it on the backseat to store sippy cups, snacks, and magazines!

Nail Polish for Window Chips

Chipped windows can be expensive to fix, but there’s a home remedy to help. First, clean the area with hot water and dishwashing soap. When it’s dry, apply clear nail polish and let it dry. This will prevent your chips from spreading or cracking.

Rubber Bands as Phone Holders

It’s dangerous to check your phone while driving, but you can grab a clip and rubber band to help. Thread your rubber band into the ventilation vent and pull through its lower part. Put both ends around the phone to hold it.

Cool the Car Fast

When it’s hot, and you’re ready to go home, it’s time to cool things off quickly. Make sure you open the passenger door and the driver’s side door. This creates a low-pressure area that will remove the hot air. Finally, close them, open the windows, and turn on the air until you feel cooler.

Dryer Sheet Air Fresheners

Dryer sheets can leave a refreshing scent in your car. You can also use them to wipe off the dead bugs from the outside. Keep a box of these dryer sheets in your car so that you’re prepared for anything!

Scratchproof Fabric

Scratchproof fabrics use safe nanotechnology. The apparel can even remove stains and scratches from your car, restore its color, and protect the paint. Simply wipe it on any surface in your vehicle for the best results.

Wax Cube Air Fresheners

If you want your car to smell like your house, here’s a clever trick. Grab a wax melt square and put it in a salt shaker, sitting it in the car door pocket. The holes within will let the scent release itself slowly.

Penny in the Tire

Worn and bald tires are highly dangerous, and there’s an easy way to check yours. Grab a penny, make sure Lincoln is upside down, and put it in the grooves of your tire. If you can see Lincoln’s head clearly, the treads are worn, meaning you should replace the tire.

Cupcake Liners for the Win

Cup holders in vehicles get grimy easily. However, if you grab a few cupcake liners, you can protect that spot. They fit in perfectly and can be easily removed and replaced when they get dirty. Silicone ones are even better because they’re reusable.

Carabiner Hooks

Do you like carrying water bottles with you in the car? Simply put them in a bag and clip a carabiner hook through the handles. Clip them anywhere you want, such as the headrest brackets, and ensure they don’t roll around.

Cup Holders

If your vehicle doesn’t have cupholders (or not enough), consider grabbing a muffin pan. The little holes are perfect for many types of drink cups, and you can even store snacks in the holes.

Laundry Baskets

Shopping is often fun, but you have to organize the bags in your car. An inexpensive hack is to grab some laundry baskets. Put them in the car, and set your bags in them. Simply pick up the entire basket to go inside the house.

Kitty Litter

Winter is tough for most people because they don’t want to deal with foggy car windows. You could twiddle with the air system knobs, but instead, grab some kitty litter. It will absorb the moisture and prevent the glass from fogging up.

More About Kitty Litter

It’s also wise to keep kitty litter in the car because it can be used to gain traction. If you get stuck in a snow bank, you don’t want to call a tow truck or wait for the police. Sprinkle kitty litter around the tires and get going fast!

Command Hooks

Is it hard to keep your car organized and clean? Command hooks can be great because you can hang everything up. They work for backpacks, handbags, and face masks, but you’ll probably think of other uses, too!

Ziploc Over the Mirror

Ice is a huge concern in wintertime, and it’s wise to park in the garage. However, you may have no choice but to leave your car on the street. Grab a Ziploc bag and cover all your mirrors. The ice will stick to it and not the vehicle itself.

Clean the Windshield Wipers

Don’t put off cleaning the windshield wipers, or they may not work when you need them. Instead, soak a clean cloth in window cleaner, wiping them down. Rubbing alcohol will also work and is abrasive-free.

Paper Towels

Having paper towels in the car is crucial for messes. Simply slide a bungee cord through the roll hole and attach it to the lid of the trunk or somewhere in the car. Then, you can keep your space clean while you drive.

DIY Car Mats

The car mats often get dirty and might wear out with time. Buying new ones can be expensive, but you can quickly make your own. Simply use old carpet and cut out new ones from the old ones.

Vinegar for the Windshield

If you don’t like defrosting the windows in the morning, use vinegar. Though it won’t melt the ice, it will prevent it from forming at all. Spray it on your windshield the night before, using two or three parts to one part water.

WD-40 for Stickers

Most people put stickers on the bumpers and then want to change them periodically. However, the glue is so sticky! Instead, you can spray some WD-40 on the sticker, let it soak in, and peel it off!

DIY Windshield Washer Fluid

Commercial windshield washer fluids are expensive and contain harmful chemicals. Instead of buying them, you can make your own. Mix 4 cups of water, 2 teaspoons of your favorite dishwashing liquid, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Spray away and keep it clean.

Q-Tips for Detailing

Cars have tiny spaces that traditional cloths won’t reach. However, using a Q-tip can help you get into the little areas of the logos or vents. Plus, they’re small, so you can keep them in the car.

Revive Leather with Vaseline

Cracked leather interiors look unsightly, but you can fix them yourself without having to spend a fortune at the dealership. Vaseline can put moisture back into the leather but works best to prevent it from cracking.

Squeegee Away Pet Dander and Hair

Fur babies are lovable, but they leave behind fur. Instead of hiring a professional cleaner, you can grab a squeegee and clean it yourself. Spray some water on the seats and run the squeegee over them several times to loosen up the hair.