Whether you use your car daily for work or just on weekends with your family, driving has its challenges. Gas prices are going up, roads are getting busier, and car maintenance can feel overwhelming without a reliable mechanic. But it doesn’t have to be hard! Try these simple car repairs and maintenance tips at home to make owning a car easy and affordable.
Use Coffee Filters to Collect Dust
If you can’t start your day without a cup of coffee, chances are you have plenty of coffee filters in your kitchen. Besides making a great cup of Joe, these filters can also come in handy for cleaning your car. Their lint-free design makes them perfect for tackling the dust in your car.
Remove Dents With a Plunger
Discovering a dent on your car, especially if it’s not your fault, can be really frustrating. However, you don’t always need to spend a lot on professional repairs. If the dent isn’t too large, you can actually fix it yourself using just hot water and a plunger. It’s a simple DIY trick that anyone can do without breaking the bank.
Apply Toothpaste on Your Headlights
Often overlooked, headlights are crucial for visibility on the road, especially at night. They tend to gather dirt and grime, which can be a safety hazard. To keep them shining bright, it’s essential to clean them regularly. Surprisingly, whitening toothpaste can come to your rescue for this task!
Turn Your Phone Hands-Free
We all know using your phone while driving is super risky. But, hey, you can still go hands-free without spending a dime on a fancy holder. Why fork out cash when you can get creative with things lying around your house?
Use Baking Soda Before Vacuuming
Car maintenance isn’t just about trips to the mechanic; it’s also about keeping things clean. Vacuuming is a big part of that, but if your car still smells after, especially from wet dogs or kids, here’s a simple solution: baking soda. It works like magic to get rid of those lingering odors in no time.
Have Paper Towels on Hand
Paper towels are handy in the kitchen and bathroom, but they’re also a lifesaver for car messes or quick oil level checks. Keep them easily accessible in your vehicle by attaching them to the trunk roof. No more searching in the trunk when you need them!
Avoid Bumps With a Pool Noodle
Having a garage is a luxury, but squeezing your car in without hitting the walls can be a challenge. If your car doors have seen better days due to garage encounters, consider using old pool noodles. They make excellent and affordable buffers to protect your car from those accidental knocks.
Easily Defrost Frozen Door Handles
Cars and frost don’t get along, especially in winter. Starting your car, dealing with icy windshields, and frozen door handles can be a real hassle, especially when you’re in a rush. Luckily, if you have cooking spray in your pantry, you can solve these problems in no time and be on your way, even with a hot coffee in hand.
Make Use of Vaseline
You might have a tub of Vaseline in your bathroom, but did you know it’s not just for soothing dry lips? This versatile product can also be your car’s best friend. Beyond skincare, Vaseline has numerous uses in car maintenance and repairs, making it a handy tool to keep in your garage.
Make Sure to Do the “Penny Test”
You don’t need to spend money on a mechanic to check your tire tread. Save your cash by using a simple trick at home with just a penny. It can easily help you determine if your tires are worn and need replacing or if they are still safe for the road.
De-Frost Glass With a Potato
Potatoes, known for their versatility in the kitchen, have another surprising use: defrosting car windows. If you find yourself with foggy or icy windows, grab a spare potato. A few wipes with this vegetable can work wonders in clearing up your car windows.
Buy a Plug-In Electric Blanket
Whether you’re at a drive-in movie or enduring chilly soccer games, a plug-in electric blanket can be a game-changer. While it’s not recommended for use while driving, it’s perfect for staying warm when your car is stationary. These blankets are affordable, plug into your car, and ensure you won’t freeze during those cold moments.
Use a Spare Pair of Socks on Your Wipers
Got some old socks lying around? Don’t toss them out just yet! Instead of letting them go to waste, repurpose them to protect your windshield wipers. This simple hack can save you the frustration of dealing with frozen wipers sticking to your windshield during chilly weather.
Clean Your Leather Interior With Oil
When picking your next car, preferences vary from speed to aesthetics. For those drawn to the allure of leather interiors, upkeep is key. Instead of splurging on expensive products, a simple solution is to grab some extra olive oil during your grocery shopping. It’s a cost-effective way to maintain the chic and durable appeal of leather seats.
Keep Your Belongings Safe
If you’re the type who can’t leave home without a purse, umbrella, snacks, and practically the kitchen sink, you likely experience the chaos of these items rolling around in your back seats. The familiar scene of your purse spilling its contents on the floor can be a daily frustration. But fear not, there’s a solution to end this hassle once and for all.
De-Fog Your Windshield With Cat Litter
If you’re a cat owner and deal with a foggy windshield in the winter, you’re in luck. Spare kitty litter can be your savior. Driving with a foggy windshield is risky, so it’s crucial to defog before hitting the road. Kitty litter turns out to be a handy solution for tackling this issue.
Polish Out the Imperfections
When it comes to car repairs, heading to the mechanic is necessary for serious issues. But for those minor scratches and imperfections, there’s no need to spend your hard-earned money. Skip the trip to the mechanic and, instead, head to the bathroom for a solution—grab some nail polish to fix those small body scratches on your vehicle.
Remove Corrosion With Coca-Cola
Assuming you have a stash of Coca-Cola cans in your pantry (who doesn’t love the drink?), you might be surprised to learn that this beverage is not just for sipping. Beyond human consumption, Coca-Cola can also be used to remove corrosion in your car’s engine. Turns out, this popular soda has benefits for both you and your vehicle!
Always Keep Your Pizza Warm
Driving often comes with additional roles, like being the designated driver or the family pizza deliverer. The only downside is getting home to find cold pizza. Fortunately, there’s a simple trick to keep your pizza warm, even if you’re stuck in traffic.
Use Slime During Cleaning
If you have kids, chances are you have some leftover slime from its popular craze a few years back. While it was originally a toy for molding, it turns out that slime can also serve a practical purpose in car maintenance, specifically cleaning. Its ability to get into every nook and cranny makes it an effective tool for cleaning every inch of your car.
Use Hand Sanitizer to Beat the Freeze
When it comes to unfreezing car doors and locks in winter, many turn to boiling water. However, if you’re short on time, an alternative is right in your purse – hand sanitizer. Much like traditional anti-freeze products, hand sanitizers are primarily alcohol-based, making them a convenient and quick solution for icy car troubles.
Make Use of Your Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise, whether homemade or store-bought, is known for its versatility as a condiment. Beyond sandwiches and salads, it turns out that mayonnaise can also serve in car maintenance and repairs. If you’re dealing with tar stains on your vehicle’s bodywork, mayonnaise can surprisingly work wonders in removing them.
Peel off Stickers With Some Heat
Whether you’re a bumper sticker enthusiast or prefer a clean look, dealing with unwanted stickers on a new car doesn’t have to be a hassle. Forget spending hours peeling from the corner; there’s a super easy way to remove them.
Make a Homemade Car Freshener
The delightful “new car smell” doesn’t last forever, and over time, less pleasant odors can take over. Rather than buying a car freshener, consider making your own. It’s a simple DIY project—all you need is a container and some scented candles to keep your car smelling fresh.
Secret Hidden Features
When you purchase a car, there’s typically no introductory class to teach you about its safety systems or the intricacies of the multimedia center. This is especially true for used cars, where the previous owner might not have been fully aware of all the features either. To ensure you’re well-acquainted with your vehicle, it’s a good idea to conduct a thorough inspection, covering every aspect from top to bottom, just in case something was overlooked.
Remove Your Keys in No Time
Keyrings are undoubtedly handy for keeping all your important keys together, but removing a specific key can be a real struggle. Squeezing your finger between the rings can feel like a feat of strength, and it takes way too much time. Fortunately, there’s a simpler way to tackle this common inconvenience.
Stop Your Car From Sliding Around
Driving in extremely cold conditions, especially during winter, can be hazardous with snow-covered roads and the risk of black ice. When it seems almost impossible to navigate, adding some extra weight to your vehicle can make a significant difference.
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