Discover 10 ingenious car hacks that can save you time, money, and stress. From preventing foggy windows to fixing dents, these simple yet effective tips will revolutionise your driving experience.
10 Brilliant Car Hacks Every Driver Should Know
Owning a car comes with its fair share of challenges, but many issues can be solved with a touch of creativity and a few household items. Here are 10 clever car hacks that are efficient, easy to execute, and guaranteed to make your driving experience smoother and more enjoyable.
1. Create a Phone Holder with a Rubber Band
If you rely on your phone’s GPS but don’t have a holder, you can make one with just a rubber band and a paperclip. Simply thread the rubber band through your car’s AC vent using the paperclip to pull it back out. Place the band around your phone, ensuring a secure hold while you drive safely.
2. Protect Your Car Doors with a Foam Noodle
Small garages often make it hard to avoid door dings. Prevent damage by attaching a foam pool noodle to the garage wall. Cut it lengthwise, and glue or nail it to the spot where your car door meets the wall. This simple hack ensures your car remains dent- and scratch-free.
3. Polish Your Headlights with Toothpaste
Foggy headlights can reduce visibility and make your car look worn out. Clean them using toothpaste, which works as a mild abrasive. After washing the headlights with soap and water, rub toothpaste onto the surface using a cloth. With a bit of elbow grease, your headlights will look bright and clear.
4. Prevent Foggy Windows with Kitty Litter
Struggling with foggy windows in the morning? Fill a sock with silica cat litter and leave it in your car overnight. The litter will absorb moisture, leaving your windows clear and fog-free. Alternatively, an anti-fog spray can also do the trick.
5. Make a DIY De-Icer with Rubbing Alcohol
Scraping ice off your car on frosty mornings can be a nightmare. Instead, fill a spray bottle with two parts rubbing alcohol and one part water, and spray it on your windscreen. The ice will melt instantly, saving you time and effort. Just ensure the mixture doesn’t touch your car’s paint.
6. Remove Rust with Coca-Cola
Rust not only makes your car look old but can also compromise its structure. Use Coca-Cola, which contains a small amount of phosphoric acid, to remove rust. Simply soak a piece of aluminium foil in Coke and rub it on the affected area. This hack is cost-effective and surprisingly efficient.
7. Fix Dents with a Plunger
Small dents can often be fixed at home without a mechanic. Using a cup plunger, the kind meant for sinks, you can pull dents back into place. Wet the plunger and the dent, then push and pull until the dent pops out. It’s a simple and budget-friendly solution.
8. Use Cardboard for Traction in Snow
Getting stuck in the snow is frustrating, but keeping a piece of cardboard in your boot can save the day. Place it under the wheels for traction to help free your car. If you don’t have cardboard, car mats or even kitty litter can work as substitutes.
9. Remove Bumper Sticker Residue with Damp Newspaper
Peeling off old bumper stickers often leaves behind sticky residue. Place a damp newspaper over the residue for 15 minutes. This softens the glue, making it easier to scrape off gently with a plastic card. Your car will look clean and residue-free in no time.
10. Use Socks for Winter Wiper Protection Protect your windshield wipers from freezing by covering them with old socks during winter. This prevents them from sticking to the glass. You can also repurpose a single sock as a windshield cleaner or polisher, ensuring you always have a streak-free finish.
