Some people think all they have to do to keep their car in tip-top shape is bring it in for an annual tune-up at the mechanic. They’ll check your oil, engine, tire pressure — which are all important, but did you know that there are actually tons of simple ways to make your car awesome?
With these car hacks, you can make your experience of owning and driving a car 100x better. And while you can leave the more complicated stuff to the mechanic, here are some simple tips and tricks that you can do yourself.
1. Take a picture of where you parked in a huge lot.
2. Weave a rubber band through an air vent to create a nifty hands-free phone holder.
3. If you have trouble with blind spots, set your mirrors so you can’t see any of your vehicle. This will make the cars around you more visible.
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4. Cool off your car without blasting the AC by rolling down a window and opening and closing the opposite door several times.
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This will let cool air in and hot air out.
5. Use a coffee filter and some cleaning solution to get rid of any dust and grime on your dashboard.
6. If your lock is frozen, apply some hand sanitizer to your key to help melt the ice.
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7. Need a little help figuring out which side the exit is on? If the number is on the upper left-hand corner of the sign, the exit is on the left, and vice versa.
8. While you should always focus on driving, a shower caddy is a great way to keep food organized in the car.
9. Need a holder for your GPS? Use a modified binder clip to keep it steady.
10. Apply some toothpaste and wipe it away with a cloth to clean your headlights.
11. Prevent the crack from spreading by applying some clear nail polish.
You should seek a more permanent solution when you get the chance, though.
12. Keep your car doors from freezing during the winter by applying some cooking spray to the rubber on the inside of the door.
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Wipe it away to create a tighter seal that will keep water out.
13. Use a staple remover to get a frustrating key ring open.
14. If you can’t find your car in a garage or parking lot, place your remote lock against your head to create a stronger signal that extends farther.
15. If you’re tight on space in your garage, measure the position of your windshield when your car is in the right spot, and then hang a tennis ball from the ceiling so you know where to stop.
16. It might sound funny, but a plunger is great for removing small- to medium-sized dents in your car.
17. Don’t know how to change a tire? This graphic is super useful.
18. Take an old coffee cup and cut open the lid to make your own tissue dispenser.
19. If you forget where your gas tank is, the arrow on the gauge tells you if it’s on the left or right side of the car.
20. De-clutter your car with shoe organizers.
21. Make a mini trash can using a garbage bag and an old cereal container.
(via 22Words)
Be honest: you definitely need some of these car hacks. Or you could just use your friend’s purse as a trash bin (without them knowing it). The choice is yours…
