car hacks
DIY

10 Car Hacks Nobody Told You About

Every so often you find yourself in a bind. Something goes wrong with you car but you’re tight for cash and time. We’ve all been there. It’s never a fun reality to face, but sometimes, all you need is a little inventive thinking to get you by. The car woes won’t last forever if you take advantage of these 10 useful car hacks. Check them out below! 

Creative car hacks to try in 2021 

At times, our cars don’t make it easy on us. They fall apart unexpectedly and without notice. In particular, when you’re gearing up for your next road trip or commute to work. As much as you want to break down and yell out of frustration, there are many ways to mend the situation without paying big bucks. Above all, the lifetime cost of your car doesn’t have to break the bank with these car hacks under your belt. 

Just take a deep breath, and let these car hacks guide you back to peaceful driving.

DIY car mats 

Over time, car matts lose efficacy. This especially reigns true if you are a long-term car owner with a busy family. Before the dirt buildup takes you over the edge, here is one simple trick to getting your car clean. Discard those old car mats and buy scraps of carpet at your local home improvement store. At costs as low as $2-5, you can make your own car mats at home. 

Dryer sheets for unwanted odors 

Buying an air freshener is always a hit or a miss experience. Some smell too pungent, some are barely noticeable. But all you really want is something effective. A product that will absorb the odor right out of your car. The good news is dryer sheets make the perfect substitute. Hide them in seat pockets or small crevices, and in no time, you’ll smell the difference. This car hack is not one to sleep on. 

Paper towel holder for your car

Anytime there is an unexpected spill or juicebox explosion in your backseat, this car hack will come in handy. All you need is a roll of paper towels and a short bungee cord. And voila, you have a DIY paper towel holder in your car. Having trouble picturing how this car hack works? Click here to view a clip. You’ll see why many parents find use of this awesome hack. 

Forget lost items with foam insulation 

Every driver has experienced the agony of dropping your phone between the tiny gap of the seat and center console. That narrow space eats about anything and everything, from a fallen French Fry to a credit card. Items slide so easily into this dark space yet retrieving them requires a full blown task force. To add, most peoples hands can barely fit. 

To steer clear of disaster striking again, try out this clever car hack involving foam pipe insulation and a pair of scissors. Cut the insulation to the right size and squeeze it between your seat and the console. The next time something falls, it will likely bounce right back into your lap.

Fix cloudy headlights 

As headlight enthusiasts, there is nothing worse for a car than bad visibility. Not only does it jeopardize your safety, it makes your car look old and out-dated. There’s a chance you might need new headlights, but until you’ve saved enough money, here is the best thing to do. Grab an old toothbrush, some toothpaste, and watch that cloudiness fade away. 

Insider tip: A toothpaste brand with baking soda works best.

Parking perfection with a tennis ball

Parking in your car in a garage can be tricky, especially if you don’t have much space. Between storage containers, bikes, and children’s toys, the space meant for cars can turn into a full blown obstacle course. To avoid future dents or scratches, hang a tennis ball from the ceiling to improve the accuracy of parking. Once your windshield taps the tennis ball, you’ll know it’s time to stop. 

Check your tire quality with a penny

When you’re unsure if your tires are still in good condition, this car hack will give you an answer. First, take a penny from your change jar. Second, stick the penny with Lincoln’s head facing upside down into a tread of the tire. If his head is still visible, you’re in need of new tires. If his forehead is covered, you have some time. 

To learn more information about tire tread quality and the penny car hack, watch the video below:

Repair a cracked window with nail polish

When you’re tight on cash and can’t get to the repair shop fast enough, use this car hack to prevent your cracked window from getting worse. All you need is a bottle of clear acrylic nail polish. I know it sounds crazy but it works, every time. The next time a golf ball wrecks your window, pay a visit to your local CVS to keep your window in tack. 

For best results, carefully clean the cracked surface before applying the nail polish. It should keep you protected until you can save for a new window. 

Are these car hacks helpful? Tell us what you think below.

 

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Linzi Martin
Linzi Martin has worked as a content manager, consultant, and writer for the past six years. She's handled everything from blogs and articles to e-books and social media content. Her work has been featured in various publications including Apartment Guide, The Startup, and Voyage Magazine. Outside of work, Linzi enjoys staying active, frequenting new restaurants around South Florida, and spending time with her family.

    2 Comments

    1. Loved these tips. I WILL be fixing my chipped window with acrylic lol

    2. Woow! Definitely going to use these hacks.

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