“We’re all familiar with driving and operating a car – often without needing to consult the manual. Turning on the windshield wipers, adjusting the air conditioning, or activating the fog lights becomes second nature.
Or so we hope! Some of us are even skilled enough to change car tires. But did you know about these simple yet incredibly effective car hacks? We’ve put together a list of clever tips and tricks related to cars that can save you time, money, and hassle. With these, you can easily tackle many minor to moderate car issues on your own!”
“Removing Dents from Your Car Yourself”
“Dents on a car are never a welcome sight, not to mention they can detract from its overall value. But fear not, as we’re here to share a simple method for tackling those dents yourself. Begin by boiling some water, then pour it generously over the affected area.
The heat from the water should ideally help the metal to expand and gradually revert to its original form. For dents that are a bit more stubborn, employing a suction cup can provide additional leverage. With a bit of patience and effort, you’ll find that these tricks can often provide a satisfactory solution, especially for minor dents.”
“Properly Polishing Headlights”
“Over time, headlights can suffer from the effects of bad weather and dirt. But don’t worry, we’ll share how you can save your nerves and your wallet. There’s an all-purpose cleaning agent that’s likely already in your bathroom cabinet: toothpaste.
It may sound strange at first, but it truly works wonders! Apply it with a damp kitchen cloth and polish vigorously. Be careful: never polish over the paint. Voila, the polishing agents in the toothpaste will restore your headlights to their former glory!”
“Staple Remover as Key Ring Opener”
“We all know the struggle: you have a new key and want to attach it to your keychain. While it might sound easy in theory, in practice, it often feels like you’re breaking all your fingernails in the process.
Who would have thought that the solution was sitting on our desk the whole time: the staple remover! Simply press the prongs of the staple remover into the slot on the ring until it opens slightly, allowing you to slide the key onto the ring with ease—or remove it from the ring. Thumbs up for this brilliant hack!”
“A Shower Caddy for Additional Storage Space”
“If you’re someone who likes to be prepared for any situation, then you probably already have an emergency kit in your trunk. This kit might include oil, windshield washer fluid, a funnel, rags, a flashlight, and more.
Our tip for this is to install a shower caddy in your trunk, which can be attached to the car wall using adhesive strips. Say goodbye to items rolling around wildly in the trunk. Everything will have its designated spot. Plus, you’ll avoid any ‘accidents’—after all, you wouldn’t want the oil to end up causing more harm than good!”
“Making the Garage Safer with Pool Noodles”
“As cars become larger and wider, our garages often remain the same size. It’s easy to accidentally hit the car doors against the garage wall, resulting in unwanted dents. But there’s a simple solution: a pool noodle.
Just cut the pool noodle lengthwise and attach it to the garage wall at the level of the door (e.g., using nails or adhesive strips). Now, if someone opens the door with a bit too much force, it will bump into the soft pool noodle, protecting both the door and the garage wall. Safety ensured!”
“Using a Cereal Container as a Car Trash Can”
“Are you familiar with this scenario? Without doing much, trash accumulates in the car. If you’re not careful and leave food behind, parking the car in the sun can lead to unpleasant odors. Surely, nobody wants their car to smell like a landfill.
A trash can with a lid would be a good idea. You don’t need to buy anything fancy for this; you can simply use a plastic cereal container. Just line the container with a plastic bag, and you’re done. The trash goes to an odor-neutral place and can be easily disposed of!”
“The Advantages of Window Tint Film”
“Did you know that factory tinting only darkens car windows without providing significant UV protection? In contrast, window tint film offers nearly complete protection against UV and IR radiation. Additionally, high-quality tint films provide efficient heat protection.
Effective heat and cold protection also positively impact consumer costs by significantly reducing the need for air conditioning and heating. Another advantage is that the film provides protection against shattered glass. And most importantly, the film prevents strong glare from the sun.”
“Quick and Easy De-Icing of Frozen Car Windows”
“Everyone knows this scenario: it’s an early winter morning, you’re in a rush to get going, but first, you have to de-ice the entire car. We have a trick for you that can make the job much easier. Next time, park the car facing east with the front windshield.
What might sound like magic at first is simply logical because the sun rises in the east. By parking the car so that the sun can shine directly onto the front windshield, the ice will melt on its own. Of course, this trick only works if you don’t have to leave before sunrise…”
“Increasing the Range for Your Key”
“Everyone knows that feeling of uncertainty as you walk away from your car: Did I really lock it? If you have a key with a remote transmitter, we can explain how you can save yourself a few extra steps.
To improve the range for the key, simply hold it under your chin or against your head. The fluid in our head enhances the signal and thus improves the range. For some, this hack changes their life; for others, it’s at least a cool party trick!”
“A Magnetic Drawing Board Makes Long Car Rides with Kids Easier”
“Parents know all too well how challenging long car rides with children can be. Bored kids don’t make good travel companions, not to mention the mess they can leave behind from snacking.
That’s why we recommend adding a magnetic drawing board to the car’s entertainment arsenal. Not only are they the perfect on-the-go entertainment tool, allowing kids to draw without any mess, but they also never run out of ‘ink,’ and the pen doesn’t constantly get lost. Plus, the clever part: the drawing board can double as an eating tray. Crumbs, water spills, and the like will be a thing of the past!”
“With This Home Remedy, Your Tires Will Shine Like New”
“Maintaining and caring for a car can quickly become expensive. However, there are also some household remedies that can help save money. Paying attention to tire care is particularly important since tires ensure our safety on the road.
Regular cleaning is unavoidable in this regard. A combination of cola and dishwashing liquid can work wonders, removing all brake dust and road grime from the rims. A tip from the pros: Cola can also help maintain the tire rubber.”
Strumpfhosen Als Keilriemen-Ersatz
“This, almost a myth by now, has persisted stubbornly over the years. Today’s modern models come with belts made from much stronger materials and feature multiple plies.
Nylon wouldn’t stand a chance there. However, the situation is different with older cars. If you find yourself stranded with an older station wagon and inexplicably unable to get help, but happen to have a nylon stocking on hand, you can temporarily use it as a makeshift fan belt. At least temporarily, to get to the nearest gas station or an area with cell phone reception.”
“Nail Polish for Small Scratches?”
“If you have a small scratch on your car’s paint, it often isn’t worth having it professionally restored. However, leaving the scratch untreated can lead to rust. Often, you’ll find advice online suggesting using nail polish in a similar color.
However, we advise against this, as nail polish is not weather-resistant and may potentially cause more harm than good. Instead, we recommend getting a touch-up paint pen in the exact color match from the car manufacturer. With that, you can’t go wrong!”
“Frozen Door Lock: How to De-Ice It”
“Salt, snow, frost – winter isn’t easy on our cars. Not only can the windows freeze, but so can the door lock. There are various methods to thaw a frozen door lock, and one of them is particularly useful in times like these. Hand sanitizer can actually be the ideal solution.
Simply apply some of it to the key or directly onto the lock. The alcohol in the sanitizer will melt the ice, allowing the lock to move freely again.”
“Why You Should Keep the Seatbelt Buckled in the Summer”
“Are you familiar with this scenario? You go to buckle up in the summer, but you’re afraid of getting a third-degree burn from the metal part of the seatbelt? The metal components in the car are relentlessly exposed to the sun and heat, heating up to unbearable temperatures.
It’s no wonder they pose a potential safety hazard in the summer. However, this problem can be avoided with a simple trick. Keep the seatbelt buckled even after exiting the car. This way, the sun won’t heat up the metal part, allowing you and your loved ones to buckle up safely.”
“A Shoe Hanging Shelf as an Organizer”
“Especially when you have kids, you often find yourself wondering: where to put all the toys, drink cups, charging cables, and snacks? The backseat quickly becomes a chaotic area where you can’t find anything in the end.
That’s why our tip is to use a shoe hanging shelf. Everything has a designated place, putting an end to the clutter. Now, everything can be quickly and easily found since you can see everything at a glance. This option is much cheaper than a conventional car seat organizer.”
Erste-Hilfe Bei Einem Steinschlag
“A stone chip always comes unexpectedly and unwanted. But what to do when it happens? To prevent the crack from spreading or the repair from being hindered by dirt deposits, quick action is required.
If you wait too long, you risk that the entire windshield will need to be replaced with every kilometer you drive. Therefore, you should clean the affected area, apply nail polish or super glue, and seal it with adhesive tape or packing tape. Now you can continue driving calmly and risk-free until you can have the crack repaired.”
“A Homemade Phone Holder”
“When driving and relying on your phone’s GPS but lacking a passenger to hold the phone or an overpriced phone holder from a specialty store, you’re faced with quite a challenge.
Not only is this inconvenient, but it’s downright dangerous. However, you can easily craft your own phone holder. All you need is a standard rubber band. Thread it through the air vents on the center console and then slide your phone into the loops. This will keep it in place, and you’ll have saved a lot of money.”
“Quickly Cooling Down a Hot Car”
“There’s nothing worse than having to sit in a car that’s been parked outside in the sun for hours during the summer. It can take several minutes before you feel like you can breathe again after opening the door.
To speed up the process, you can roll down the window on the passenger side and make rapid open-and-close movements with the driver’s door for a few seconds. This allows for better airflow and simultaneously expels the hot, stuffy air from the car.”
“Dryer Sheets Instead of Air Fresheners”
“Air fresheners not only cost a lot of money, but they often don’t last very long and can smell overly intense and artificial. But how else can you combat bad odors in the car? Some people swear by keeping an open box of dryer sheets in the car.
Not only are they inexpensive, but they keep your car smelling fresh and fragrant for up to six months. The scent is much less overpowering, and unpleasant odors are efficiently absorbed. Additionally, there’s a wide range of different fragrances to choose from.”
“The Nano Car Scratch Repair Cloth”
“Although not a traditional hack, this is an investment that, in our opinion, doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. This multifunctional cloth, thanks to its nanotechnology, can make a significant difference in various areas.
This includes removing car scratches and stains, restoring vehicle color, and preserving paint surfaces. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the cloth can be used 10 to 15 times. If you’re not convinced of its effectiveness in the end, you can take advantage of the one-year limited warranty and contact the company.”
“Scented Wax Cubes Instead of Air Fresheners”
“Not only dryer sheets make for a DIY air freshener. We have another insider tip for you on how to turn your car into a sanctuary.
All you need are a few heavenly scented wax cubes, which you place in an old mason jar. Then, drill a few holes in the lid to allow the scent to spread evenly later on. The heat in the car will melt the wax, filling the car with a pleasant aroma.”
“How to Measure Tire Tread Depth Correctly”
“The tread depth of your tires should be measured regularly. They are among the most stressed parts of the car and are crucial to ensuring our safety on the road. Don’t worry: as important as measuring is, it’s also quite simple. All you need is a 1 euro coin.
The coin simply needs to be inserted into one of the major tread grooves. If the golden edge is just covered or still visible, the minimum tread depth of 4 mm has not been reached. If you no longer see the golden edge, you can continue driving without worry.”
“Tidying Up the Cup Holders”
“We must confess, we often use our cup holders for all sorts of things, not just for our morning coffee or a cold cola in between. To protect the cup holder and keep it clean and tidy, there’s a brilliant trick. Simply buy a silicone muffin cup in the appropriate size and place it in the cup holder.
This way, your loose change stays where it belongs, and you can easily remove and clean it when needed. The silicone also keeps your coffee cup firmly in place and prevents spills. Keeping things organized can be so easy.”
“Space Saving with Carabiner Hooks”
“Unexpectedly, you have another passenger, but where will they sit? On the back seat lie the groceries from yesterday, bags, umbrellas, and much more. With the help of this ingenious trick, you can make room for potential passengers on your back seat again.
All you need is a large carabiner hook, such as a stroller hook, which you attach to your headrests. Here, all bags and other items find a place, and you’ll realize how much space you actually have in your car.”
“A Muffin Tin for Bulk Orders”
“In any household, a muffin tin is a must-have. However, it’s much more than just a baking tool. This clever trick can make your everyday life a bit easier or at least the next children’s birthday party.
When you have to pick up a large order from a fast-food chain again, bring along a muffin tin and a suitable basket. Why, you might ask? When you see the 10 drinks in the unstable cardboard cup holders, you’ll know why. With this large and sturdy drink holder, you’ll save your car from a potential disaster.”
“Plastic Bags on the Side Mirrors”
“We’ve already established that winter isn’t easy, and we’ve provided plenty of tricks and tips for dealing with issues like frozen door locks, windshields, getting stuck in the snow, and so on. However, we have another equally ingenious trick for the side mirrors.
To prevent them from freezing in winter, two plastic bags are the solution. Simply cover the mirrors with the bags before a cold winter night and secure them with a rubber band or a clothespin. Voila, the next morning they’ll be free of ice, and you can start the day with a clear view.”
“Why You Should Always Have Some Cat Litter in the Trunk During Winter”
“Winter is slippery, cold, and often challenging for drivers. This trick takes some of the fear out of snow and ice. Cat litter can be a loyal friend in times of need, so it’s advisable to always have some in the trunk.
The next time your car gets stuck in snow or ice, simply sprinkle some litter around your tires. This will give you the traction needed to free your car from the snowy abyss. Please do not use the clumping type.”
Noch Ein Katzenstreu-Trick
“An equally clever use for cat litter is its ability to absorb moisture. For this purpose, a bowl or sock filled with cat litter should be kept in the car. Thanks to this special property, it prevents the interior of the car from icing up. And that’s not all.
You’ll notice that your windshield fogs up much less as well. So, you’re killing two birds with one stone. It may sound unbelievable, but it really works. Promise!”
“Ready at Hand Thanks to Adhesive Hooks”
“Often, it’s the little things that need a place where they’re easily accessible. Since the onset of COVID-19, the first thing we reach for when leaving the car is typically our medical face mask. But where to store it without obstructing the view, such as on the rearview mirror?
In our opinion, an adhesive hook is the best option. Simply attach it to the lower part of your door. It’s also a handy spot for keys or a small wallet.”
“Measure Your Garage Parking Space with a Tennis Ball”
“Do you have trouble parking in your garage at home? That’s why we’re here to help. Some people find it difficult to judge how far they’ve come.
All you need to hang from the garage ceiling is a string and a tennis ball. Once you’ve driven far enough in, it should rest on your windshield. Don’t rely on educated guesses. Precision at its finest!”
“Download a Parking App to Find Your Car”
“Has it ever happened to you? You can’t remember where you parked your car. Feeling this way doesn’t mean you’re alone. Thanks to the multitude of useful apps that can help you find your car quickly, you can finally put an end to the times when you’ve forgotten where your car is.
You don’t have to waste time searching for your car in the shopping mall parking lot. With various apps, you can track where you parked.”
“Warm Up Your Windshield Wipers”
“Here’s another invaluable tip to help you brace yourself for the impending winter months. Say goodbye to the hassle of defrosting your windshield wipers each morning. With just an old pair of socks and a little bit of time one evening, you can ensure that your windshield wipers remain free of ice and ready to go.
Simply cover each wiper with a sock before calling it a night. This simple yet effective trick will save you precious time in the mornings, ensuring that your windshield wipers are clear and firmly adhered to the windshield, ready to tackle whatever winter weather comes your way.”
“Practical Towel Holder”
“This is, in our opinion, a useful tip for parents of young children. Attach a roll of paper towels to the back of your car with a bungee cord.
If you don’t have time to search the car, you can simply grab the towels. At least one of our passengers is bound to get sick while riding in the car, don’t you agree?”
“Vinegar for Defrosting Your Windows”
“People living in areas with extremely cold winters will benefit from this hack. Defrosting your car in the morning is no joke. So why not give this a try? When we say it works, you can trust us! To defrost your windshield, use a solution of vinegar and water.
Mix everything and spray it onto your window. You can evenly distribute the mixture with a spray bottle to cover as many areas as possible that could obstruct your view.”
“Get More Gas from the Pump”
“Although the task seems simple enough, when pumping gas, it’s recommended to go for full throttle. When you push the gas pump all the way down, the nozzle assumes it’s full, and bubbles form in your tank.
In reality, there’s still gas available; now you just need to slow down. To get more gas, only push the pump halfway. It will take longer, but you’ll get more into your tank.”
Blow Away Car-sticker
Chances are, you may have an old car sticker lingering around. Turns out, getting rid of them is much easier than you might have imagined. For this trick, all you need is a working hairdryer.
Simply heat the edges of the sticker for a few minutes with the hairdryer, and the adhesive should start to loosen, making it easier to peel off. Finally, you can bid farewell to those car stickers from 2006.
“Slime” to the rescue!
Using a children’s toy for one of the most creative car hacks was a complete surprise. It turns out, car interiors and slime are a perfect match.
It’s easy to stock up on slime at the supermarket when your kids’ playroom runs low. If you can’t reach all those hard-to-access areas in your car, like the vents and the sides of your seats, use slime to quickly pick up dirt and dust.
“If your tires burst, DO NOT brake.”
“Do not stop if your tire bursts at a speed of at least 65 km/h on a straight road. This is more of a suggestion. Even though it happens instinctively, try to resist the temptation.
What do you hope to achieve with this study? If you hit the brakes, your car will skid and may lose control, risking a collision. Instead, make sure your foot is firmly on the gas pedal. Isn’t this confusing, to say the least? This will help you regain control of your vehicle and stay straight on the road. We understand.”
Avoiding Excessive Keychains
This is not a brilliant hack but rather a cautionary tale. The ignition can be damaged if you have too many keys or too bulky keychains. This means that over time, it will become increasingly difficult to start your car.
Experts recommend limiting the key collection to no more than three items. If you notice your key getting stuck or jammed in the ignition, take your car to a dealer as soon as possible. Avoid spending too much before you realize it, if you don’t.
Prevent Car Sickness
Make sure to check out this recommendation! By keeping a few fresh bay leaves in your car, you can prevent motion sickness. A bay leaf is excellent for preventing car sickness on long journeys.
Its symptoms improve almost instantly after placing the leaf under your tongue. Both children and adults can benefit from this. Moreover, you can save money and time as you won’t need to buy or administer medications from the pharmacy, and it’s completely safe and natural.
Lower Your Insurance Costs
Für uns steht die Suche nach Möglichkeiten zur Kosteneinsparung im Vordergrund, insbesondere bei unseren Fahrzeugen. Jetzt müssen Sie nur noch lernen, wie man sicher fährt. Darüber hinaus wird es Ihnen helfen, ein besserer Fahrer zu werden.
Die Kosten für die Kfz-Versicherung können in vielen Ländern der Welt drastisch gesenkt werden, wenn Sie defensives Fahren üben. Berücksichtigen Sie die Einsparungen bei Ihrer Kfz-Versicherung, wenn Sie sich immer noch nicht sicher sind, ob sich defensives Fahren lohnt.
“On which side is the gas tank located?”
“Many people ‘forget’ which side their gas tank is on when it’s time to fill it up. In fact, they’ve been looking at it the whole time. Take a moment to look at the fuel gauge on your dashboard.
Next to the picture of a gas pump, there would be an arrow. The side of the vehicle with the filler cap is on the opposite side of the arrow. Yes, isn’t it incredible?”
“Diagnosing your own car problems”
“The days of wishing you could diagnose a car problem without having to take it to a mechanic are long gone. Now all you need to do is buy an auto code reader.
Recognized by your car’s computer system as an OBDII diagnostic tool, it immediately begins reading your engine’s error messages. When your check engine light comes on, you’ll know within minutes where a faulty oxygen sensor is located, how to read updated data, and how to obtain your vehicle’s chassis number.”
“Always keep an emergency kit ready.”
“Every driver must have an emergency kit in their vehicle. Additionally, the first aid kit should include a compass, jumper cables, a flashlight, and extra batteries.
A basic tool set is one of the most important items to have in this bag. When traveling, it’s advisable to carry a shovel, warm clothing, and a spare smartphone charger. Your newly acquired skills could prove useful someday!”
