Regardless of our best efforts, cars inevitably become dirty both inside and out. However, I’ve compiled a list of effortless car hacks that will simplify daily life without breaking the bank.
These clever solutions utilize common household items, making them accessible to anyone’s budget. I’m excited to share these time-saving tips with you – let’s dive in!
Use Nail Polish to Hide Scratches
While it may seem too convenient to be true, using the right shade of nail polish to cover minor scratches can indeed be a reliable solution. This life hack is particularly effective for addressing small imperfections, such as minor scuffs or tiny dings, where a quick coat of paint can make a world of difference. However, it’s essential to recognize its limitations – a bottle of polish won’t magically repair significant damage or overhaul an entire vehicle’s appearance.
Place a Basket in the Trunk with Useful Trunk Items
Maintaining a well-stocked arsenal of regular cleaning essentials within arm’s reach can foster a consistent habit of keeping your vehicle tidy. By having the necessary tools readily available, you’re more likely to stay on top of cleaning tasks, without the hassle of searching for misplaced items. A thoughtfully organized cleaning caddy or container is an excellent way to ensure this convenience and make car maintenance a breeze.
Make a Funnel with a Piece of Paper to Pour Out Oil Easily
Working with oil can present various challenges. However, there’s a simple yet effective solution to make the process smoother. By creating a makeshift paper funnel, you’ll be able to contain any spills or messes, allowing for easier cleanup and minimizing potential hazards.
Use a Cut Bottle to Pour Gasoline Easily
When venturing out without access to a fuel pump, a clever trick can come in handy. To create a makeshift fueling system, you’ll need two plastic water bottles. One will serve as a pouring mechanism, while the other functions as a funnel. This setup keeps the liquid contained and tidy, making cleanup a breeze.
Use Silicone Cupcake Liners to Organize Small Items
While it’s easy to lose track of miscellaneous items like coins, keys, and other essentials when they’re scattered throughout your vehicle, there’s a simple solution: silicone liners. These versatile accessories can be strategically placed in various spots around the car, ensuring that everything has its designated home and making it easy to find what you need on-the-go.
Increase Your Visor with Cardboard
To ensure the sun is always outside of your direct line of sight, consider adding a simple yet effective solution. By incorporating a binder clip and some construction paper, you can effortlessly adjust the position of both elements to suit your needs. It’s crucial that the sun remains outside your field of vision, especially when it’s still high in the sky.
Use Suction Cup Baskets to Store Kid’s Toys
Combatting the chaos that comes with having kids’ belongings scattered throughout your vehicle is a challenge many parents face. One effective solution is to incorporate suction cup bins into your car’s interior. These versatile containers can be strategically placed along the length of your vehicle, providing a designated space for storing kid-friendly items. To maximize their functionality, take the extra step of labeling each bin.
This simple act will enable you and your little ones to quickly locate specific items, fostering a greater sense of organization and reducing frustration.
Use a Carabiner on the Headrest Support to Hang Bags
Experience the transformative power of this ingenious life hack, which can revolutionize the way you approach car organization. By clipping a simple carabiner to your headrest, you’ll be able to keep vital items like groceries, trash bags, and essential accessories within easy reach, thereby elevating the overall cleanliness and practicality of your vehicle.
Keep an Emergency Kit in the Trunk
Having an emergency kit nearby is crucial, regardless of where you are. This essential collection of supplies can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations. Whether you’re traveling, camping, or just driving down the highway, having a kit stashed away can provide peace of mind and help you respond quickly to any crisis that may arise. Even if it’s just a basic assortment of bandages, antiseptic wipes, and other simple first aid items, an emergency kit is always better than nothing.
Use a Screw Driver to Pour Out the Oil
When dealing with oil, its viscous nature can sometimes become a hindrance. However, this characteristic also provides an opportunity to utilize it as a makeshift adhesive of sorts. By taking advantage of the oil’s ability to stick together along the shaft of a screwdriver, you can temporarily bond two objects together or even create a makeshift funnel when needed, eliminating the need for specialized tools.
Attach a Pool Noodle to the Garage Wall to Protect Your Car
When it comes to garages, size is just one factor that can vary greatly. But for many homeowners, the real concern is ensuring their doors operate smoothly without banging against walls or other obstructions. One simple solution to this problem is to utilize a pool noodle as a makeshift door buffer. To set up this DIY fix, simply cut the noodle in half and attach it to the wall where your door comes into contact.
This clever hack can help prevent costly damage to your garage door and surrounding structures while also providing a peace of mind for those who value their property.
Hang Hooks to Keep the Floor Clear
One simple yet effective way to maintain a clutter-free car interior is to install hooks in key locations. This hack allows for effortless tidying, as you can quickly scan each hook before leaving the vehicle and gather any items that are hanging or dangling. If you’re looking for more clever command hook hacks, we’ve got you covered!
Use Clear Nail Polish to Temporary Fix Damaged Windows
When faced with a damaged windshield, whether it’s during a drive or an unexpected moment, applying clear nail polish can provide a temporary solution to ensure your safety on the road. This innovative fix works by serving as a makeshift sealant, halting any immediate damage from spreading further. By doing so, you’ll be able to continue driving with confidence, knowing that you’ve taken steps to prevent any potential hazards.
Place Pool Noodles Between the Car Seats to Avoid Losing Items
One of the most challenging areas to tidy up in your vehicle is often overlooked: the crevices between the front seats and console. To effectively block off this space, consider repurposing the other half of a pool noodle. Simply trim it to size, then gently insert it into the gap for a surprisingly effective anti-loosening solution.
Remove Slight Abrasions with Toothpaste
While it’s tempting to reach for your trusty toothpaste to give your car’s exterior a quick tidy, it’s essential to understand its limitations. The abrasive properties of toothpaste can effectively remove minor scratches and scuff marks, but it may not be enough to tackle more severe issues. Think of it as a gentle polish, perfect for lightly roughed edges, but not designed to address deeper problems.
For a more thorough restoration, you may need to consider alternative methods or professional assistance.
Keep Paper Towels Within Arm’s Reach
When it comes to everyday essentials, paper towels hold a special place in my routine. In fact, I consider them an absolute must-have, particularly when I’m on-the-go or running errands. Whether I need them to quickly clean up a spill or grab a snack between tasks, having a stash of reliable paper towels on hand makes all the difference. Their versatility and convenience make them an indispensable item in my daily life.
Keep Erasable Markers in the Car for Kids to Colour
When it comes to kids and cars, having a few trusted tools up your sleeve can make all the difference. For parents who’ve been there done that, we’re here to spill the beans on one of our favorite secrets: erasable window car markers.
Place Rainproof Film on the Side of Mirrors
For individuals who dread driving in inclement weather, this clever life hack offers a welcome solution. By applying rainproof film to the side mirrors, you can enjoy a crystal-clear view of your surroundings even when rain or other forms of precipitation strike. This simple yet effective modification ensures that the elements won’t get in the way of safe and confident driving.
Use Rubber Bands to Hang Your Phone in the Car
In the absence of a traditional phone holder, a surprisingly effective alternative lies in two simple rubber bands. By suspending your device from the rearview mirror, these makeshift restraints can provide a stable platform for hands-free navigation. Just ensure that the rubber bands you choose are sturdy and capable of withstanding the weight of your phone.
Attach a Tissue Box on the Passenger Seat Side
To ensure you’re always prepared, designate a dedicated spot for your travel tissues and secure them in a convenient location. For my personal preference, I opt for attaching them to the passenger-side door, providing easy access whenever you need it.
Use a Cereal Container as a Trash Can
To ensure a clutter-free environment, designate a single spot for all your trash. A cereal container is an excellent option as it’s simple to clean and maintain. Its compact design makes it easy to empty, providing a convenient solution for managing waste.
