I Tried These 15 Car Hacks and They Really Work

Life behind the wheel comes with its fair share of headaches—scratches that magically appear, windows that won’t defog, and that darn loose gas cap. But what if you could fix some of these annoyances with stuff you’ve got lying around the house?

We’ve put together 15 car hacks that are not only easy to pull off but will save you a trip to the shop and a few bucks along the way. Whether you’re trying to outsmart the winter frost or keep your ride looking slick, these tips are all about making your daily drive a bit smoother.

Secure a Loose Gas Cap with Nail Polish

If your car’s gas cap feels a bit loose and you’re seeing that annoying check engine light, here’s a quick fix. Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to the threads of the gas cap. Let it dry thoroughly before screwing the cap back on.

This little trick thickens the threads slightly, allowing for a tighter seal. It helps prevent those pesky fuel vapors from escaping, which can trigger your car’s warning systems.

Dust Off Dashboard Vents with a Paintbrush

Keeping your car’s dashboard vents clean can feel like a chore, especially when they start spewing dust every time you turn on the air. Grab a small, soft-bristled paintbrush for a quick fix.

Use it to gently sweep inside the vents, dislodging dust and dirt that’s built up. If you have a vacuum with a soft brush attachment, go ahead and vacuum up the debris right after brushing.

Remove Small Dents with a Plunger

Discovering a new dent on your car can be quite a downer, but don’t worry too much if it’s small and the paint is intact. You might be able to fix it yourself with a common household item—a plunger.

Just put the plunger over the dent and give it a firm pull. Usually, the suction power can pop the dent right out, making your car’s body look smooth again.

Use a Kitty Litter Sock to Fight Condensation

Excess moisture in your car can be a real nuisance, fogging up windows and leaving a musty odor. Here’s a simple yet effective solution: fill a sock with kitty litter. Yes, kitty litter! It absorbs moisture brilliantly.

Place this makeshift dehumidifier under a seat or in the back, and it will soak up the dampness, keeping your windows clear and your car’s interior smelling fresh. This hack is especially useful in colder months when condensation is more problematic.

Spray Cooking Oil to Ward Off Ice on Windshields

Before you call it a night during frosty seasons, grab some cooking spray from your kitchen. A light spray on your windshield and wipers can make a huge difference. It creates a barrier that prevents ice from bonding strongly with the glass, so you’ll have less scraping to do in the morning.

Just make sure to wipe away any excess spray to keep your windshield clear and streak-free.

Use a Toothbrush for Spotless Alloy Wheels

An old toothbrush can be your best tool for keeping alloy wheels sparkling. Just dip it in a solution of mild soap and water, and you’re ready to go. Scrub around and in between the spokes and don’t forget the lug nuts.

These areas can collect a lot of road grime, but a toothbrush is perfect for getting into those tight spots. Rinse off the soap with clean water and dry the wheels with a microfiber cloth for a brilliant finish.

Park Your Car Facing East During Winter

In the winter, a small change in how you park can save you a chilly morning hassle. Try parking your car facing east. As the sun rises, it naturally warms your windshield, helping to melt away ice and frost. This simple trick means you might get to skip scraping ice in the freezing cold, making your morning routine a bit more bearable.

Use Hand Sanitizer to Thaw Frozen Locks

Frozen locks can be a real pain, especially when you’re in a hurry. Before you start wrestling with your key, try this: squeeze a bit of hand sanitizer over the lock. The alcohol in the sanitizer lowers the freezing point of water, effectively melting the ice.

Just apply, wait a moment, then gently work your key in to unlock your door. This can be a real timesaver on those frosty mornings.

Check Tire Tread Depth with a Penny

Wondering if it’s time for new tires? There’s a super easy way to check. Grab a penny and insert it into one of the tire tread grooves with Lincoln’s head pointing down.

If you can see all of his head, your tread depth is less than 1/16 of an inch, and that means it’s time for a tire change. Keeping your treads in check is crucial for safe driving, especially in wet or slippery conditions.

Prevent Window Fog with Shaving Cream

Dealing with foggy windows when it’s chilly outside is no fun, right? Here’s a nifty trick: shaving cream. Just apply a thin layer on the inside of your car windows and wipe it off.

The ingredients in shaving cream create a protective film that prevents condensation from forming, keeping your view clear and your drive safe. This little hack keeps your windows clear for weeks, making those cold morning starts a bit easier.

Make Your Own Windshield De-Icer

Winter mornings often start with the hassle of a frozen windshield. Skip the frustration by making your own de-icer. Mix one part water with two parts isopropyl alcohol and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray it on your icy windshield, and watch the ice dissolve quickly.

This mix not only melts ice fast but can also be sprayed the night before to prevent ice from forming. It’s a simple, effective solution that can save you a lot of time and scraping when temperatures drop.

Polish Cloudy Headlights Using Toothpaste

You know how your headlights can get that annoying foggy look? Well, you can actually use toothpaste to clear that up. Just grab a tube—any standard, non-gel toothpaste will do. Apply a bit on a soft cloth and rub it onto the cloudy areas in circular motions.

This simple trick uses the mild abrasive properties of toothpaste to scrub off the oxidation. Rinse off with water, and your headlights will look as good as new, improving both appearance and safety when you’re driving at night.

Use Nail Polish to Conceal Minor Scratches

Got a few minor scratches on your car that are bugging you? Before you think about an expensive fix, try clear nail polish. Just dab a little over the scratch. This hack seals the scratch, prevents it from getting worse, and stops rust from setting in.

Remember, this is a quick fix for small scratches, not the deep ones, but it’s great for keeping your car looking tidy until you can get a more permanent solution.