Owning a car comes with its challenges, such as maintenance costs and daily upkeep. Mechanics, however, have a wealth of knowledge that extends beyond the typical car owner’s manual. They’ve seen it all, and some have developed ingenious tricks to make car ownership easier. Here are 15 car hacks that actually work, coming straight from the experts.

Clear Foggy Headlights with Toothpaste

Over time, headlights can become foggy due to oxidation. This not only reduces their effectiveness but also makes your car look older. Thankfully, there’s an easy fix—toothpaste. Yes, toothpaste! The mild abrasives in toothpaste can polish away the oxidized layer and restore clarity to your headlights.  

Nail Polish to Fix Minor Scratches

Minor scratches on your car can be a real eyesore, but they don’t always require an expensive trip to the body shop. Clear nail polish prevents the scratch from getting worse and protects your car’s paint from rust. It’s not a perfect solution for deep scratches, but it can prevent minor ones from becoming a bigger problem.

Shaving Cream for Foggy Windows

Some recommend using shaving cream to keep your windows from fogging up. Foggy windows can be a safety hazard, especially during the colder months. Shaving cream contains ingredients that leave a thin film on the glass, preventing condensation from forming. Your windows should stay fog-free for weeks.

DIY Air Freshener with Essential Oils

If your car smells other than fresh, you don’t need to buy an expensive air freshener. Make your own by taking a clothespin and putting some drops of your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball. Clip the clothespin to your car’s air vent, and the scent of the oil will be distributed throughout your car as the air blows through the vent.  

DIY Windshield De-Icer with Alcohol and Water

Winter can be harsh on your car, especially with icy windshields. It’s recommended that you make your windshield de-icer with isopropyl alcohol and water. The alcohol lowers the freezing point of water, so the ice melts faster. You can also use this mixture to prevent ice from forming by spraying it on your windshield the night before a frost.

Use a Plunger for Small Dents

Finding a dent in your car can be frustrating, but there is a simple trick to fix small dents using a plunger. The plunger’s suction will pop the dent out, restoring the surface of your car. This trick works best on minor, shallow dents where the paint hasn’t been damaged.

Check Tire Tread with a Penny

A simple test using a penny can tell you if your tires need to be replaced. Take a penny and insert it into your tire’s tread with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can view all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires.  

Fix a Loose Gas Cap with Nail Polish

Use a thin layer of nail polish that is clear to the gas cap threads. Let it dry completely before screwing the cap back on. The nail polish will create a tighter seal, preventing fuel vapors from escaping and triggering the warning light.

Clean Dashboard Vents with a Paintbrush

Your car’s interior could become dirty when dashboard vents accumulate dust and debris. Use a small soft-bristled paintbrush to clean them effectively. Gently sweep the brush between the vents to dislodge dust and dirt. You can also use a vacuum cleaner that has a soft brush attachment to suck up the loosened debris.  

Park Facing East in the Winter

When your car faces east during winter, mornings will be easier. This is because it allows the rising sun to defrost your windshield naturally, saving you time and effort scraping ice off your car in the cold morning air. It’s a simple tip that can make your winter routine more manageable.

Hand Sanitizer to Unlock Frozen Locks

The alcohol in a sanitizer helps melt the ice and thaw the lock. Then, you can insert the key and turn it to unlock your car without excessive force.

Cooking Spray to Prevent Ice Buildup

Before a frosty night, spray a thin layer of cooking oil on your windshield and windshield wipers. This will hinder ice from sticking to the glass. Be sure to wipe off the excess to avoid streaks on your windshield.

Fix Windshield Cracks with Clear Nail Polish

If your windshield has a small crack, clear nail polish will prevent it from spreading. Apply some nail polish to the crack, covering the entire length. Let it dry completely before driving. The nail polish will help hold the glass together to give you time to schedule a professional repair.

Toothbrush to Clean Alloys

Something as simple as an old toothbrush can clean alloys effectively to leave them nice and shiny. All you need to do is dip the toothbrush in a water and mild soap mix. Then, scrub each alloy wheel thoroughly and pay attention to the spaces between the spokes and around the lug nuts. Rinse with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth. 

Sock to Absorb Condensation

Excess moisture inside your car leads to foggy windows and a musty smell. A sock filled with kitty litter will absorb the moisture and prevent condensation, helping to keep your windows clear and your car smelling fresh.