Sometimes it isn’t the big problems that require major car repairs that are the most frustrating. Sometimes it’s little things that seem like there must be an easier way to do them. Here are five of those small but incredibly frustration problems, and five cheap and simple car hacks to fix them.
5 Cheap and Simple Car Hacks
- Seal a leaking fuel tank
With the cost of fuel what it is, you want to be able to patch up a hole in your fuel tank as soon as you can. Every minute that passes by before you are able to get a professional repair or replacement fuel tank is a minute where money is literally leaking out of your car onto the ground. For a quick patch job to hold you over until you can make it to the garage, chew on some gooey, gummy sweets a bit and then smear the goo over the leak. Dry the sugary goop out with a rag until it forms a crust that should last for at least a day or so.
- Get bright shiny headlights
Cloudy headlights aren’t very attractive, but they also make your car less safe. It’s harder for other drivers to see you, and your own field of vision will be decreased. You can get bright, shiny like-new headlights by cleaning them with a bit of toothpaste and a soft cloth. For best results, use a whitening toothpaste.
- Easily remove stickers
Vehicle registration stickers and old parking decals always leave a mess when you try to take them off. Next time, before you go to remove the sticker, cover it with a bit of newspaper soaked in warm water and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The sticker should come right off with no mess.
- Always park perfectly
It seems like garages in the city are getting smaller every day. If you’re tired of bumping into the front wall or opening your door only to find it bangs right into the wall, you need a surefire way to know you’re parking in just the right spot. Figure out what the sweet spot is, and then hang a tennis ball from the ceiling to mark it. Once your car reaches the tennis ball, you’ll know you’re in the right spot.
- Cover a small scratch on the cheap
Tiny scratches from minor run ins with shrubs and shopping carts drive some people mad, because it isn’t usually worth going in for a paint touch up, but they sure do look bad. Try finding a shade of nail polish that matches your car’s paint color, and do your own touch up for a fraction of the cost.
