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19 Proven Car Hacks and Maintenance Tips to Save Time and Money

19 Proven Car Hacks and Maintenance Tips to Save Time and Money

As a car owner, mastering simple maintenance tricks can make a big difference. We've previously covered dashboard warning lights—now discover these practical hacks for cleaning, repairs, parking, and more. All for little to no cost.

Here are 19 expert-tested tips to maintain your vehicle efficiently and save money effortlessly:

19 Proven Car Hacks and Maintenance Tips to Save Time and Money

Contents
  • 1. Clean the headlights with toothpaste
  • 2. Cool down the car WITHOUT turning on the air conditioning
  • 3. Use a rubber band as a smartphone holder
  • 4. Increase the range of your auto beep with your chin
  • 5. Seal windshield cracks with nail polish
  • 6. Look at your fuel gauge to know which way to fill up
  • 7. Take a picture of where you parked
  • 8. Hang a shoe rack on the back of the seat
  • 9. Remove car body dents with a suction cup
  • 10. Polish your car with car conditioner
  • 11. Use a coffee filter to clean the cabin
  • 12. Keep your pizza warm with the seat warmer
  • 13. Hang a tennis ball from the garage ceiling to avoid hitting the wall
  • 14. Use white vinegar to defrost the windshield
  • 15. Unblock a lock that froze
  • 16. Turn a food box into a car trash can
  • 17. Unlock your car with a shoelace
  • 18. Open the ring of your keychain with a staple remover
  • 19. Recycle a box of photo film to store your change

1. Clean the headlights with toothpaste

19 Proven Car Hacks and Maintenance Tips to Save Time and Money

Household toothpaste works wonders for restoring foggy headlights. Apply it with a soft cloth, then buff until they gleam like new.

Click here to find out how to clean your headlights with toothpaste.

2. Cool down the car WITHOUT turning on the air conditioning

On scorching days, cool your car interior fast: Roll down one window, then quickly open and close the opposite door 5-6 times. Hot air vents out while fresh air rushes in—no fuel wasted on AC.

3. Use a rubber band as a smartphone holder

19 Proven Car Hacks and Maintenance Tips to Save Time and Money

Loop a rubber band as shown to create a secure phone mount. Ideal for GPS only—prioritize road safety.

Click here to find out how to turn a rubber band into a smartphone holder.

4. Increase the range of your auto beep with your chin

19 Proven Car Hacks and Maintenance Tips to Save Time and Money

Struggling to locate your car in a crowded lot? Hold the key fob to your open mouth or chin—the body's fluids amplify the signal like an antenna.

Click here to find out how to increase the range of your car alarm.

5. Seal cracks in the windshield with nail polish

Stop small windshield cracks from worsening: Apply clear nail polish to both sides for a quick, temporary seal.

6. Look at your fuel gauge to know which way to fill up

19 Proven Car Hacks and Maintenance Tips to Save Time and Money

Not sure which side your fuel tank is on? Check the fuel gauge—a small arrow points to it.

Click here to find out which side to fill up on.

7. Take a picture of where you parked

Snap a photo of your parking spot or drop a Google Maps pin. Never wander a lot again.

8. Hang a shoe rack on the back of the seat

19 Proven Car Hacks and Maintenance Tips to Save Time and Money

Attach a hanging shoe organizer to seatbacks for organized storage on road trips.

9. Remove car body dents with a suction cup

19 Proven Car Hacks and Maintenance Tips to Save Time and Money

A trusty plunger can pop out medium-sized dents effectively.

10. Polish your car with car conditioner

Post-wash, apply fabric conditioner to panels for a streak-free shine and water-repellent protection.

11. Use a coffee filter to clean the cabin

19 Proven Car Hacks and Maintenance Tips to Save Time and Money

Dampen a lint-free coffee filter with olive oil or cleaner for static-free dusting—no residue like microfiber cloths.

12. Keep your pizza warm with the seat warmer

Lay takeout pizza on the heated seat to arrive home piping hot.

Click here to find out how to keep your pizza warm in the car.

13. Hang a tennis ball from the garage ceiling to avoid hitting the wall

19 Proven Car Hacks and Maintenance Tips to Save Time and Money

Suspend a tennis ball from the ceiling as a perfect parking guide for tight garages.

Click here to find out how to easily park in a narrow garage.

14. Use white vinegar to defrost the windshield

Mix 1/3 water and 2/3 white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spritz to melt frost without scraping.

15. Unblock a lock that froze

Coat your key with hand sanitizer—the alcohol thaws frozen locks instantly.

16. Turn a food box into a car trash can

19 Proven Car Hacks and Maintenance Tips to Save Time and Money

Repurpose an empty food container as a handy, disposable car bin for trips.

Click here to discover the trick.

17. Unlock your car with a shoelace

Before calling a locksmith, learn this shoelace method to open doors.

18. Open the ring of your keychain with a staple remover

19 Proven Car Hacks and Maintenance Tips to Save Time and Money

Use a staple remover to easily open key rings without frustration.

Click here to discover the trick.

19. Recycle a box of photo film to store your change

19 Proven Car Hacks and Maintenance Tips to Save Time and Money

Old film canisters make compact, secure coin holders for parking meters.