13 Hacks Every Car Owner Should Know

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Use tinted curtains as removable curtains.

Every driver knows that there are magical times of day when the sun shines through the windshield at just the right angle. This is why car visors cannot swing or tilt enough to block out the harsh light. Stop squinting and put colored curtains in the right places to shield your eyes. It’s what airline pilots do, too.

Use toothpaste to keep headlights from fogging up.

As headlights deteriorate over time, the plastic covers oxidize, causing yellowing and fogging. To restore the original shine, apply toothpaste (toothpaste with baking soda is especially effective) and scrub well with an old toothbrush. Once the toothpaste has dried, spray it with water and wipe it off with a paper towel.

Test the tires.

Is it time to replace your tires? To find out, step on a dime head first and place it in the grooves. If you can see the entire head of the Lincoln, the tire is too worn and needs to be replaced. If the head is partially covered, the tire has more than 2/32″ of tread depth left and can wait for a new tire.

Remove the remainder of the sticker with newspaper.

Whether it is a parking permit or a bumper sticker, the sticker will leave a sticky residue when removed. The next time you are faced with a sticky spot, place a piece of wet newspaper on it and let it sit for about 15 minutes. When it comes back, the glue should be softer and easier to wipe off.

Protecting Poolside Doors

Parking in a small garage without getting scratched may seem like a futile endeavor. Even if you manage to park without hitting the fender, you may worry about scratching it when you open the door and exit the car. However, if you cut a poolside noodle in half and screw it to the wall, you can park with peace of mind. Soft bumpers protect your doors from scratches when you park in the garage.

Keep the rubber flexible.

If the windshield around the door fails, it will not be protected from the outside world. Fortunately, you can postpone replacing seals and lubricate with WD-40 once a month to combat the drying and cracking that occurs at extreme temperatures. In addition, the new nozzle on the Trigger Pro® bottle eliminates the aerosol’s inherent overspray and allows for direct application of this automotive paint where it is needed, without mess.

Cruise Control

You don’t have to be a car mechanic to keep your car in tip-top shape. These tips will help you know when it’s time for a maintenance and tune-up on your car.