You do not have to spend a ton of money on car care. How do we know this? It is quite simple. You just need to think a bit outside the box and find out what you can do to avoid several trips to the car care shop. Mostly, you will find that you don’t have to buy any extraordinary products. You will be happy to know that you can use most of the items that are readily available at home. This is not genius stuff, but then, why didn’t you ever think of it before? Here are some of the money-saving car hacks for everyone who isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty….
Create more storage
Car storage is usually limited especially for the small bits and pieces. For example, you would like a good place to keep a pair of pliers, screwdrivers, super glue, bulbs and other small items that you do not like to miss in your car. You can create extra storage by attaching a plastic or leather pouch to the door panels. It is simple, anyone can do this. Get a regular pouch and attach it to the door panel by the top sleeve. It is better to buy a big pouch that can carry almost every small item you need to take with you.
Save your side mirrors
In some places, for example, in Africa, mirrors are stolen all the time. If you are not careful, you could spend a considerable amount of money buying mirrors. How can you secure yours? Usually, it is not even about securing your mirrors, but it is about deterring the vandals, make them think it is impossible to steal. First, you buy a side mirror cage then weld one end of the chain to the cage and the other end to the car. This will cost you some money, but you will not regret it.
Toothbrush your headlights
It seems weird but toothpaste can give your car headlights the same clarity as the cleaning kits available in the market. The importance of headlights cannot be overestimated.
Stubborn adhesives? Old Newspapers
With time, your windshield will be full of the registration and insurance stickers. If you try to remove them manually, you can cause scratches or leave smudge on the screen. By dipping old pieces of newspaper in warm water and placing them on the sticker, it will help remove the adhesives in less than 10 minutes.
Use a razor on stubborn debris marks on the windshield
If there is evident debris on the windshield and they are blocking your view, you can use a razor blade to scrape them off. Then, clean the windscreen thoroughly with water. Ensure the razor does not get to the painted parts of the car.
Handling small dents
After using your car for some time, it is natural to see some dents appearing on its body. If not addressed, they can damage the look of the vehicle. You need to take care of them before they deteriorate. A plunger can take care of such dents, but ensure it is clean lest dirt pops out and smudges the area around the dent. Press and release… repeat until the dent is sucked out.
Taking care of scratches
Some minor scratches do not require your mechanic’s attention. Use nail polish that matches the color of the car or comes close. It will not cost you much, just the time that you need to apply it.
Engine cleanup
The murk in the engine does have to take you to the professional car wash. If you leave it too long, it might destroy the engine. You just need a pressure washer and the soap that you use in the kitchen, Take out the battery first and cover all the open wires first. After giving your engine a good wash, let it dry out and then return the battery.
Clean it as soon as it is spilled
If you have kids, they will spill food and drinks in your car. Don’t let it dry up, because if the stains do, you will have to take the car to a professional car wash. Always have some water and clean rags in the car. If foods spill inside, clean the stains as soon as possible using a wet piece of cloth. That way, you will be a long time before you can go to a professional car cleaner.
The above convenient car hacks for care and maintenance should be on the fingertips of every driver. At last, car care does not have to cost you an arm and a leg.