Car Mechanics Don't Want You to Know This Simple Trick

Genius Car Tips You Should Start Using Right Away - TheMoneyTime |
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Genius Car Tips You Should Start Using Right Away
By Brit W / May 31, 2025
Sure, you might know the basics of driving your car—even if you've never actually opened the owner's manual. You’re probably familiar with the wipers, AC, radio, and hazard lights, and maybe you even know how to swap out a flat tire.
But what you might be missing are these clever, game-changing car hacks that definitely aren’t in any manual. From small annoyances to bigger challenges, we’ve got tips to make your driving experience way smoother. Take a look and see if you’ve already tried any of these smart tricks.
Repairing a Dent Using Hot Water and a Plunger
Noticed an annoying dent on your car? No need to stress—we’ve got a quick fix! Dents happen all the time, but contrary to popular belief, they can be surprisingly easy to deal with.
Just boil some water in a kettle or pot, pour it over the dented area, then use a plunger to gently pull it out. As long as the damage isn’t too severe, the dent should pop back into place. It might not look brand new, but it’ll definitely be much less noticeable.
Cloudy Headlights? Try Toothpaste
If your headlights are looking dull or foggy, there's no need to buy pricey cleaners just yet—you might have the solution in your bathroom. Toothpaste, thanks to its mild abrasives, can clean your headlights just like it polishes teeth.
With a little effort and some scrubbing, your headlights can shine bright again. (Just a heads-up: if the discoloration is coming from inside the lens, this trick won’t help—you’ll likely need to replace them.)
Use a Staple Remover to Open a Keyring
Tired of struggling—and possibly hurting your fingers—while adding keys to a stiff metal keyring? There’s an easier way. Just grab a staple remover and use it to gently pry apart the metal loops.
It creates enough space to easily slide your keys on without the hassle. It’s such a simple trick, you’ll wonder how you never thought of it before!
Use a Shower Caddy to Organize Your Trunk
If you like to stay prepared with essentials like motor oil, a funnel, a rag, or a flashlight in your trunk, here’s a smart way to keep everything in place.
Grab a shower caddy and use it to neatly store your emergency car items. It keeps your supplies organized, prevents them from sliding around, and helps keep the rest of your trunk clean and clutter-free.
Prevent Car Door Dings With Pool Noodles
If you frequently bump your car door against the garage wall when getting out, there's an easy fix. Just cut a pool noodle in half and attach it to the spot on the wall where the door usually makes contact—you can usually tell by the scuff marks.
Use bolts or adhesive strips to secure it in place. Either way, it’ll protect both your car and your wall from unnecessary damage.
Need a Car Trash Can? Repurpose a Cereal Container
It’s easy to toss trash into your car without thinking, but those lingering smells can quickly become a problem.
A simple solution? Use a plastic cereal storage container as a mini trash can. Just line it with a small plastic bag, and you’ve got a compact, sealable bin that helps keep your car clean and free of odors.
Cut Glare With A Tinted Plastic Sheet
We've all experienced it—you’re driving into the setting sun without sunglasses, and your visor just isn’t cutting it. There’s a quick fix: a tinted plastic sheet.
These sheets cling to your window using static and can be repositioned as needed. They’re a simple, reusable way to block out harsh sunlight and make your drive more comfortable.
Reduce Frost By Parking Your Car Facing East
This might sound like a quirky hack, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. Parking your car facing east means the morning sun will hit your windshield first, naturally melting the frost.
That way, you won’t have to wait for your defroster to kick in when you’re ready to head out after sunrise!
Boost Your Key Fob’s Range by Holding It to Your Head
It might sound strange, but this trick really works! If your key fob’s range is short, hold it under your chin and press the button again.
The natural moisture in your head helps amplify the signal just a bit. Don’t take our word for it—give it a try and see for yourself!
Long Trip with a Messy Kid? MagnaDoodle to the Rescue
Long car rides with little ones often come with two problems: messes and boredom. Luckily, a MagnaDoodle can tackle both. It’s a fun, reusable drawing board that keeps kids entertained since they can draw and erase endlessly without losing or spilling supplies.
Plus, it doubles as a handy tray table for snacks and meals, helping to contain crumbs and spills while on the go.
Clean Your Rims Using Coke
You’ve probably heard the tip “use Coke to clean this” many times, and it’s true—mixing cola with dish soap creates an effective cleaner for your wheels. This combo breaks down road grime and brake dust, leaving your rims shiny and spotless.
While some worry the soda might leave a sticky residue, the added detergent stops any buildup from forming.
Pantyhose As A Temporary Fan Belt
Before anything else, if your fan belt breaks, it’s best to explore safer options like calling for a tow. Trying to save money isn’t worth risking serious engine damage or fire.
However, if you’re truly stranded, a pair of pantyhose can serve as a temporary fan belt to help you reach a gas station or a place with cell service where you can get assistance.
Repair Small Scratches Using Nail Polish
When your car’s paint gets minor scratches or chips, paying for professional repairs often isn’t worthwhile. That leaves you with visible imperfections—unless you know this easy trick.
With just a small amount of nail polish closely matched to your car’s color, you can conceal those scratches so well that they go unnoticed unless someone is really inspecting them.
Thaw Frozen Car Locks with Hand Sanitizer
Frozen car door locks can be a real hassle to deal with, but hand sanitizer offers a simple fix you might not expect.
Even though it feels odd to pour liquid into a lock, the alcohol content in hand sanitizer melts the ice inside, letting you turn the key smoothly. It works just like it does when it evaporates on your hands, quickly dissolving the frost.
Avoid Hot Seatbelt Burn by Buckling Seats Early
Buckling your seatbelt during hot summer days can be a painful challenge—metal parts exposed to the sun heat up quickly and can burn your hands. A simple workaround is to fasten the seatbelt right after you get out of the car and leave it buckled until you return.
Since the belt stays buckled, the metal won’t be exposed to the sun and won’t get hot enough to cause discomfort.
Repurpose Over-the-Door Shoe Racks as Backseat Organizers
This tip is especially handy for parents: an over-the-door shoe rack makes a great organizer for backseat essentials like sippy cups, toys, chargers, and snacks.
The multiple pockets keep everything within easy reach and are much more visible and accessible than the built-in storage pockets found in many minivans.
Got A Chip In Your Windshield? Try Clear Nail Polish
Nail polish comes to the rescue again! A small chip or crack in your windshield can quickly spread, turning into a serious hazard. If a replacement isn’t in your budget right away, dabbing a bit of clear nail polish over the damaged area can help stabilize it—just like stopping a run in stockings.
It’s a temporary fix, but it can buy you some time until you’re able to get it properly repaired.
Turn Rubber Bands Into a DIY Phone Holder
Need to use your GPS but don’t have a phone mount or someone to hold it? A few rubber bands can do the trick. Loop a band through a couple of vents on your center console, then stretch it around the top and bottom of your phone.
The tension will keep your device in place, giving you a clear view of directions without taking your hands off the wheel.
Quick Trick to Cool Down a Hot Car
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