Even if you have the best mechanic on the planet on your speed dial, once you are out there on the road and a break occurs, you will be forced to rely only on the skills you personally possess. Furthermore, you are not going to call a mechanic to help you defrost your lock, and you are not going to wake up your neighbor at 3 a.m. just to help you park your car properly. This is why there are seven car hacks every car owner should know. Apart from helping you fix your car, these hints also help with its maintenance and even purchase. Let’s take a look.
Unfreezing a car lock
One of the most common minor problems you may encounter during winter is getting your lock completely frozen. Even though this is not a serious malfunction, it is still enough to prevent you from using your vehicle. Luckily, a hand sanitizer (which you are advised to carry around) can fix that problem in a matter of minutes.
Car position matters
Sometimes, when you park, the position of your car may seem ideal at first sight. Keep in mind, however, that if your car stays parked for more than several hours, something is bound to change. For instance, if you are still in the abovementioned winter scenario, your windshield may freeze overnight. Luckily, by parking your car in a way so that your windshield faces the east, you will ensure that this ice is melted off by the first rays of sunlight in the morning.
Weight and gas mileage
While not many people think about this, you need to keep in mind that the extra burden on your vehicle makes it use extra power and thus, increases your gas mileage. In order to reduce it, all you need to do is remove all those things you don’t absolutely need for the ride. Of course, we are not talking about some lighter objects you carry around, but those that can make a substantial difference in your vehicle’s weight.
Changing a tyre the smart way
When it comes to changing a tyre, staying calm and prepared makes all the difference. Before you even find yourself on the side of the road, it’s smart to learn the basics and ensure your spare tyre and tools are in good condition. Desperation or panic can lead to mistakes, so keep your cool and follow each step methodically. You don’t need to overexplain what caused the flat when you visit a mechanic or wheel shop—just describe the issue clearly so they can help you efficiently. And if you’re considering upgrading your tyres or wheels, avoid rushing into decisions. A trusted wheel shop can guide you without pushing unnecessary extras. The key is to stay relaxed, informed, and in control of the situation.
A useful parking trick
Some people have trouble assessing their surroundings when parking the car into their own garage. This can be problematic especially when your household has more than one car. Therefore, you should hang an object (most people go for a tennis ball) from the ceiling and try to always have it rest on the exact same spot on the windshield. In time, this may improve your overall parking skills.
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Clearing your lights
Out there in the open road, the clarity of car lights can save your life. Therefore, it is highly advisable that you take proper care of them. For example, every once in a while you should clean them with some toothpaste and a toothbrush. This is a simple action that doesn’t take more than a few minutes, which means there is no excuse for avoiding it.
Removing bugs from the windshield
Finally, there is a problem of aesthetic nature- bugs on the windshield. Whoever tried to remove them knows just how difficult this task can be. Luckily, where there’s a will, there’s a way; you can easily get rid of them with a help of a simple razor.
Conclusion
As you can see, none of these solutions are complicated or expensive to put to use. Furthermore, by learning more about your car, you are bound to become a much better driver too. We are not talking about things such as steering the wheel, but your overall driving behavior, both on and off the road.
