Automobile Facelift: 40+ Ways To Breathe New Life Into Any Car
By Sachin P
Considering you clicked on this article, it’s safe to assume that your vehicle is probably one of your most prized possessions. You spend countless hours trying as hard as you can to maintain it in a pristine state in order to avoid costly repairs. But tiny problems will inevitably develop without your knowledge. Unfortunately, sometimes those issues quickly snowball into a massive problem, which almost always costs you a lot of money.
You must therefore take preemptive steps in order to keep your baby running well and looking as good as it did when the odometer read “0.” Thankfully, even a few simple repairs can go a long way. From simple fixes, like routinely replacing the car freshener, to more significant ones, like purchasing a dashcam, the suggestions we have for you in this article will take your car from “road-legal” to “road-regal.” Keep reading to find out more!
Say bye-bye to dirt with this slimy gel
It can be challenging to clean all the nooks and crannies inside the car because a few may be inaccessible. These include the air-con vents as well as the controls on the car. As a result, your vehicle may stink, and the AC may stop operating properly.
Purchase a slimy, sticky cleaning agent for use in those areas. Don’t let the odd appearance deter you from getting it since we’re pretty sure it looks worse than it feels. Plus, you’ll get a debris-free car with clean air-con ducts in the end. Now, who wouldn’t love that?
Marie Kondo that trunk
Once you use this simple trick, you will not have to worry about any goods rolling about in the back all the time. To prevent the chaos and commotion that always comes with transporting goods in the trunk, you can install a simple bar.
To move items like grocery bags, toys, and beverages, as well as other trinkets, install several “S” hooks. Additionally, because these objects will remain safe and not move around as you’re traveling, your vehicle will be noise-free, allowing you to listen to the radio or that podcast you adore without disturbance.
Say ta-ta to that tar stain
While tar smears are unpleasant, you should not allow them to prevent you from appreciating your car. The annoying markings will vanish after just one administration of this amazing solution—mayonnaise! Yup, that’s right; you can use mayo to remove tar stains.
Apply a tiny quantity wherever the damaged area is, whether that may be leather or fabric. After removing all of the tar, lightly massage the area again and then let it sit for 5 minutes. After that, wipe the surface thoroughly and allow it to air dry.
Fizzy pop to the rescue!
Picture the windows of your car completely free of scrapes and bird poop. This can be accomplished by using carbonated water and allowing the bubbles to work their magic. To get started, cover the bird poop with soda, then leave it to sit for a few minutes.
However, exercise caution because excessive soda can harm the paint job on the car bonnet! Place a towel beneath the windscreen when using this technique, and be careful not to disturb the area while the soda removes the discoloration. After that, the windshield will be more resistant to stains.
The best tip is a Q-Tip
There are numerous places in a car that seem to be nearly impossible to maintain without the proper equipment. Luckily, this revolutionary item is probably in your bathroom cupboard. Tiny cotton swabs are ideal for wiping a car’s nooks. They will get into difficult-to-reach areas like ducts and crevices.
All those annoying stains on the steering wheel also won’t stand a chance. Q-tips are not only cheap, but their gentleness also reduces the possibility of damaging the surfaces you’re scrubbing. Even better, keep some in your glove box for quick touch-ups while idling in the car.
Grease up the frozen handles
On a wintry day, it can be extremely frustrating to discover that your car handle is stuck. It’s worse if you really need to be somewhere urgently, but the door just won’t budge! The kitchen holds the solution to this issue as well.
Cooking spray is all you require to quickly fix frozen door handles! Until you’re able to unlock the door, spray the oil over the hinges. Just remember to wipe the oil away before trying the handle again. Otherwise, you’ll end up as the “butt” of a joke of your own creation.
Utility tissue dispenser
Everyone needs a tissue at some point. However, some of us occasionally find it challenging to locate one while operating a vehicle or riding shotgun alongside friends. Most times, it happens that you stuffed them far inside a compartment and totally forgot about them.
What about this, then? Purchase a little sun-visor-mounted tissue holder for yourself and place the tissues there. Now, they are conveniently within range, removing the need to search about in compartments and run the danger of veering into oncoming traffic just because you need to blow your nose!
DIY Suction
No one should invest in pricey vacuum accessories for their car. There aren’t enough applications for these expensive specialty items to justify their price. Luckily, you can still clean your car without spending a fortune. Every cent counts in this economy!
All you need is to attach a paper tube to the vacuum’s suction nozzle. This homemade tool will function similarly to a genuine one after being covered in tape or glue. You can shape the paper nozzle to fit into your vehicle’s tighter areas.
Buff out in a jiffy
Does the chassis of your car have tiny scratches? Don’t immediately call the auto body shop; we know a repair option that’s already available in your home. You can use candle wax, adhesive, nail polish, toothpaste, and shoe polish to remedy that situation.
While these items might not completely remove the scrapes, they will improve the appearance of the car. Just ensure you find a nail polish shade that closely resembles the color of the vehicle. To remove scratches, you can use toothpaste and a clean microfiber cloth to buff the area.
Coffee filter for the win!
Coffee filters make an excellent dust-reduction tool. When used to clean a car’s smaller crevices, these lint-free wipes leave hardly any dust. You won’t have to vacuum the car as frequently if you use these versatile filters. Or, you can run up your utility bill. Your choice.
Simply apply a small amount of olive oil to a coffee filter, then wipe the surfaces of the vehicle. All the filth will be collected by the filter, leaving no grease or dust in its wake. Additionally, it will give the finish some gloss.
Noodles prevent scratches
Parking space is a valued but limited necessity. This tip is for you if you are required to park in a spot that has little space, such as close to a building or up against a barrier. Fasten two pool noodles onto each side of the parking spot.
Tie them close to where you pack. You’ll realize that you can now park your car in the specified spot without worrying about the doors being damaged, thanks to the pool noodles. These really come in handy on those days when you park and exit hastily since there won’t be any more surprise dents!
Bling up those rims
Cleaning wheels is not usually a simple process, but there are alternatives to the pricey and occasionally damaging compounds that are used in many auto shops. Bleach is one of those inexpensive options to get rid of soiled or worn-out tires.
Start by mixing detergent and bleach, then add warm water. Spread this on the wheels, let it sit for about three minutes, and then wipe off any extra moisture. Your wheels will be left squeaky clean after this easy procedure.
All you need, bud, is an unpeeled spud
It’s important to be able to see clearly when on the road. Although it is usually a difficult and time-consuming process to clean a car windowpane, this fix won’t need much in terms of supplies. All you’ll need is a single potato. To get started, cut the unpeeled spud in half.
Then, rub the skinless end against the pane till it’s covered in a film of the ‘juices.’ Conclude by spraying clean water on the glass and wiping it down with a clean piece of cloth. It might sound silly, but we promise you, it works.
Bumping bumpers
You need not worry if your car’s fender has turned an unattractive gray hue. Did you know that with just shoe polish and a sponge, you can get the bumper of your automobile back to its original flawless black? Well, now you do. Simply use the appropriate amount to achieve your goals.
Rub the shoe polish over the entire bumper till the desired appearance is attained. You may need to apply more than one coat of polish. Move slowly and steadily, exerting pressure in continuous strokes around worn-out edges. You can use more or less polish to determine how light or dark the bumper becomes.
Remove those troublesome stickers
The versatility of a blow dryer, which can be utilized for a variety of tasks around the household, reaches new levels when used to remove annoying bumper stickers. Just crank up the power and direct the device toward the adhesive label.
The sticker’s glue will heat up from the high-temperature air and lose its adhesion to the car’s body. Even the oldest stickers can be taken off in a matter of minutes. After you’re done, your car will appear clean and new.
How to get rid of bugs
Every automobile owner can attest to how irritating it is to find little insects smashed against the windshield and body of their vehicle. It doesn’t matter how small they are since they can obstruct vision and cause distractions. Furthermore, removing them without harming your car is a challenge.
The solution to all of your car’s pest issues is WD-40. No matter how small, if you find these bugs in advance and apply WD 40, you won’t have any trouble getting rid of them without causing any damage to the paint job or windows!
Leather problems need onion solutions
If you intend on selling your automobile urgently and wish for it to appear younger than the odometer indicates, you can use onions. In principle, regular use of the car ultimately causes blemishes on the leather, giving it an aged look and making it difficult for sellers or buyers to market it.
One fresh onion can be applied to just about any afflicted parts of the leather that have burn scars or discoloration by merely slicing it into little bits and laying that on top of the affected area. After a while, you’ll see that the marks are less obvious!
Quick fix tissue
Napkins are quite versatile. They are light, pliable, and incredibly absorbing. They are the perfect cleaning supply for regular use at home and even in the car. So, you don’t ever have to worry about making a mess again since they are excellent for cleaning up any auto accident.
Use a little elastic rope under the trunk lid to secure paper towels when you want to keep them safely within your car. This will stop the roll from straying and creating further messes for you to clean up. Additionally, it won’t be damaged or unravel during transit.
Clean carpets are a must
Car owners may well be inclined to dust off the car’s carpeting when it starts to show signs of wear and hope for the best. However, using this cleaning technique will quickly tidy up any and all soiled areas, making your mats look great once more.
Apply a stain remover to the carpets and give it some time. Next, add some detergent to the mats before placing them in the washing machine. To ensure they are completely dry before returning them to the car, let them dry in the sun.
Cupcake cup holder
The best way to ensure your cup holders are free of dirt is to use cupcake liners. These temporary cardboard cups are strong, inexpensive, and can be positioned in the drink holder of your car to catch any crumbles or drips.
Additionally, these covers help stop moisture or oil from collecting in your car’s cup holders. The fact that they are easy to use and stow in the car is the nicest part. Cupcake liners with no cupcakes may sound like a bummer, but at least the car is kept clean!
Don’t worry about frozen mirrors anymore
The struggle of getting rid of ice crystals buildup on your car is far more difficult than simply getting out of bed on a particularly cold day. Thank goodness there’s a simple solution to help you prevent it. You only need a few little sandwich bags.
Placing a sandwich bag over the mirror the night before will save you from having to struggle to wipe them in the mornings. Just be careful not to damage the mirrors in the process. On cold winter evenings, the bags will lessen the creation of ice and prevent snow accumulation.
Insulate well
One of the best ways to increase convenience and reduce energy consumption is to insulate your car. You can keep the interior of the vehicle at a comfortable temperature throughout the winter and reduce external noise by caulking the spaces between the dash and windshield.
You’ll need pipe insulation, tape measure, and scissors for this trick. The costs of these materials are low, and you will ultimately gain from using them. The pipe insulation is also DIY-installable. Just measure it accurately to fit your dash to prevent any extra piping.
Tint stint
The appeal of such a DIY project is that it requires a few materials, most of which you likely already have at hand. To tint your windows at home, start by painting the windows with maple syrup, then use charcoal toothpaste to give them a darker finish.
Now use cling film to wrap the windows and keep it in place for an hour. Clean the windows before removing the plastic wrap, et voila! Without setting foot outside your home, you have access to a glass tinting service! Just remember to apply the mix carefully to prevent any harm to your car.
“I love the smell of lavender in the morning”
We all know how difficult it is to maintain a pleasant smell in your vehicle if you eat meals there or have children and pets. You’ll always notice an unpleasant odor in the car when there are leftovers somewhere that haven’t been cleaned.
Using an air freshener with potentially harmful chemicals might not be the best solution to the stinking problem. Try applying essential oils to a cotton swab as an alternative. Mint, lavender, or lemongrass fragrances are all excellent choices for this trick.
Sayonara, stickers!
And here is another decal trick for those without hairdryers. Decals can be very bothersome because they obstinately resist removal despite being subjected to all known techniques. Luckily, we are happy to report that WD-40 offers a great solution to that problem.
Directly apply some to the sticker and let it sit there for a while before rinsing it off. You’ll be astounded at how well this hack works; the sticky glue comes off so easily. Simply wash the area with a gentle cloth once the stickers have been removed.
How to remove crayon stains
If you have children, you understand the struggle of maintaining cleanliness in the home. When given pastels to keep them engaged, kids have a tendency to transform every inch of space into a painting. This applies to floors, furniture, and the seats in your car.
Melted crayon stains can be removed with wax paper and a heated iron. Simply apply the paper over the discoloration and press with the hot iron. Once warmed, the crayon will adhere to the paper. Continue until the cushion is crayon-free.
How to easily remove dry mud
Getting mud out of your tires is among the most typical car maintenance problems. It’s always better to wash it while it’s still wet. If that isn’t possible, you can get rid of the dried mud by using oven-cleaner foam.
Apply a generous amount on the tires. Give the foam some time to act on the mud and other debris clinging to the wheels before removing it. The wheels will remain bright for days after you wash them with warm water.
Push the right buttons
It is possible that you are unaware of this hack, yet it is among the most crucial for a well-conditioned car. The car’s recirculating function, which is controlled by this button, assures that each area is properly and efficiently ventilated. It has a negative side, though, because it utilizes the air on the outside.
This becomes a problem when you are stuck in traffic since you don’t really want pollutants to enter the car. You may use this option to lock all airflow inside the car in this circumstance. In addition to having clean air, you’ll save up on gas.
No more fogged-up windows
Due to the moisture that develops on windscreens, thanks to the difference in temperature between the warm moist air within and the cold air outdoors in the wintertime, driving can be challenging. Given the resulting poor vision, this always increases the risk of accidents.
To prevent this from happening, use cat litter! It has silicate, which aids in absorbing moisture from the air. Old socks filled with cat litter can be tied securely and placed inside the vehicle. Remember this nifty hack next winter!
Honest Abe is the DIY tire gauge
Though you might no longer believe coins to be essential, if you own a vehicle, they could save your life. To ensure your car rides comfortably, use the penny test to determine the condition of the tires and when to replace them.
Starting at the bottom, measure the tread depth with a coin. The tires are said to be in excellent condition if the treads cross the head of Abraham Lincoln on the penny. You may require a new set of wheels if they do not pass Honest Abe’s brow.
COLAfied rust buster
Though we mostly know it as a refreshing beverage, Coca-Cola has a lot of cleaning applications. For example, it will remove any rusty streaks you may have on your automobile. Simply take a bottle out of the refrigerator and spray it on the corroded spots, then give it some time to work.
Next, use a clean microfiber cloth and clean it off. Your car will look better than ever before, and the rust will be almost completely gone. Just keep in mind that using this technique on a car’s paintwork can harm the lacquer.
A little Vaseline is all you need
When all else fails, Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, comes to the rescue. It is great for the panels as well as one’s skin. Vaseline’s ability to maintain a spotless dashboard is amazing and even rivals some dedicated automotive products in the market!
Begin by using water as well as cleaning liquid to clean the inside of the car. Before proceeding to the next stage, let it dry. Next, add some Vaseline to a soft material and rub the area. You’ll notice how clean and tidy your dashboard appears afterward!
Treat the leather with some olive oil
Being a delicate material, leather automobile seats wear out with time. After washing the seats, most people advise using olive oil to keep them in good shape. Cleanse the seats initially with hot, soapy water. This will clean the leather’s exterior of dirt, stains, and grime.
After that, apply a little olive oil to the seats. This will stop the leather from drying out again, which is the number one catalyst for cracking. If you notice any cracks, wait a few hours before wiping down the seats.
Wipe the wipers
Throughout the summer, you might not be required to use your windscreen wipers, but you may depend on them frequently during rainy conditions. It’s rarely a poor choice to do a little washing yourself, even if you believe that the rain washes your vehicle for you.
You might need to spend a few minutes thoroughly washing the wipers’ brushes to ensure they are tidy. Alcohol will suffice if you do not want to deal with water. Just apply a little isopropyl alcohol to the brushes and rub them to remove any grease.
The dashcam you want and need
Although you might think that this approach is a bit pricey, it will ultimately be worthwhile. Sophisticated GPS detector technology can be found in good automobile cams like the Garmin Dash Cam. Thanks to its broad lens, this can cover the entirety of the path ahead.
Also, users can use voice recognition to take images and start or pause filming on the dashcam! That’s an excellent addition! The 3.7-megapixel camera can record 1440p video and functions even in poor lighting. Additionally, the footage may be used as evidence for compensation claims.
Don’t phone and drive
The majority of motorists remain dependent on third-party navigation software as not every car comes equipped with a sat-nav. With that said, using a cell phone while driving is incredibly risky! Try this trick the next time you have to verify driving directions.
You can construct a phone clip that connects to your air vents using only a rubber band and a pen. Start by encircling one of the outlets with the cord, then fasten it using a few clamps. With just a few items, you have an instant phone holder than can comfortably hold your device.
Keeping the battery in top shape
With time, the battery terminals on your vehicle become oily and filthy. Additionally, the dust in the terminals could cause the engine to work even harder or perhaps even prevent the vehicle from running. Despite how terrible this issue is, there is a straightforward fix.
Carefully pour some Coca-Cola onto a piece of cloth. Make sure the fabric has been cleaned in hot water before continuing. Utilize the cloth to scrub the battery terminals of rust and dirt. Doing so will help it last longer.
Clean them headlights
Your car’s headlamps are continually subjected to shifting weather conditions and other factors. That’s why most turn yellow with time. Here is a top tip for washing them yourself without wasting a lot of money until you decide to change them.
With a towel, soap, water, and toothpaste, you can fix yellowish headlamps in less than half an hour. To start, use a soft detergent to thoroughly wipe the lights on your automobile. Now wipe the headlamps in a clockwise direction with normal toothpaste. This will polish them and make them sparkly in no time!
Put a sock in it
Almost everyone can relate to having a mountain of socks that are useless because the washing machine ate the other one. Take advantage of those to protect your windscreen wipers by preventing moisture buildup. Who knew these “useless” articles of clothes could be so useful!
To prevent the wipers from adhering to the windscreen, all you have to do is wrap them with socks. Your automobile will be ready for travel by simply removing the socks. Even if the wipers fall at some point, the socks will aid in keeping them off the windscreen.
No need to vent about that dent anymore
For car owners, nothing can ruin their day faster than a stubborn dent. They destroy the car’s aesthetic but are often not big enough to justify the several hundred dollars the shop would demand to remedy them. Luckily, nowadays, you only need a plunger and a little hot water to fix them.
You can do it in your own home! Use a plunger to push, then pull at the indent till it protrudes out again after sprinkling it with hot water. You can avoid going to the auto shop by doing this. However, if it looks serious, always consult a technician.
Have the car smelling like a bath bomb
If you have a used candle container, you can use it to create a wonderful scent in your vehicle. The easiest approach to keep your vehicle smelling new and fresh is to simply test a few different scents till you discover a scent you like.
Once you identify a scent that you love, make a hole in the old jar’s bottom, then scrape out some scented wax from a new candle. Keep this in the car after moving it to the old jar. The wax will then steadily release a pleasant smell.
Dam it up with gum
When there are no nearby maintenance facilities and your automobile develops leaks, don’t sweat it. A quick fix can afford you enough time to prevent further leakage and get to your location without incident. Although this trick is only temporary, it works.
You can use this technique to prevent a spill that could have started in the engine bay of your car. Chew any spearmint or bubblegum and insert it into the opening that is the source of the issue. This one will offer you enough time to get to an auto shop for professional repair.
Brighten up your vehicle
Even though maintaining your car can be time-consuming, you don’t always have to end up in a mess. There is a method that will maintain the sheen and guarantee that there aren’t any smudges or dirt flecks on what needs to always remain clean.
Before beginning, add a silicon or lanolin-based conditioner to the water! Just add a spoonful or so to a pail of soapy washing water, then wash thoroughly. Pay close attention as well, particularly in and around any areas where dust buildup is greatest.
Fill those gaps with the pool noodles
We’ve all experienced the frustration of looking behind the cushions of the car for misplaced objects only to find them there after slipping through imperceptible holes. It’s annoying! Luckily, there seems to be a solution to this issue using foam pool noodles.
Pool noodles fit snugly down inside those annoying gaps between the cushions as well as the steering column if you cut them lengthwise. As a result, one won’t need to embark on an endless search for misplaced cash, keys, and other items again.