Your car is an important part of your life, so you want to keep it running in good condition. But sometimes taking care of a car can be expensive or time-consuming. Not all problems require a mechanic, though. You should equip yourself with a few simple car DIY hacks to help you respond appropriately and make life easier for you and your car.
Here are 12 car DIY hacks that every driver needs to know:
1. Keep a Tire Pressure Gauge in Your Car
Checking tire pressure is an important part of keeping your car running efficiently. Keeping a tire pressure gauge handy can help ensure you check and adjust your tires when necessary. The right pressure can improve your fuel economy and make sure that your ride is comfortable. You don’t need to buy a fancy tire pressure gauge either. A simple one will do the job!
2. Use Baking Soda to Clean Battery Terminals
If the battery terminals in your car are covered with gunk, baking soda can help break down the dirt and grime. Just pour some baking soda on a damp cloth and rub it into the terminals. Make sure to dry them off afterward, as moisture can cause corrosion. The terminals should sparkle like new when you’re done.
3. Invest in a Headlight Restoration Kit
Headlights can become cloudy, foggy, or even yellowed over time. This not only affects the look of your car but also its performance in poor weather conditions. Instead of replacing the lights, invest in a headlight restoration kit. These kits come with all the materials you need to restore your headlights and make them look like new. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully for best results.
4. Use WD-40 as a Leather Cleaner
Leather seats can become dull and faded over time. To restore them, you need an effective leather cleaner. Instead of buying specialized cleaners, try using WD-40. It’s a multi-purpose lubricant that can also work as a leather cleaner. Just spray it onto the seat and rub it in with a soft cloth. Then buff it off for a good shine.
5. Fix Minor Scratches With Toothpaste
Small scratches on your car’s paintwork can be a real eyesore. To get rid of them, try using toothpaste. Squeeze some onto the scratch and use a soft cloth to rub it in. Then rinse off any excess and you should find that the scratch is significantly less visible.
6. Use Pennies to Assess The Condition of Your Tires
Tires are an important part of your car and it’s essential to keep them in good condition. To assess their condition, take a few pennies and insert them into the tread grooves. You can see Lincoln’s nose at any point then your tires need soon. The legal minimum for tire tread depth is 2/32 of an inch and if you can see past the top of Lincoln’s head then your tires need to be replaced.
7. Clean Windows With Newspaper
Your car windows can get pretty dirty over time and it’s important to keep them clean. To avoid streaks, don’t use regular paper towels. Instead, grab a newspaper and get to work. The newspaper’s fibers help pick up dirt and grime, therefore making it much easier to get those windows nice and sparkling.
8. Familiarize Yourself With Your Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual
Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is a key piece of information that can help you understand how your vehicle works and the type of service it needs to stay in top condition. Knowing what types of maintenance your car requires, when to change its fluids, and other important information can help you keep your car running smoothly for years to come.
9. Know Who To Call When You Need Assistance
Having a reliable emergency roadside assistance service and knowing who to call when you experience car trouble can help give you peace of mind. Make sure you have the number of a reputable company on hand, as well as the contact information for your insurance provider in case of an accident. Doing so ensures that help is just a phone call away when you need it.
11. Keep a Car Emergency Kit in Your Trunk
Having a car emergency kit on hand can help you feel prepared should an unexpected situation arise while you’re out on the road, such as a flat tire or dead battery. Make sure to include items such as extra bulbs, a flashlight, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, and extra water and snacks.
11. Clean the Inside and Outside of Your Car Regularly
Keeping your car clean can not only help you feel more organized and stress-free when driving, but it can also help extend the life of its interior. Vacuum the carpets and upholstery regularly with a shop vacuum or handheld cleaner to remove dust, dirt, and other debris that may otherwise cause damage over time. The exterior of your car should also be washed regularly to remove dirt and grime that can build up over time and cause corrosion or rust.
12. Know When Your Car is Due For Service
It’s important to stay up-to-date on your car’s service needs. Refer to your owner’s manual for guidelines and take note of when certain services are due. Making sure your car gets regular check-ups can help extend its life span, save you money in the long run, and keep you safe on the road. You can even set reminders for yourself or use an app to keep track of your car’s service due dates.
Reach Out to Brownsville Toyota For Service and Maintenance
Regularly scheduled maintenance is essential for keeping your car in peak performance. But not all service centers are created equal. You can trust Brownsville Toyota to provide you with top-notch care and expertise. Our technicians are highly trained and experienced and use only genuine Toyota parts when servicing your vehicle. Schedule an appointment today to keep your car running like new!
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