8 Clever Car Hacks to Simplify Your Life

Whether you're a seasoned driver or a new one, having a few clever car hacks up your sleeve can make life on the road much easier. From simplifying parking and keeping your windows fog-free to boosting your key fob's range, these tips are designed to save you time, money, and stress. Ready to make your driving experience smoother? Here are 8 simple yet genius car hacks that you'll wish you knew sooner!

1. Back It Up

Ever accidentally bumped into your garage wall while parking because you weren’t sure how close you were? Here’s a simple hack that can save you money, time, and stress—and help you park perfectly every single time.

What you’ll need:

• A tennis ball
• String
• Two screw hooks

Start by parking your car in the ideal position inside your garage. Next, use a ladder to measure the length of string needed to hang from the ceiling down to the middle of your windshield. Add an extra 30 cm to account for tying a knot.

Now, screw one hook into the tennis ball and the other into the ceiling at the exact spot where the ball will gently touch your windshield when the car is in the perfect position.

And that’s it! You’ve just made parking a breeze while protecting your car and garage from bumps and scratches. Happy parking!

2. Fog on The Window

Here’s a simple, inexpensive trick to eliminate fog from your car windows or nearly any glass or plastic surface—all you need is a potato!

Start by cutting a clean potato in half. Then, gently rub the cut side over the foggy surface in smooth, circular motions. Be sure to cover the area only once, or at most twice. Applying it too thickly can leave a white, starchy residue behind.

This clever hack is quick, effective, and perfect for keeping your windows clear without any special products!

3. Keep Your Chin Up!

Picture this: it’s a freezing morning, and all you want is to hop into your car as quickly as possible. But instead, you’re stuck outside, futilely pressing the unlock button on your key fob with no luck. Frustrating, right?

Here’s a simple car hack that could save you time and keep you warm on those chilly days.

Just place your remote car key under your chin, press it against your skin, and hit the unlock button. Believe it or not, your head acts as a conductor, boosting the key’s range and helping you unlock your car more easily. Give it a try next time you’re in a pinch!

4. Newspaper to The Rescue

Whether it’s an old rego sticker or a cringe-worthy bumper sticker you’ve grown to regret, removing the leftover sticky residue doesn’t have to be a hassle. With this simple trick, all you’ll need is some warm water and a sheet of newspaper!

Here’s how it works:

Place a sheet of newspaper over the area with the adhesive residue.
Gently pour warm water over the newspaper, ensuring it’s fully saturated.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes.

Then, simply peel off the newspaper, and the residue should come off effortlessly. Problem solved!

5. Clean Your Headlights with Toothpaste!

We’ve all thought toothpaste was just for cleaning teeth, but here’s a surprising hack: it works wonders on foggy car headlights. If your headlights are looking dim, this quick fix can restore their shine.

All you need is an old rag and a small amount of toothpaste. Apply the toothpaste to the rag and gently scrub your headlights in circular motions. The abrasive properties of toothpaste help lift away grime and residue, leaving your headlights clear and bright again.

Just be cautious not to let the toothpaste touch the surrounding paintwork, as it may cause damage to your car’s exterior. With a little effort, you’ll have your headlights looking good as new!

6. Plunge Out Dents

Did you know a plunger can do more than just unclog toilets and sinks? It can also help remove small dents from your car!

This trick works best for small to medium-sized dents, and you’ll need a sink plunger, available for around $5 at Bunnings. To get started, apply water to both the plunger and the dent to create suction. Then, pull firmly until you hear a satisfying ‘pop’ as the dent releases.

Quick tip: invest in a brand-new plunger for this hack. Reusing one that’s been near plumbing grime is definitely not recommended!

7. Staple Remover

Ever found yourself wasting time and patience trying to attach a key to a keyring? It’s a frustrating task that can even cost you a fingernail or two.

Here’s a simple hack to make your life easier: use a staple remover. Just slide the remover between the coils of the keyring to gently pry it open, then effortlessly slip your key on. Problem solved—no hassle, no broken nails!

8. DIY Phone holder

No phone holder in your car? No problem! All it takes is a rubber band and your phone to create a quick, effective solution.

Choose an air vent in a visible and accessible spot. Carefully thread the rubber band through one of the vent slots, then loop it back out through another. This creates a secure, makeshift holder to keep your phone in place while driving. Simple, clever, and hassle-free!

And there you have it—8 simple and clever car hacks to make your life easier! From fixing dents and organizing keys to creating a DIY phone holder, these tips are designed to save you time, effort, and even a bit of money. Whether you're on the go or tackling small car challenges, these hacks ensure you're always ready for the road ahead. Happy days!