Guide
14 products that your car can’t go without
by Carolin Teufelberger
Simple tricks to whip your car into shape
1.9.2018
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Enjoy cleaning and repairing your car quickly, efficiently and on the cheap? So do I. That’s why I’ve put together a few handy hacks for your wheels.
Although I’m a loyal SBB customer, I do appreciate the convenience of a car. For bulk buying, transporting my DIY devices or visiting my boyfriend’s parents in Belgium, for example. What’s more, I like sitting behind the wheel. It’s a great place to vent pent-up anger and shout at everything that crosses my path. With the windows closed, of course. Like a small-scale primal scream therapy.
However, what I don’t enjoy doing is cleaning and repairing the car. Cleaning just doesn’t have a therapeutic effect on me, regardless if it’s my apartment or car. It’s a necessary evil I try investing a minimal of time in. And I’m sure I’m not the only one. That’s why I did some research on how to optimise car cleaning processes. This is what I discovered:
Toothpaste does more than polish teeth
Never quite know if you can be seen because your headlights are all milky-white? Toothpaste to the rescue! Rub the paste over the lights, allow it to do its magic for a bit and wipe it off. Ta-dah! Behold the strong light beams shining through the crystal-clear glass with full power!
Grease up insects
If you’ve been racing up and down motorways at 200 kmh this summer, I’m pretty sure there are a few dead insects sticking to your windscreen and jammed in the radiator grill. Normally, I’d go for a lot of elbow grease and, at worst, scratched paint. Next time, go for non-stick baking spray and grease up those stains. Let it sit for a while before easily wiping those creepy crawlies off.
Coffee against the stink
Your friends devoured dripping doner kebabs on the back seat last weekend? Your dog jumped into the boot soaking wet? Your friend left a half-empty Tupperware on the passenger seat? No wonder that crisp new car aroma has gone. Overpowering it with a little tree air freshener just makes matters worse. A better solution is to place a bowl of coffee beans in your car. They absorb all unwanted odours.
Plungers do more than de-clog
Here’s my tip to iron out small bumps and save yourself a pricey trip to the mechanic’s. You’ve probably got one of those toilet plungers sitting around in your bathroom. Those little gadgets are not just great for de-clogging a toilet but also for straightening out bumps. Just place the plunger on the dent, push and pull off. The vacuum makes the plunger stick to the car body, dragging the dent along with it.
Pool noodle turned shock absorber
I’m all too familiar with this problem. As my parents’ garage is pretty narrow, the car door needs to be opened with great care. If you’re also forced to suck in your belly to avoid scratching the car, go for a pool noodle. Yep, the flotation device can actually save you from your hardship. Cut the noodle down the middle and mount it to the garage wall at the height of the widest part of the car door. The foamy object will protect your car from any further damage.
Disinfectant for the keyhole
This hack won’t come in handy until wintertime. But believe me, when the cold has iced up the keyhole or door handle, you’ll remember this one. Use one of those small hand disinfectants to defrost the lot – thank you high alcohol content!
Bye-bye unnecessary steps
Radio keys are a great invention: No need to worry about icy keyholes anymore! However, they tend to suffer from age-related infirmity. Over time, you’ll have to get closer and closer to the car to establish contact with it. If you realise, after walking away from the car, that you forgot to lock it, you’ll have to go all the way back – usually only to find out that it was locked all along. This kind of thing will cost you about ten seconds. An eternity in today’s fast-paced world! To avoid this kind of scenario, try holding your keys up to your temple, thereby extending their reach by means of the water molecules in your brain.
Creative cup holder
And last but not least, a tip from the category «You could do this but don’t have to.» You’ve just indulged in a bucket-sized cola from McDrive but totally forgot that you don’t have a cup holder. Well, maybe you do but it’s not bucked-sized. Try using a large shoe like a hiking boot. It will securely hold that bucket.
My life in a nutshell? On a quest to broaden my horizon. I love discovering and learning new skills and I see a chance to experience something new in everything – be it travelling, reading, cooking, movies or DIY.
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