Many of us don't think much about our vehicles, but we probably should. Your car gives you the freedom to do everything from getting to work on time to exploring the world around you.
Just using a few simple hacks can improve your driving experience and help you stop wasting money repairing your car.
Following are 10 genius car hacks every driver should know.
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Carry jumper cables and kitty litter in your trunk
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Don't leave home without jumper cables and kitty litter in your trunk. It's easy to see the importance of jumper cables: You might need them if your car battery needs a quick charge. But why does kitty litter matter?
Kitty litter's grit can help you get out of any slippery situation, whether that's by pouring it on a patch of ice or a pile of snow. As a bonus, it's also great for cleaning up spills if your car happens to leak oil on your friend's driveway.
Pro tip: Cars are expensive to buy and maintain. But you can save on auto insurance by comparing quotes and choosing the insurer with the right policy at the best price.
Don't let your car sit in the cold weather to warm up
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A cold morning feels even worse when you climb into a car that hasn't warmed up. However, as tempting as it might be to start your vehicle and let it get toasty, it's not a good idea.
There's no benefit to warming up your engine. Today's car models are fully lubricated and ready to drive within 30 seconds. The car also will warm up faster if you drive it as opposed to letting it idle.
Finally, letting the car idle wastes gas and adds harmful emissions to the environment.
Keep a notebook of your car's maintenance history
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Keep track of your vehicle's maintenance history in a small notebook in the glove compartment. You can also use a digital version if you prefer.
Follow the owner's manual for your vehicle's maintenance schedule, such as how often to change the oil. Write down details of all work you have done, including the replacement of parts, replacing tires, and any repairs.
When you decide to sell the car, you'll have a solid record of the great work you put into it. That could boost your car's value on the market.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>
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Read the owner's manual
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The owner's manual offers some great tips for getting the most out of your car. It includes your car's recommended maintenance schedule and provides insight into many aspects of how the car works.
If your vehicle has any fancy features, the owner's manual should explain how they work.
Do as much work on the car as you can
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If you're not handy or don't want to waste time, a local repair technician is the way to go when your car needs work.
However, consider powering through a few YouTube videos to learn how to replace the air filter, check the oil, and change the spark plugs. Chances are good that doing these things yourself will save you money.
You should be able to find the parts you need for these small fixes readily available online or at an auto parts store. And you'll pay a fraction of what the dealership is likely to charge you.
Those savings don't even include the labor costs you'll avoid simply by doing the work yourself.
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Use a tennis ball when parking in your garage
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Determining how far to pull into your garage when parking can be difficult. But there is a simple trick to make this task easier.
Pull your car into the garage and park it just where you want it. Then, take a tennis ball, attach a rope to it, and hang it from a rafter in your garage. Make sure you attach the rope at the spot where the tennis ball just barely touches your windshield.
In the future, you'll know to stop your car when you pull into the garage and the ball makes contact with the windshield.
Use an app to find a parking spot
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Whether you're on your way to a show or just going to work, finding a parking spot at the last minute can be challenging, particularly in busy areas.
Fortunately, there are many phone apps that help you locate available parking spots within your target area. You can compare prices, and some apps even allow you to reserve a parking spot in advance.
De-ice a frozen lock with hand sanitizer
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On a cold day, rain or snow might cause your lock to freeze up. But there is an easy fix if you don't have a lock de-icer.
Putting a small amount of sanitizer on your key before sliding it into the lock should do the trick. The alcohol in the sanitizer works to de-ice the lock.
Pro tip: Save more money by comparing auto insurance quotes and choosing the insurer with the right policy at the best price.
Use cupcake liners to catch crumbs
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It's easy to pledge never to bring food into your newly cleaned car, but it's hard to keep that promise when you need to eat on the run. As a result, it can feel downright impossible to keep cup holders clean.
Here's an easy fix: Place a cupcake liner in each of the cup holders in your car. The liners catch all of the debris that builds up over time and are super easy to remove and toss.
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Buy a dash cam so you have a record of your trips
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A dash cam is an excellent investment for most drivers because it allows you to record what's happening while you're driving.
If another car darts out in front of you or backs out while you're driving by, you'll capture this on camera. That can help boost your claim if you need to file one later. Choose a Wi-Fi-enabled option for the easiest solution.
Bottom line
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Each of these tips can improve your driving experience or help you save money and keep more cash in your bank account.
DIY hacks like those mentioned on this list lower your costs. And when you need the help of others, shopping around can get you the best deal. Use these tips to extend your vehicle's lifespan as you keep your wallet full.
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