So, you’ve got a car, but do you know how to get the most out of it? Most drivers miss out on simple tricks that could save time and major headaches.
Check Your Oil Level Monthly
Oil is the lifeblood of the engine, and checking it regularly keeps things smooth under the hood. Pop the hood and give that dipstick a look. If the oil’s looking low or grimy, it might be time for a top-off or change.
Install A Dash Cam For Added Driving Security
A dash cam doesn’t just record bad drivers—it protects you when something unexpected happens. We’re talking about accidents and weird roadside encounters. Having this footage can clear up confusion and support insurance claims. Many are easy to install and loop-record automatically.
Check Your Tail Lights And Brake Lights Regularly
You might not know a bulb is out until someone honks or waves at you like a traffic cop. Do a quick light check every couple of weeks by parking near a reflective surface or ask a friend to help. It takes less than a minute and keeps you visible and safe.
Use Apple CarPlay Or Android Auto For Safer Media Control
These apps aren’t flashy add-ons. They actually let you call and stream music with fewer distractions. Everything is voice-activated or controlled on-screen in a way that makes sense while you’re driving. Less poking at your phone, more eyes on the road.
Use A Penny To Test Tire Tread Depth
A penny might not buy much these days, but it can save you from bald tires. Stick Lincoln’s head into the tread. If you can see all of it, it’s time for new rubber. It’s an old-school hack that works like a charm and helps you stay safe on the road.
Chad Robertson Media, Shutterstock
Learn How To Jump-Start A Car Safely
Dead battery? No need to panic or pace around the parking lot. Learning how to jump-start your car is a life skill that pays off, especially when everyone else Googles what to do. Remember the order: red to dead, red to good, black to good, then ground.
Daniel @ bestjumpstarterreview.com, Pexels
Use Apps Like GasBuddy To Find Cheaper Gas
Gas prices bounce around like a yo-yo, and it’s not always easy to know where the cheapest pump is. That’s where apps like GasBuddy come in. They point you to the best nearby deals and can even track the fuel-up history.
Use A Foam Brush To Clean Air Vents
Bad allergies? The air vents could be the culprit. A cheap foam paintbrush fits perfectly between those narrow slats and wipes out all the grime. Pair it with a little cleaning spray, and your vents will look (and smell) better in no time.
Foam Brush Painting Techniques by Linda Celestian
Use Baking Soda To Deodorize Floor Mats
Mats get funky fast. Sprinkle baking soda over them, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up. It neutralizes smells from food, pets, gym bags, or mystery liquids you’d rather not investigate. It’s natural and leaves your car smelling fresh without an overwhelming scent.
Don’t Overload Your Car
Your trunk is not a storage unit. Hauling around golf clubs and last month’s garage sale leftovers can drag the fuel economy down. The heavier the car, the more gas it burns. Clean it out and keep only what you actually need.
Rotate Tires
Tires wear depending on their position, and rotating them spreads the pressure evenly. It’s like switching places at a dinner table to maintain an interesting conversation. Doing this every 5,000 to 7,500 miles means longer-lasting tires and better gas mileage.
Replace Windshield Wipers Annually
Wipers don’t get much love until rain or snow hits, and suddenly they’re squeaking like an old door. Replacing them once a year keeps the windshield clear and your nerves calm. Think of it like giving your car a fresh pair of glasses.
Top Off Windshield Washer Fluid Before Long Drives
There’s nothing worse than bug guts blurring the view on a road trip and realizing your washer fluid is bone dry. Top it off before you hit the highway and spare yourself the roadside scramble. It’s an easy win that takes five minutes and saves your sanity.
Store A Pair Of Disposable Gloves In The Glove Box
Flat tire? Mysterious goo on the handle? Disposable gloves will save your hands from grease, grime, or whatever you’re brave enough to touch. Stash a few in the glove box, and you’ll always be ready for whatever your car throws at you.
Praewnaaaaaam, Wikimedia Commons
Keep An Eye On Brake Fluid Color
Brake fluid might not be glamorous, but it’s a big deal. It should be clear or slightly yellow. If it’s dark or murky, it’s time to change it. Checking it only takes a second, and your future self will thank you.
ANECEPTIUS BAMBANG SUTOPO, Shutterstock
Clean Battery Terminals To Prevent Corrosion
If your car has been slow to start or making weird clicking sounds, the battery terminals might be crustier than a forgotten sandwich. A quick clean with water and baking soda can do wonders. This isn’t much, but it will help you avoid jump-start drama or sudden breakdowns.
Know How To Read Tire Pressure
Tires that are too low or too full throw everything off: mileage, safety, and even how your car feels on the road. Grab a pressure gauge and check the PSI monthly. The right number is usually on a sticker inside the driver’s door. It’s an easy way to enjoy a smooth ride.
Eakrin Rasadonyindee, Shutterstock
Fill Up In The Early Morning
Fuel expands when it’s warm, so pumping gas in the cool morning means you’re technically getting a bit more for your buck. It’s not a huge difference, but hey, small savings add up over time. Plus, early fill-ups usually mean shorter lines and fewer fumes.
Use A Plunger To Pop Out Small Dents
Don’t rush to the body shop just yet. A clean toilet plunger can actually pull out small dents like magic. Wet the area and give it a few firm tugs. It won’t work on every ding, but for those annoying little parking lot bruises, it’s worth a try.
Using Boiling Water and a Plunger to Remove Car Dents – Does it Work? by Ratchets And Wrenches
Toothpaste Works To Clear Cloudy Headlights
No need to shell out for a headlight restoration kit. Grab some whitening toothpaste and a little elbow grease. Rub it in circles on the headlights using a rag. Then, rinse, and boom—less fog, more shine. They won’t be brand-new, but this trick can seriously boost nighttime visibility.
Headlight Restoration using Toothpaste by ChrisFix
Kitty Litter Can Help With Traction
Store a small bag of kitty litter in your trunk during winter. When you get stuck on ice or snow, toss some under the tires for extra grip. This is one of those weird-sounding tips that works incredibly well.
Have Duct Tape In The Car
Duct tape isn’t pretty, but it’s basically first aid for your car. Got a loose mirror? Minor bumper mishap? Tape it. It buys you time until a proper repair. It’s a little scrappy, sure, but at least you’ll be back on the road.
Carry A Portable Tire Inflator
Flats happen. Slow leaks, too. A portable inflator plugs into your car’s power outlet and can pump up a low tire on the spot. No gas station stop, no sketchy waiting around. You’ll be grateful it’s in your trunk when you need it.
Portable Tire Inflator Review | A Must For Any Vehicle! by Coach Helder Review’s Stuff
Use Nail Polish To Stop A Windshield Crack
A small crack can spider out faster than you’d think. A dab of clear nail polish over the crack gives you extra time before it becomes a windshield-wide problem. It’s not a permanent fix, but it slows the damage until you can get proper help.
Fix windshield crack with nail polish by Big Mama
Enable Remote Features
Modern car apps do more than start the engine. You can lock and even locate your car remotely. If your car supports it, enable these features and thank yourself later when your hands are full of groceries or it’s raining sideways.
Carry A Basic Toolkit
There’s no need for a full-blown mechanic’s chest. Just a small kit with screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable wrench, and maybe a utility knife can get you out of a jam. Having tools within reach is a small investment that can make a big difference.
Keep A Flashlight And Extra Batteries In The Glove Box
Phone flashlights are great until your battery dips below 10%. Store a real flashlight in your glove box, the kind that doesn’t rely on a charger or data plan. Toss in a couple of fresh batteries and you’re set for late-night tire checks or digging around under seats.
Santeri Viinamaki, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons
Know How To Reset A Check Engine Light
That glowing check engine light doesn’t always mean disaster. Sometimes, it’s a loose gas cap or a harmless sensor glitch. Knowing how to reset it will save you from unnecessary panic or trips to the shop. Use an OBD-II scanner (they’re cheap online) and follow the prompts.
Have A Glass Breaker And Seatbelt Cutter Within Reach
If you ever find yourself stuck in a jam, a glass breaker and seatbelt cutter can be lifesavers. It’s not the kind you keep buried in the trunk, either. It’s one of those tools you’ll hopefully never use, but if the moment comes, having it nearby could make all the difference.
Turn On Headlights In The Rain, Even During The Day
Your car might have automatic lights but don’t always count on them. When visibility drops, switch them on yourself. Rain, fog, dust, heavy clouds all make it harder for other drivers to see you. Headlights aren’t only for you to see the road. They’re for the road to see you.
Save The Car’s Parking Location Using A Maps App
Wandering around a parking garage with a confused look and clicking your key fob isn’t a great time. Use the maps app to mark your location before you walk off. It’s quick and saves you from wandering the lot like it’s a scavenger hunt.
Use Cruise Control
Cruise control is a sneaky-good way to avoid creeping up over the limit, especially on those wide open roads that beg you to speed. Set it and let your foot relax. You’ll keep the speed steady and maybe dodge that ticket you didn’t even realize you were earning.
Know How To Use Hazard Lights Properly
Hazard lights aren’t there to make you look dramatic in traffic. They’re a signal that something’s not quite right, like a flat tire or sudden slow-down. Use them when you’re about to stop or moving abnormally slowly. Don’t flick them on because it’s raining or you’re double parked.
Keep A Laminated Emergency Contact Card
Phones die. Glove boxes get messy. But a laminated card? That stays put. Jot down a couple of emergency contacts, as well as any important medical info and insurance details. Slip it behind the visor, where it’s easy to grab.
Drive Smoothly And Avoid Hard Braking
Every time you slam the brakes or punch the gas, your fuel efficiency takes a hit. Driving like you’ve got a fresh cup of coffee on the dash keeps things steady and economical. Smooth moves mean less wear on the brakes and better mileage.
Always Have A Spare Phone Charger
You never know when your phone will hit that dreaded one percent. Keep a spare car charger plugged in or stored in the console. This is an easy fix for missed GPS turns or that call you really can’t afford to drop. Bonus if it’s a fast charger.
Don’t Let The Gas Tank Run To Empty
Running on fumes might sound adventurous, but it’s not doing your car any favors. Keeping the tank a quarter full helps protect the fuel pump from overheating and sucking up grime. Plus, you’ll never be the person sweating it out, hoping the next gas station isn’t away.
Keep Your Infotainment System Updated
A car’s infotainment system handles directions, Bluetooth, and safety features, too. Updates can add new features to fix bugs. Some cars do this automatically, but others need a manual update via USB or Wi-Fi. Don’t skip it.
Avoid Idling For More Than A Minute
Idling wastes gas, plain and simple. If you’re sitting still for more than 60 seconds, you’d better turn the engine off and save money. Today’s cars are built to handle frequent starts, so don’t worry about wear and tear.
Remove Roof Racks When Not In Use
Unless you’re hauling bikes or kayaks every weekend, take that roof rack off. It creates drag, especially at highway speeds. Your engine works harder and burns more fuel. Removing it when it’s not in use lightens the load and cleans up the car’s look.
Use A/C Wisely
Cranking the windows down feels nice in town, but at highway speeds, it creates drag that hurts fuel economy. Surprisingly, using the A/C becomes the smarter choice once you’re cruising. So, if you’re zipping down the freeway, go ahead and cool off the old-fashioned way.
Combine Errands Into One Trip
Cold starts burn more gas. Instead of making five separate short trips, plan ahead and knock out errands in one loop. Your engine stays warm, and fuel efficiency improves. Plus, you save a ton of time by building a grocery list that includes everything else, too.
Mount Your Phone For Hands-Free GPS Use
Balancing the phone on your knee or wedging it into a cup holder? That’s asking for trouble. A simple phone mount keeps directions where you can see them, so no fumbling is required. A mounted phone helps you stay focused and safe while using Google Maps or the car’s native system.
Use Voice Commands
Fiddling with buttons while driving is a great way to miss a turn or exit. Voice commands let you make calls or ask for directions without taking your hands off the wheel. Most cars today are smart enough to understand plain speech.
