Cleaning headlights 101
Have cloudy headlights ever annoyed you? Toothpaste might be the fix you need! Its mild abrasives, designed to clean teeth, can also polish away grime on your headlights, making them look much clearer.
Just keep in mind—if the yellowing is coming from the inside due to age, toothpaste won’t help, and it’s best to have a professional replace the headlights.
Want to get rid of snow?
If you live in a snowy region, consider parking your car facing east—toward the sunrise. The morning sun can naturally melt the snow on your windshield, making it easier to get going without relying on your defroster.
It’s a simple, tool-free trick that can save you time on cold mornings.
Cleaning the small details
Slime, the stuff we used to play with as kids, actually works great for cleaning tight spots in your car like air vents and door pockets. It picks up dust and debris so effectively, you’d think it was designed specifically for car interiors.
The best part? It’s easy to find at supermarkets, convenience stores, and hardware stores.
Dent fixing, anyone?
Getting a dent fixed by a professional can be pricey, often costing tens of thousands of yen. But there’s a simple DIY method you can try.
Just pour boiling water over the dent, then use a plunger to pull it out. That’s all it takes! While this trick might not fully fix large dents, it can still reduce how noticeable they are.
How to remove rust from a battery?
Battery terminals can develop rust over time, and if not dealt with, it may lead to damage in other engine components. To clean them, first turn off the engine and let it cool completely. Then, loosen the terminals and take out the battery.
This is where Coca-Cola can help—its acidity works well to remove rust. Just pour a small amount over the corroded areas, and it will help clean them up effectively.
How to prevent collisions?
Have you ever accidentally bumped your car door into the wall of your garage or a parking lot? If so, you can prevent future damage by cutting a pool cue in half and attaching it to the wall with tape.
If the wall already has a mark from a previous hit, place the stick right over the scratch to use it as a reference point. This simple fix helps protect both your vehicle and the wall from further harm.
Need a trash can?
What do you usually do with trash in your car? If you’re unable to park for a while, lingering garbage can start to smell. That’s when using storage containers becomes useful.
Cereal storage containers are a great fit for your car’s interior and help contain odors. This simple solution keeps your vehicle tidy and smelling fresh.
Sticker Removal
Ever stuck a sticker on your car and later regretted it? A hair dryer can be your best friend in this situation. By warming the sticker with the dryer, the adhesive loosens up, making it much easier to peel off without damage.
Now that you know this trick, you might even start swapping out stickers regularly as a fun way to change up your car’s look.
Car not responding to remote start?
It might seem strange, but here’s a little-known trick worth trying. If your car isn’t responding to the remote from a distance, try holding the key fob under your chin and pressing the button again.
This technique can actually extend the signal range, as the fluids in your head help amplify the radio waves, making it more likely to reach your car. It’s a simple hack that just might work—give it a shot.
How to make good use of your car's space
If your car feels cramped and you need extra space or want to keep essentials close to the driver’s seat, a Carabiner Hook can be a handy fix.
Just clip it onto the front seat’s headrest, and you can hang items like bags, groceries, or umbrellas, keeping them organized and within easy reach.
How to hide scratches on your car
Paying for repairs just to fix a small scratch on your car can feel unnecessary. Still, visible scratches can make you hesitant to drive it. In situations like this, try using nail polish.
Pick a shade that closely matches your car's color and dab a small amount onto the scratch. While it won’t completely erase the damage, it will help make the mark less noticeable.
Seat belts on hot days?
On hot days, seat belts can become dangerously hot and may cause burns. To prevent this, you can stay safe by exiting the car with your seat belt still fastened.
To minimize the risk, try to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible and be mindful of the car's interior temperature, making sure it doesn’t get too hot.
Want to lower the temperature inside your car?
When a car sits under intense sunlight, the interior can become unbearably hot, making it difficult to breathe. Even with ventilation or the air conditioner on, it may take time to cool down. In such cases, try rolling down the passenger-side window and then opening and closing the driver’s door a few times.
This helps push out the hot air and quickly brings in cooler air, lowering the car’s temperature more effectively.
Need a substitute for your car's air freshener?
Air fresheners are commonly used to keep a car smelling pleasant, but for a change, try using scented wax melts instead.
They’re simple to use—place a few pieces in a glass jar with a lid that has holes. As your car heats up, the wax will slowly melt on its own, releasing a nice fragrance throughout the interior.
Need new tires?
Not sure when it’s time to replace your tires? A simple 1 yen coin can help. Insert the coin into the tire tread, and if more than half of the young tree on the back is visible, it means the tread is too worn and the tire should be replaced.
That tiny coin might end up protecting your safety on the road.
What if your fan belt breaks?
If your fan belt snaps while driving, the safest first step is to call the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or a roadside assistance service. Trying to fix it yourself to cut costs can be dangerous.
However, if you're in an emergency without access to a phone, you can temporarily use a stocking as a makeshift fan belt. This should only be a last resort to get you to the nearest gas station or phone so you can call for proper help.
How to park 101
If parking in a garage is a challenge for you, a tennis ball can make it easier. Hang one from the ceiling so that it touches your windshield at the perfect stopping point.
This way, you’ll avoid hitting the back wall, even when reversing into the space. It’s a simple, effective method that’s definitely worth trying.
Hmm...Where did I park again?
Have you ever lost track of your car in a large or unfamiliar parking lot? In situations like this, a parking locator app can be a lifesaver.
There are various apps available that save your car’s location and guide you back to it, making it much easier to find your vehicle quickly.
How to remove pet hair?
Getting rid of pet hair from your car’s interior can be tough. While professional cleaning gives the best results, it’s costly and not something you can do often.
A pet hair brush offers a great alternative. Lightly spray the seats with water, then use the brush to sweep back and forth across the surface. This method is highly effective and saves you the expense of a pro cleaning—definitely worth trying out.
Where do I put the paper towels?
Kitchen paper is handy for quick cleanups or wiping your hands, but it can easily roll around if left loose in the car. To keep it accessible, use a short bungee cord to hang the roll.
This keeps it in place and ready to use, making it especially convenient during road trips with kids.
How to defrost a windshield?
On cold mornings, frost often forms on the windshield, and when you're in a hurry, defrosting can be a hassle. A simple solution is a mixture of vinegar and water. Pour it into a spray bottle and apply it evenly to the windshield.
Unlike plain water, which can quickly refreeze, the vinegar helps melt the frost more effectively, saving you time.
How to get a flat tire?
What should you do if you get a flat tire while driving over 65 km/h? Your first instinct might be to brake—but that’s exactly what you shouldn’t do. Braking suddenly can cause you to lose control and possibly crash.
Instead, gently keep your foot on the accelerator to maintain control of the vehicle, then slowly ease off the gas and steer safely to the side of the road.
What happens if you forget which way the fuel filler cap faces?
Have you ever pulled into a gas station and realized you couldn’t remember which side your fuel tank is on? There's a simple way to check without leaving your seat. Just look at your fuel gauge—next to the gas pump icon, there’s usually a small arrow.
That arrow points to the side where your fuel tank is located. Many drivers aren’t aware of this handy detail.
How to find out the cause of a car breakdown 101
Have you ever wanted to check your car’s condition on your own? Visiting a dealership or repair shop can be both costly and time-consuming. A simple solution is to invest in a scan tool. It’s easy to use—just plug it into your car’s OBD port, and it will display fault codes.
It can also tell you why the check engine light is on, read the O2 sensor, and even retrieve the vehicle identification number (VIN).
Must have tools in your car
It’s a smart idea to keep a car disaster prevention kit on hand, just in case of emergencies. Essential items include jumper cables, a flashlight, a backup battery, a first aid kit, and a compass. You might also want to include tools, warm clothing, a shovel, and a phone charger.
Make sure to inspect the kit regularly to ensure everything is working properly—you’ll be glad you did if the unexpected happens.
Ever wondered how to clean air conditioner vents?
Car air conditioners are essential for staying comfortable in both hot and cold weather—but how often do you clean the vents? Many people use them regularly without giving much thought to maintenance.
A sponge brush is a handy tool for cleaning out the vents, helping to improve not just your air conditioner’s performance, but also the overall air quality inside your car.
How to take care of genuine and synthetic leather
Vaseline is a versatile product with many uses—including in your car. Applying a small amount to genuine or synthetic leather using a cloth or cotton can help keep it from cracking.
You can also use it on the rubber door seals to stop them from freezing shut during cold weather.
How to keep wipers from freezing?
On chilly winter mornings, frozen wipers can slow you down before you even start driving. To avoid this, try using old socks as a simple solution.
Just slide them over the wipers the night before, and they’ll stay frost-free. It’s an easy way to save time and reduce stress during busy mornings.
How to remove dirt easily?
When you hear “melamine sponge,” you probably think of household cleaning—but it’s also useful in your car. Simply dampen the sponge with water and gently rub it on dirty spots of leather or synthetic leather.
You'll be surprised how quickly it refreshes the surface and makes it look almost like new.
Coin Collection
While driving, you're likely to use coins frequently—for things like coin parking or picking up change at a convenience store. Keeping a container in your car for coins can make things much easier.
An empty gum container works perfectly for this purpose, and best of all, you don’t need to buy anything new.
Trunk Organisation
It’s common to keep essentials like engine oil, rags, and flashlights in your trunk for emergencies. But without a proper place to store them, they can end up rolling around and creating a mess.
That’s where a bathroom rack comes in handy—it helps keep everything organized and easily accessible when you need it most.