A life hack is when you take an everyday life situation and find an easier or more efficient way to do it. This also applies for car hacks, which can take away some of the stress of driving and owning a car. To help make your life easier, here are 8 car hacks that you will actually use – covering everything from windows and headlights to tech and tires.
Car hacks for your windshield
Give icy windows the cold shoulder
THE PROBLEM: Waiting to defrost icy window interiors each winter morning - especially when you’re already late for work.
THE HACK: Fill a nylon stocking with cat litter and run it along the length of your windshield. Not a cat person? Old silica gel packets will also work.
ALTERNATE HACK: If cat litter or silica gel isn’t readily available, flip down both of the sun visors over the driver and passenger seats and turn on the windshield defrost. It will keep the heat directed onto the windshield helping to speed up the defrosting process.
Snowstorm? Get yourself covered.
THE PROBLEM: The time-consuming scraping of ice and snow from your windshield after one of Canada’s infamous snowstorms.
THE HACK: There are a variety of window covers you can find at your favourite auto-accessory retailer. These covers can add a layer between your windshield and ice and snow. Simply remove it after a snowfall and off goes the snow and ice along with it!
Car hacks for your tires
The dreaded tread
THE PROBLEM: You might already know that healthy tire treads are important for both traction and fuel economy. But how can you tell the condition of your tire treads? The secret might be in your pocket.
THE HACK: Grab a toonie (a loonie won’t cut it for this hack) and insert the edge into your tire's tread. If the tread reaches the bear's paws, your tires are good to go. Halfway across the silver band of the coin? Your tread is about 50% worn. And if your tread only reaches to the lettering, it’s time to get some new tires.
‘Tis the season to get stuck in the snow.
THE PROBLEM: We probably all know too well that familiar whirring sound that means you’re stuck in the snow. The solution might be right under your feet.
THE HACK: Take your car mats and place them under your car’s tires. They can help give the traction your tires need to get out. You might need to invest in new mats after, but they should be able to help you out of the situation.
Car hacks for your lights
A brighter side
THE PROBLEM: Interior car lights that don’t illuminate the right areas of your car or simply aren’t bright enough.
THE HACK: Up your light game using easy-to-install LED strip lights. They can add more lighting to your car’s interior wherever you need it. And they also come in an array of fun colours!
Fight cavities and foggy headlights
THE PROBLEM: Over time, headlights can get foggy. This, in turn, can impact visibility.
THE HACK: Forget the expensive sprays. You can use good ol’ fashioned toothpaste to polish them up. Simply rub it all over the headlights, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse off with water.
BONUS HACK: Keep headlights free of fogginess by using furniture polish or car wax after the toothpaste hack.
Car hacks for technology
Out of range?
THE PROBLEM: Being far from your car before realizing you forget to lock the door.
THE HACK: You can actually boost the range of your car’s key fob – by holding it against your chin. Wait, what? It’s true. Water is a great conductor and since our heads are full of water, holding your fob to your chin (or any part of your head really) can increase the range – it’s like acting as an antenna. Go try it. We will wait right here.
Stay connected on the road
THE PROBLEM: Keeping kids (and backseat drivers) entertained on the ride.
THE HACK: In-car wi-fi means every device in the car can connect to the Internet and listen to music, watch movies, and play games. Check with your mobile or internet provider to see if they have an in-car add-on.