Squeegee to Clean WindshieldIf your car is parked outdoors overnight and you have to clean frost from your windshield, start your defroster then use a mini bathroom squeegee to scrape the window.
Keep Spare Wiper Blade in CarWhen replacing the wiper blades on your car, always save one in case of an emergency. It will take up almost no space in your trunk and could prove invaluable in an emergency.
Hot Bricks to Defrost WindshieldOn a crisp, icy morning, I've been stumped as to how to defrost the windshield. My solution? I normally leave three or four 1/2 bricks on top of my wood stove to wrap in a towel and apply to whatever part of my body is wacky that day.
Remove Condensation from Car WindowsWhen your windshield steams up on you, a clean blackboard eraser kept in the glove compartment of your car or truck can be quite handy for wiping off the moisture. The eraser is less bulky than a cloth and doesn't shed lint on the glass.
Linseed Oil to Remove Road TarRoad tar and asphalt which splatters up and sticks to an automobile is almost impossible to remove. That is, unless you first saturate the spots with linseed oil.
Check for Auto Recalls Before Visiting MechanicBe sure to check for recalls before going to the mechanic. I would love to think that there were not such things as "secret recalls", but there are.
Check Tire Pressure in FallNow is the time to check your tire pressure. With cold nights arriving, the air in your tires loses volume. The rule of thumb is that for every 10 degrees lower, the pressure in your tire loses 1 or 2 psi.
Metal Fly Swatter for Locked Car Doors.I think that the metal handle of a flyswatter would work better than a wire hanger when going down through an automobile window to open the door. I am almost certain of it, and I have tried it once already.
Apply Glycerin to Car WindowsIf you buy a small bottle of glycerin at the drugstore or grocery store and apply a thin coating of the liquid to both sides of your car's windshield, you'll prevent moisture and the frost that often follows-from forming on the glass.
Keeping Ice off the CarWinter in Alaska where we live can be so harsh! No matter where you live, though, scraping ice off of your car in the early morning is just no one's idea of fun. This is the BEST WAY to keep your windshield frost free.
Buy Gas in the MorningFill up your tank early in the morning when the air is cool and the gas is dense. You'll get more gas and less air.
Take Store Cleaning Wipe to Sanitize CarAs I walk into the grocery store, I always grab the free sanitizing wipes for the shopping cart handle. On the way out of the store, I grab another to wipe down my car door handles, the steering wheel, gear shift, and my children's cars seats.
Store Tissues In Baby Wipe ContainerIf you like to carry a box of tissue in your car as I do, the box seems to always get messed up. I have found that if you use an empty baby wipe container (large one), you can put the tissues in the container and push the first tissue through the top.
Keep $20 in Your Glove Compartment for EmergenciesI was in Girl Scouts and the Leader for two troops that my daughters were in. I was taught first and foremost to be prepared. I have for many years now been keeping a twenty dollar bill in my glove compartment for minor emergencies.
Use Carpet Scraps as Car Floor MatsCut leftover carpet scraps to size as floor mats in the car for winter use. They can be washed when necessary. For summer use, old terry cloth shower mats can be used to keep floors in the car clean.
Use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to Remove Paint TransferMy husband went ballistic when he saw a scrape on my car bumper. My grandkids ride their bikes, etc. and he just knew someone had "nicked" the paint on the bumper. I took a tiny bit of a Mr. Clean sponge (the clean-the-marks kind) and gently scrubbed the "nick".
Check Rental Car Features at LotWhen you rent a car, figure out how to work everything before you leave the lot. This includes the headlights, heater, air conditioner, windshield wipers, windows, and trunk. If you have questions, you can get answers from the rental agent.
Use Candles As Car FreshenerI like the candle scent so much I am going to take a melon ball thing and take round things out of this scent, flatten them, and put them under the car seats where the dogs can't get at them.
Spray Paint to Update Car CarpetingAn auto detailer said that used car lots update old carpeting with plain old spray paint.
Keep Spare Pair of Sunglasses in CarNow that summer's here, keep an extra pair of sunglasses in your car or truck. That way you will have a pair if it gets too hot or you forget yours.
Increasing Frequency of Traffic TicketsI live in a coastal beach community and it has been reported on the news that the state police have significantly increased the number of police patrolling the highways that feed into the community.
Getting Your Vehicle Ready For WinterKeep your headlights clear with car wax! Just wipe ordinary car wax on your headlights. It contains special water repellents that will prevent that messy mixture from accumulating on your lights. This lasts 6 weeks. Squeak-proof your wipers with rubbing alcohol.
Rubbing Alcohol to Squeak Proof Windshield WipersRubbing alcohol on your windshield wipers makes badly streaking wipers change to near perfect silence and clarity, it makes them "squeak proof"
Keep Lock From Freezing With Chewing GumMy dad suggested I take a piece of my gum I was chewing and press it over the key area, which I did. The next morning, I barely bumped the small frozen solid patch of gum off the keyhole area to find my key area was not frozen!
Ice Proof Car Windows with Vinegar and Water SprayWhen the temperature is going to go down below freezing, spray a 3 to 1 solution of water and vinegar on your vehicle's windows. It keeps them ice proof.
Winter Windshield WashingWe have two families living on the property and a very close neighbor. In the winter when the windshields get frozen and frosted over during the night, One of us goes out with a bottle of windshield washer and washes the windows for everyone.
Making Windshield Wipers Last LongerAdd longer life to car wiper blades. Winter time weather, ice and snow, cause a lot of damage to wiper blades as they tend to freeze to the windshield while parked outside in driveways and parking lots.
Under Seat Storage for Your VanThis was a project stemmed out of necessity but turned into something very handy. I have a van with front seats that sit high on their bases. Both seats are enclosed on the back.
Use Lonely Socks to Keep Gas Off HandsWhen filling the gas tank on my vehicle I seem to always get the smell of gas on my hands. For years I carried a pair of gloves to wear just for this and slipped them in a plastic bag in between fill ups, now and then I would take them in and wash them.
Keep a Phone Book in the CarI put my old or extra telephone books in my car. It's always handy for phone numbers, addresses, most have maps and even coupons. If I have room I put one in my suit case when traveling.
Take Turns on Long Distance Bulk ShoppingWe live in a small town with limited shopping. The nearest bulk shopping is 115 miles away. My friends and I take turns making the round trip and go in on purchases of paper towels and other disposables.
No Cruise Control, Not in the RainDid you know you should never use your cruise control when driving in the rain or snow? This can be very dangerous because if your tires lose contact with the pavement, your car can hydroplane and may speed up and you will literally fly through the air.
Research Online for Best Car Part PricesSave money on your car repairs by researching the price of the parts, and perhaps buying the part on your own. Many automotive shops charge up the price of the part and pass it on to the consumer.
Emergency Screwdriver SetMany times, I have been on the side of the road without a screwdriver, or the one I had one was too small. Now I carry a pliers, and some change: a quarter, dime, and nickel.
Cut Potato to Improve Windshield VisibilityIf your windscreen wiper fails during light or heavy rain, try this: If you can obtain a potato, cut it in half and rub over windscreen.
Be Aware of Driving Laws in Different StatesI strongly advise motorists to go to Motor Vehicle or online to get a copy of the driver's manual when driving in another state.
Carry an Emergency Kit in Your CarMy friend was stranded in her car last evening when she went to use her cell phone it was dead. She told me she was so thankful she had listened to her Dad's advice which I decided to pass along to you for yourself or someone you care about.
Magic Eraser to Remove Paint Marks on a TruckI hit a yellow pole with my brand new truck and had no idea how to get the yellow paint off. I went online and someone suggested using the Magic Eraser. It worked awesome, without ruining my paint job.
Will A Hybrid Save You Money?"Will a hybrid save me money?" Wouldn't it be great if there was a definitive answer to that question? Unfortunately, and despite what a showroom salesman will tell you, there is no clear answer.
Use Fingerless Gloves for Winter DrivingIn the winter, my hands occasionally become so cold that it is uncomfortable. To keep a good grip on the steering wheel and stay warm at the same time, I tried a pair of fingerless gloves (aka gauntlets).
Remove Snow Buildup from Wheel WellsWith all the very cold weather most parts of the US has been experiencing, you may have noticed icy snow build-up in the wheel wells of your front and back tires. An easy way to remove it is to use a garden trowel or a putty knife to chip away at it until it falls off.
Pocket The Savings From Lower Gas PricesWith gas prices decreasing, I have been putting the difference from what I was paying for gas (with the high prices) to what I am currently paying in savings. Wow, this is really starting to add up nicely!
Check Date on "New" TiresWhen we go to a store to buy tires, we think we are buying new ones, right? We may not be. As it turns out the date the tire is manufactured is on the inside part of the tire.
Fill Your Gas Tank OftenGas here has been in the three dollar range, $3.69 today. I don't let my gas tank get lower then three-quarters empty. It usually costs $20.00 or $25.00 to fill the tank, about every two or three weeks depends how much and how far I drive.
How To Clean a Jeep Rag TopTo keep your Jeep or SUV rag top in good shape, follow these instructions.
Budgeting For Car PaymentsWe needed to purchase a new car for my husband who uses it for business. He puts on an average of 45,000 miles annually. We did not have enough saved to pay cash for the car so I needed to FIND an additional $150 a month for the increased car payment.
Cleaning Auto Glass With WhitingEasy removal of road grime from automobile glass. Before washing auto, wet the window glass and let most of the water run off. Sprinkle powdered whiting (found in paint dept.) and scrub window with a plastic type kitchen sponge. xes...)
Score Your Car Tags To Avoid TheftTo keep your car tag registration sticker from being stolen. Clean the area where it goes well. Window cleaner works best because of the alcohol. After adhering the new one well, score (cut) it several times with a razor blade. Someone trying to steal it only gets bits and pieces instead of it coming off in one piece.
Saving Money on Oil ChangesGetting regular oil changes are important to maintaining your automobile's engine. Here is advice as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Do you have any tips for saving money on oil changes? Feel free to post them below.
Make Car Repairs to Save Car PaymentsPut new engines, water pumps, etc. in that old car. It saves 1000s a year without that new car payment.
Use Heat To Remove Lug NutsHeat the lug nuts with a butane cigarette lighter. The heat causes the nut, but less so the bolt, to expand making it easier to loosen. And, of course, loosen nuts a bit before jacking car.
Use Anti-Seize Lubricant on Lug NutsWhen changing a tire, put a small amount of Anti-seize lubricant on each wheel stud. The next time you have to change the tire, it will be much less difficult to loosen the lug nuts. Anti-seize lubricant is available at auto part stores.
Combine Errands to Save GasTo cut down on driving, keep a list of all the errands you need to run. Don't make a trip until you can combine at least a couple errands.
Beware the Cost of Repairing Your CarI wanted to mention to all Thrifty car buyers to beware of the cost to replace parts on your economical car. I firmly believe the manufacturer does not make money on an economical car you purchase because they make up for the loss through the replacement parts you will need to fix your car.
Driving The Speed Limit To Save MoneyGas prices are rising rapidly (as always), so here's a tip for getting better gas mileage: Obey speed limits! Studies show that, for every 5 miles per hour you drive over 60 mph, it's like paying an extra 20 cents per gallon of gas! And, by actually going the speed limit, you'll be avoiding a pricey speeding ticket.
Use Vinegar On Windshield WipersTo extend the life of your car's windshield wipers, wipe the blade with a rag that was soaked in white vinegar. This softens and refreshes the wiper blade. A cheap and effective treatment.
Fuel Gauge ReminderDo you ever forget what side your gas tank is on? Well look at your fuel gauge inside the car, there should be a little symbol that looks like a gas pump with a little arrow that will either be pointing left or right of your gauge.
Avoid Buying Gas On Weekends Or HolidaysWhen buying gas, always make sure you purchase it a couple of days before the weekend, or before a major holiday. That's when the big shots raise the prices; over the weekend when we have to run errands or during a holiday, when we travel to see our loved ones
Gas TipsHere are some great tips on saving money on gasoline. I received this morning and thought I would pass these tips along. Gas is over $3.00 a gallon here. Some of these tips are new to me.
Mark Your Antenna With Red For Parking LotsWhen leaving your car in a parking lot that is not marked, (like a school, grocery, etc.), I use a VERY RED sock or scarf and tie it to the top of my antenna. Be sure to loop part of the ID over the top of the antenna so it doesn't slide down! It is not only functional, it's pretty!
Wait To Unlock Your Car DoorWhen I am in parking lots going in or coming out of the store, I see people all the time clicking their car unlocker. They are like 20 or 40 feet away from the car. Please don't do that! Every time I see some one do that I think, wow, they are calling attention to themselves saying here I am and that is my car and it is now unlocked.
Use Brake Fluid To Prevent Auto Doors from FreezingHere's a tip to prevent your auto doors from freezing to the door molding. If you park in the driveway during the freezing weather and in the morning you find the door frozen/stuck to the molding, try this.
Chewing Gum to Stay Awake While DrivingIf you chew gum, you won't fall asleep. Helpful when driving.
Buy a Locking Gas CapCrime is up. Gas theft is up. I just bought a lock-type gas cap. I almost had gas siphoned from my van, at MacDonalds.
Watch Out For Registration Tags Stolen Off Your CarA local pal, whose husband, has been in a hospital in another town, recently had her car's registration tags stolen off her car, while there. She found out the hard way about something that my husband and I heard about several months ago.
Cover Car Seats With A Sheet For Road TripsWhen traveling, I put a clean sheet over the seats, making cleanup easy. At stops, I just shake it out.
Keep Carpet Scraps for Traction in Snowy ConditionsIn rural Ohio, getting stuck in the snow on occasion is expected so I keep several medium sized carpet scraps in my trunk. When placed under wheels, they make getting traction--and out--easy!
Watch For Small Animals Hiding In Car EnginesWith colder temperatures in effect, remember that warm engines attract cats and other small animals who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
Carry a Laundry Basket in Your CarI keep a spare plastic laundry basket in the trunk of my car. It's great for toting home breakables (eggs, fruit or other groceries) or yard sale finds.
Turn Wheels To Lessen Impact In A Car AccidentTo lessen front end impact when you see you're about to be rear-ended, turn your front wheels so you'll not hit the vehicle in front of you square on.
Drive With Enough Room for the Car in Front of YouIf you're sitting in traffic, try to leave sufficient space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, in case the vehicle behind you fails to see you stopped. If the driver behind you rear ends you, you'll have enough space to try to keep from hitting the vehicle in front of you.
Use Mop And Glo To Shine Your Old CarFirst of all, do not try this on any car that you care about! I had an old, old Toyota and the paint was very dull and had lost it's shine. I tried something very simple to renew the shine.
Stop Light for GarageThis tip is for people like myself that runs into the wall of the garage. I've tried the tennis ball thing and it didn't work for me. So, my husband bought this "traffic light" looking wall unit that plugs into the wall.
Avoid Oil Change Scams: Verify The Work Was Done
Consumers would bring their vehicles in for an oil change. The vehicle would be taken out back and "parked" for 2-3 hours. The customer would be charged for an oil change, new oil filter, labor, plus whatever else they thought they could get away with, never doing the work the consumer was wanting done.
Finder Fee For Auto Dealer ReferralsI'm not sure if most people know this or not, but this is a tip if you buy your new vehicle from a dealership. Afterwards, send your friends and/or family members to the same dealership and salesman and have them purchase a vehicle.
RV Warranty Repairs TipWe recently bought a 2007 RV and the saleslady told us to look the unit over for things that might need repairs. I made a numbered, detailed list of items with a numbered label that corresponded with the repair.
Drive Slower To Save GasMy commute to work is approximately 19 miles. Where I live, gas prices are between $3.19 - $3.39 per gallon. I've found that driving between 5-10 miles under the speed limit has helped stretch my gas a little bit. Even more when I drive at 45 mph.
Buy Gas MidweekI have heard more than once that gasoline prices are lower in the middle of the week (Tues., Wed.) than on the weekend.
Boycott Gas On May 15thHi, I was reading the gasoline tips and thought I would pass this along. Did you know if just 7 million people did not buy gas on one selected day, it would cost the oil companies $20 billion dollars on the average, based on the cost of filling up your tank at $30.00.
Coca-Cola For Shiny ChromeInstead of spending on expensive chrome polish, try rubbing your chrome with coca-cola!
Mothballs To Boost Mileage?Old school drag racers can tell you - to boost your gas mileage and power by adding 1-3 mothballs, which are pure ether, to your gas tank!
Safety Tips For Road TripsA very dear friend was recently stranded in her car on a very cold winter night. She ran out of gas and wasn't nervous about it until she went to use her cell phone and the battery wasn't charged.
Always Park in the Same LaneDo you forget where you park when shopping? If so, make it a habit to always park on the same parking lane, regardless of the store. For example, I always park on the lane in front of the left side entrance of any store.
Frugal Snack Box For DrivingBuy granola bars and other individually packaged snacks on sale, with coupons or at the dollar store. Then find a lunch box and put a couple of each kind inside.
Place Small Phone Book In CarOur phone company delivers both large and small phone books when new ones are published. I put the smaller one under my car seat and use it to look up phone numbers when I'm out.
Consult With The Tire SalesmanThis is a tip if you have a job that requires using your own vehicle on the job or do a lot of driving. When shopping for tires for your vehicle, tell the salesman what kind of driving that you do and that you don't want to have to come in 6 months to buy more tires.
Buy High Mileage TiresHigh mileage tires are made of a harder rubber and will be a bit noisier, but will last longer than the average tire.
Use the Proper Tire PressureAsk the salesman what air pressure for the maximum mileage out of your tires. We ran both our vehicles tires at 35 psi, but some vary.
Roadside Assistance TipsA lot of people pay for roadside assistance but don't have the numbers handy. Check to make sure you have numbers to call in your wallet or purse and program them into your cell phone.
Use A Floor Squeegee For Removing Snow On Your CarI bought a floor squeegie at the dollar store. The long handle makes it easy to clean the top off the car, and the squeegie really cleans the windows off great, removes all that nasty salt.
Cardboard Windshield Cover For Bad WeatherWhen you are ready to park your car for the night, take a few minutes to take a couple pieces of cardboard and slip them under your windshield wipers so that they are held securely and cover your windshield.
Slow Down In Construction ZonesI'm sure this happens in other areas, not just ours. When you see those bright orange construction signs on the highway, saying to reduce your speed, do it.
Office Chair Mats For Car MatsMy older minivan far back carpet got ragged and tattered. A replacement one would cost over $100, which I may never have to spare, being low income.
Protect Your Trunk From SpillsProtect Your Trunk From Spills. I usually check the lid of a detergent bottle by trying to tighten it. The one time I forgot, the bottle turned over in the car trunk and spilled.
Auto Battery CareTo improve your automobile battery post and cable life, make a mixture of baking soda and water. Pour this mixture over your battery cables if they have a build up.
Check Out Your Car Before Driving In Extreme WeatherWhen going into extreme weather conditions, have your automobile checked out thoroughly. Don't cut corners if possible. It's for your own safety as well as for others.
Cleaning Windshield WipersCleaning Windshield Wipers. When your windshield wipers seem to not be working well, try cleaning them with simple soap and water. Dirt, leaves, and pine needles get stuck there.
Caution About Ribbon Auto MagnetsCaution About Ribbon Auto Magnets. Around our town, a lot of people have those big (5 to 7 inch) patriotic (or other colored) ribbon shaped magnets on their vehicles.
Get an Estimate for Car RepairsGet on Estimate for Car Repairs. Always get an estimate in writing before having repair work done on your car. Once the repairs are done, only pay for the repairs that you authorized.
Loaning Your Car To Someone - Auto InsuranceCall your insurance company prior to loaning your car to a friend or a family member to make sure that you coverage extends to them. Your policy may have coverage for short term loans.
Quickly De-icing Your WindshieldQuickly De-icing Your Windshield. Instead of using expensive de-icer on your car windscreen in the cold weather, or trying to scrape ice off with a rubber scraper thingie, pour warm water (not boiling!) over all your car windows.
Major Car Repairs - Ask for a Rental Car RentalIf you are having a major car repair done and your car won't be available to you for days, or even weeks, ask the garage doing the repair to give you a loaner car to use while you wait. They may have loaner cars available for this purpose or they may arrange to get you a car from a rental agency.
Dry Erase Board Eraser for Foggy WindshieldsKeep a dry erase board eraser in your car's glove box. Use it to clear the windshield from the inside only. It is amazing how good it works. NEVER wet the eraser, always use it dry.
Keeping Your Windshield Free of Snow and IceUse an old set of car floor mats to cover your car's windshield in the evening and you won't have any ice to scrape in the morning. Carpet remnants also work.
Rolling Existing Car Loans Into a New Car PurchaseDon't buy a new car if you haven't paid off your old one unless you have equity accumulated. One common practice at dealerships is to offer to roll the balance of an existing loan into the financing for a new car.
The Benefits of Buying Used CarsYou can save a bundle on your next car purchase by buying a used car. One of the common concerns I hear from people about used cars is that they will require expensive repairs sooner than new cars.
Selling a Car to a Private PartyIf you sell a car to a private party, make sure to transfer the title. If you don't do this, and the car ends up on the side of the road or in a ditch, you will have to pay for any fines or impound feeds associated with the vehicle.
Don't Let High Fuel Costs Drive You NutsWhether you drive an economy car or an SUV, there are plenty of ways to improve your gas mileage. Avoid aggressive driving and observe the speed limit. Speeding, fast acceleration, and hard braking wastes gas.
