Make Driving Fun, Not Frustrating
Every driver has faced those moments of annoyance while on the road. Small things like digging for a phone charger, battling a foggy windshield, or stepping into an oven-hot car can quickly turn a good day into a bad one. These aren’t major problems, but they add up, right? So, try these 20 smart tricks to take the stress out of driving and keep things running as smoothly as possible.
1. Turn Your Steering Wheel To Avoid Hot Hands
Ever touched your steering wheel in summer and felt like you burned your hand? Try turning the wheel 180 degrees before leaving your car. When you return, the sun-baked part will be at the bottom, keeping your hands safe. Just don’t do it too often, as it can strain the steering system—using a windshield sunshade is a better long-term solution.
2. Prevent Windshield Frost Overnight
Nobody wants to scrape ice off the windshield in freezing temperatures. So, mix three parts vinegar with one part water and spray it on the night before. It helps prevent frost buildup that usually happens overnight, so you can actually enjoy your morning coffee instead of battling frost.
3. Restore Headlights With Toothpaste
Dim, foggy headlights make night driving tough. But instead of searching for and spending on expensive cleaners, grab some toothpaste. A quick scrub with a cloth will buff out oxidation, leaving them clearer. Once in a while, the headlights appreciate a good polish, too.
4. Use Kitty Litter For Extra Traction
Snow and ice can leave your tires spinning uselessly. To prevent slipping, store a bag of kitty litter in your trunk and spread it under the tires for immediate traction. Bonus? It also absorbs moisture, which can prevent that weird, damp smell inside your car.
5. Use Your Sun Visor To Block Side Glare
Blinding sunlight from the side can make driving risky. Most people only use their visors for front glare, but they actually swivel to the side, too! Just unclip it and swing it over to block that annoying sun, which makes driving much safer.
6. Test Tire Tread With A Coin
Worn-out tires don’t always look bad, but they can be dangerous. Here’s an easy check: Stick a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see all of his face, your tires are too bald for safety. Time for replacements!
7. Prevent Door Dings With A Pool Noodle
Garage walls and car doors don’t mix well. Thankfully, you can avoid those annoying dings by cutting a pool noodle in half and securing it to the wall where your door swings open. It’s a cheap fix that keeps your car looking sharp.
8. Stop Cupholder Gunk With Silicone Liners
Sticky cupholders are annoying to clean, but there’s an easy fix: Place silicone cupcake liners inside them. They catch spills, crumbs, and condensation, making cleanup effortless. Just pull them out, rinse them off, and snap them back in when they get dirty—no more struggling with dried-up stains!
9. Flip Your Rearview Mirror To Night Mode
Bright headlights flashing in your mirror at night? You don’t have to get blinded by them. Many rearview mirrors have a night mode switch (a little tab at the bottom). Flip it, and the glare dims instantly, which makes nighttime driving much easier on the eyes.
10. Use A Code Reader
If you want to diagnose car issues before visiting a mechanic, use a code reader. It reveals error codes that pinpoint problems. It’s a device that can save time and money by preventing unnecessary repairs and giving you more control over your vehicle’s repair needs.
11. Stop Windows From Fogging With Shaving Cream
Ever driven blind because your windows fogged up? Shaving cream can help you here. Apply a thin layer to the inside of your windshield and wipe it off. It leaves behind a residue that prevents fog. However, it may need reapplication every few weeks, so you can also pick a durable anti-fog spray instead.
12. Cool Down A Hot Car Quickly
Getting into a parked car on a hot day feels like stepping into an oven. Instead of waiting forever for the AC, roll down one window and rapidly open and close the opposite door. This forces hot air out fast, cooling the interior quickly when you turn the AC on.
13. Unfreeze Locks Instantly With Hand Sanitizer
Frozen car locks can leave you stuck in the cold. If you don’t have a de-icer or a lubricant at that time, you can also grab your hand sanitizer and rub some of it on the key. Then, you can insert the key with ease. But avoid frequent use as too much alcohol might damage the lock mechanism.
Mix and Match Studio on Pexels
14. Increase Your Car’s Weight On Icy Roads
Want to make winter driving safer and more stable? Adding weight to your car’s trunk improves traction on icy roads, especially for rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Sandbags or heavy items help press the tires down for better grip, which reduces the risk of slipping.
15. Stop Windshield Cracks From Spreading
Tiny windshield cracks can turn into massive problems. Before that happens, dab some clear/transparent nail paint over the crack. The paint will seal the glass, slowing the spread until you can get it repaired at the shop. This quick, cheap solution can give you time to find the right professional.
16. Use A Suction Cup Mount For Navigation
Keep your phone secure and within reach by mounting it on your windshield or dashboard with a suction cup. It keeps your GPS in clear view, making navigation easier and safer. Just be sure to check local laws, as mounting on the windshield may be restricted in some areas.
17. Stay Visible In An Emergency With Glow Sticks
If you get stranded on a dark road, don’t depend entirely on hazard lights because they don’t always cut it. Keep a pack of glow sticks in your glovebox and place them near your car. They last for hours, making you more visible to passing drivers without draining your battery.
18. Use Your Passenger-Side Mirror To Align With A Curb
Do you want to prevent scraped wheels and park neatly without stress? Just tilt your passenger-side mirror downward when parking to see exactly where the curb is. This way, parallel parking doesn’t have to be a guessing game.
19. Prevent Windshield Glares With A Tinted Strip
You know how irritating the bright sunlight at the top of your windshield can be. But there’s an easy way to give your windshield its very own sunglasses. Apply a thin, tinted sun strip (4–6 inches wide) along the top edge to reduce glare. Also, make sure it complies with local tint laws and doesn’t obstruct your view.
Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand on Wikimedia
20. Keep Sunglasses Handy with a Visor Clip
Instead of tossing your sunglasses in the glovebox or center console, use a visor clip to keep them within reach. A visor clip is a small, attachable clip that fastens to your car’s sun visor and is designed to securely hold your sunglasses. Some clips even have a soft lining to protect your lenses from scratches.
AICEL Sunglasses Holders for Car Sun Visor Review by The Chris Review
