Life hacks, auto hacks, relationship hacks, computer hacks: the world seems full of hacks. But how many really pan out? Here are some from the car world. Most actually work, but others should be avoided unless you want to be taken for a fool.
• Prevent door dings by installing foam pool-noodles on the walls beside your vehicle.
True. An inexpensive idea that works if executed correctly. Most web images show the noodle nailed or screwed into the wall; but if your car door comes into contact with these fasteners, you’ll still end up with scratches and dents. Consider using two-sided tape instead. And remember: as long as you leave bikes, garden tools, hockey sticks and the like between the pool noodle and your car, you’ll have been better off leaving the noodles in the pool.
Who knew? Foam pool noodles can actually help prevent car door dings.
Supplied, Fotolia
• Pantyhose or nylons can replace an engine drive belt.
False. This one won’t pan out with most vehicles. Almost everything on the road today uses a serpentine belt to run a number of pulleys at the same time. Most of these setups will have different pulleys spinning in different directions. A pair of the best pantyhose won’t help much in these circumstances. After two years of age, drive belts should be checked at every oil change for signs of wear and dry cracking.
• Use inexpensive kitty litter to clean up fluid leaks and spills.
True. If you have an older vehicle that tends to leak a few vital fluids, or if you’re still developing your skills as a driveway oil-changer, you need to have a bag of bargain-priced kitty litter in your garage. Simply rinsing oils or coolant down the driveway into storm drains is a major environmental risk, not to mention it does nothing to get the oil out of pavement.
• Baby your car’s paint with a little Ivory soap.
True. Ivory bar soap is a great way to remove bug marks from a vehicle’s painted surface due to its slightly caustic chemical makeup. Simply make a paste by rubbing a clean wet facecloth on the soap and applying it to the bug marks on your vehicle. Do not do this in direct sunlight. Wipe and thoroughly rinse the paste after a minute or so. If you’re extra cautious, test the paste on a painted under-panel or less visible area first. Make sure to use the original or classic Ivory bar soap.
Yes, it’s true. Holding a remote key fob against your head can indeed extend its range.
Supplied, Fotolia
• Holding a remote key fob against your head can extend its range.
True. This one actually works and has some solid science behind it. When the transmitter’s waves pass through your head, the liquid inside your skull will change the signal’s wavelength and can noticeably extend the operating range.
• Know when to stop in your garage by suspending a tennis ball from the ceiling.
True. This one is pretty much foolproof. By positioning the ball so that it comes into contact with your vehicle’s windshield before your bumper hits the front wall of the garage, you can avoid some expensive paint and body damage. Remember to tie the ball as high as possible to avoid it getting in the way when you’re moving about in an empty garage.
• Peeing in your vehicle’s DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) tank can keep you going.
False. If you’re driving a late-model diesel-powered truck, you’re probably familiar with the need to keep the DEF tank filled. These cleaner burning engines have an emission control system that will prevent the engine from starting if this tank is empty. The active ingredient in DEF is urea and this is injected into the exhaust stream to aid in reducing emissions. Most DEF fluid contains around 32% urea, whereas human urine has only 2 to 3%. The sensors in the vehicle would quickly determine you were trying to pull a fast one if you relieved yourself in the DEF tank nozzle.
• Razor blades are harmless on glass.
False. While safety type blades are great tools for removing stubborn substances from windshield glass and other body panels, they can also do a lot of damage. To avoid scratching glass or painted surfaces, always angle the blade so its entire width is in constant contact with the surface you’re working on. Any angles or uneven pressure will result in scratches or gouges. Almost any hardware or auto parts store will sell the holder for these blades. The holder will allow you to keep the right angle and pressure on your work.
• Affixing a sheet of tinted film to your windshield can help reduce the glare on instrument screens.
True and false. While this can help, you should never mount anything on, or in front of, the windshield. The film can cause a distraction that can reduce your reaction time. If the sun is that bright, wear some shades.
