12 car usage tips from old drivers

Long-time car users share valuable experiences, from checking fuel quality within a minute to super-fast ventilation.

To make life easier with your four-wheeled companion, Bright Side has collected and shared useful tips from experienced car users for new drivers and new car owners. There are some tips that professional drivers may not know.

1. Cool down cars parked in the sun super fast

Open one front door and roll down the window, then open and close the other door several times in quick succession. This will help cool the car down quickly, especially if it has been parked in the sun for a long time, and will also help to get rid of unpleasant odors.

2. Check gasoline quality

Put a few drops of gasoline on a piece of white paper, blow on it a few times, and wait for the gasoline to evaporate. If the paper turns white again, you are using good quality fuel. If there are traces of oil on the paper, it means there is kerosene in the gasoline.

Check gasoline for plastic or not

Drop 1-2 drops of gasoline on a non-flammable surface (glass, ceramic) and light it. After the gasoline has burned, check the color of the area that has just burned. If it is white, there is no resin in the gasoline. If it is brown, there is enough resin to cause serious damage to the engine.

Check if gasoline is mixed with water or not

Pour some gasoline into a small container or jar and add a pinch of manganese. Shake well and check the color. If the manganese crystals dissolve and the gasoline turns purple or pink, water has been added to the gasoline.

3. Check oil quality

This is supposed to be a special way to check engine oil.

Warm up the engine for 5-10 minutes, then turn it off. Open the hood, unscrew the dipstick and drop a few drops onto a piece of white paper. Carefully place the paper in a warm place and wait 2 hours for the oil to dry. Then check.

If the surface of the evaporated fuel is smooth, it means the oil has no water, or is of good quality.

If the center area is dark or gray, the oil is too dirty and it's time to change it.

If you see metal on the paper, it means that some internal components of the car are damaged. And you are using low quality oil.

A brown or light gray circle means some of the oil is not dissolving. You should change the oil.

4. Hang a tennis ball in the garage to make parking easier

Parking your car in the garage can be a real challenge for new drivers. You can hang a tennis ball in the parking space to help you find the right spot.

5. Cup holder liner

Place a small cupcake wrapper in the bottom of the cup holder. This will catch any small crumbs and make cleaning the cup holder easier.

6. Use lemon to fight sleepiness

A little lemon juice will work as well as a cup of coffee. If you feel a little sleepy while driving, put a slice of lemon under your tongue and you will wake up very quickly. But it is best not to drive when tired.

7. Smart clothespin - glasses hanger

For those who don't know where to put their sunglasses in the car, it's best to put them on the sun visor. This way, you can be sure that your sunglasses, which can be very expensive, won't fall off during a bumpy ride. You can also clip your parking ticket there.

8. Bay leaves prevent motion sickness

If you have a long journey ahead of you and are worried about getting motion sickness, try placing a bay leaf under your tongue. The leaves contain special substances that help calm nerves and relax the stomach.

9. Avoid being blinded by the sun

Pilots often use this trick. To avoid being blinded by the sun, put a film on the windshield. The thin film will fit easily between the glass and the roof, and will also protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays.

10. Turn the steering wheel in reverse when you need to leave the car for a short time.

Pilots often use this trick. To avoid being blinded by the sun, put a film on the windshield. The thin film will fit easily between the glass and the roof, and will also protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays.

11. Clear clear nail polish prevents glass from breaking

If you park your car in the sun, it won’t take long for the steering wheel to burn your hands. To avoid this, turn the steering wheel 180 degrees when you exit the car.

If a rock hits your windshield and causes a deep crack, the “wound” will get bigger over time. To protect against breakage, use clear nail polish. Apply two or three coats to the crack and it will stop it from spreading.

12. Clear nail polish erases small scratches

Find a clear nail polish that matches your car's paint and brush some over the scratch. Once it dries, use a soft cloth to gently buff it out to create a natural smooth finish.

According to VNE