Little-known tips for drivers

There are some simple tips and tricks that can solve big problems, making driving more comfortable or reducing maintenance costs.

1. Break the ice on a padlock using hand sanitizer.

This tip is mainly applicable to countries with long, cold winters. For older cars with key fobs, ice may form in the keyhole when left outdoors. To de-icing, spray some rubbing alcohol onto the key and insert it into the lock. The alcohol concentration can easily melt the ice.

2. Inflate the dent using dry ice.

Small dents on a car caused by collisions can be easily restored by using dry ice. Applying dry ice to the dent repeatedly will make it disappear. Note that you should wear gloves because the extremely low temperature of dry ice can burn your hands.

3. Clean the engine with soap and warm water.

A clean engine means optimal performance, so it should be cleaned regularly with water and a little dish soap or detergent. First, wrap all sensitive parts such as electrical components, battery, air intake, etc., in plastic bags, then scrub the engine with a soft cloth, remembering to remove all the bags when finished.

4. Cover scratches with nail polish.

Of course, repainting the car is the best solution for scratches; however, if you want a temporary solution to cover up scratches for a short time, nail polish is a reasonable option, and it also helps prevent the underlying metal from rusting.

5. Eliminate interior odors with air fresheners.

Simply place scented wax (or candles) in a glass cup and put it in your car with the doors closed on a hot day. The high temperature will melt the wax and disperse the fragrance throughout the car, eliminating unpleasant odors and leaving a pleasant scent afterward.

6. Remember the location of your car in the parking lot.

In unfamiliar or very large parking lots, it's easy to get lost and not find your car, especially at night. Therefore, if you're unsure, use your smartphone to take a picture of your car's location and the surrounding area to mark it.

7. Clean the light with toothpaste.

Over time, headlights and fog lights oxidize and become dirty. To refresh them, you can wipe the headlights with toothpaste and a dry cloth, then rinse with clean water.

8. Do not hang all your car keys on a bunch.

Many people have a habit of hanging their car keys together with many other keys for their house, office, cabinet, etc. When inserted into a lock, the weight of the bunch affects the accuracy and, over time, can loosen the key, causing it to fall out.

According to Tien Phong