Top 10 car hacks

So, there’s half a can of coke, a rubber band and old pair of shoes scattered in the front passenger footwell that you’ve been meaning to toss out. Before you do, hear us out, we have a better idea! What if each item could be converted into a handy tool for your car? Here are 10 car hacks that would make MacGyver proud!

1. SNEAKER CUP-HOLDER

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A sneaker has a grippy sole and a snug fit, so it’s perfect for nursing a cup of coffee. Spills? No worries, the cushioning fabric will absorb the liquid and you can throw the whole shoe in the wash. Just don’t use your best pair of Reeboks.

2. PLUNGE YOUR DENTS

If there’s a small dent in your panel, then put a toilet plunger to use and pop the metal back into shape. It won’t work on larger prangs or plastic. It’s obvious, but the best ideas often are.

3. TOOTHPASTE FOR EXTRA SHINE

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If your headlight covers have taken on the cloudy demeanour of an old wine glass, fret not! Smear the plastic with toothpaste and give it a good rub. Wash off with cold water, dry and let there be light!

4. REMOTE GUIDE

Anyone who has lost their car in a parking lot (and that’s probably many of you) will appreciate this one. The range of your key fob is increased by a couple of car lengths if you hold the fob under your chin or by your head, as the fluids in your head act as a conductor to help increase your key’s wireless range.

5. DEODORISE YOUR CAR WITH COFFEE

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This is a great trick learned from truck drivers who use open coffee pods to deodorise their trucks. Pop an open pod in the front and another in the rear and leave them for 2-3 days. Voila, the nasty onion stench will be gone and the car will have the delicious aroma of fresh coffee.

6. COKE CLEAN-UP

If you can’t stomach a full can of coke, add some dishwashing detergent to the left-overs and use it to clean your car tyres to a high shine.

7. RUBBER BAND-AID

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This is genius. Loop the rubber band through a vent so that both ends protrude and slip your phone into the loops. If you keep losing the bands into the vent, use a bulldog clip to hold in place. This is a perfect dash-level location if you use your phone for its GPS.

8. ORGANISE YOUR REAR SEAT STORAGE WITH A SHOE ORGANISER

Maps, magazines, toys, bottles and pencils all store vertically in front of the rear passenger. You can style this to match your audience: use a back-of-door clear toiletry hanger for on-the-run make-up, or go tough and edgy with the leather pouches from a tool belt.

9. SEAT-WARM YOUR PIZZA

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Takeaway will stay warmer if you turn the seat warmer on the front passenger seat to max heat. It’s probably one of the only times it’ll actually get used.

10. TISSUE CUP

Remove tissues from their box and pop them into a disposable coffee cup. Cut a slot in the top of the lid and you have tissues perfectly positioned in your cup holder. This also works for Wet Ones – because its packaging never fits a cup holder – or doggy clean-up bags, if you have dumpy pooches in tow.