- Repurpose everyday items, like shoes as cup holders and plastic containers as trash cans.
- Open rigid key fobs safely with a staple remover.
- Use the car’s seat heating to keep meals warm.
- Locate your car in crowded lots with your phone.
Although every driver dreams of a better and more capable car, the reality is that we don’t always have the opportunity to replace our vehicle when we want. The good news is that there are numerous simple, practical tricks that can transform your driving experience, making your current car more functional and enjoyable to use, without major investments.
In this article we present six ingenious solutions that will help you improve the comfort and functionality of your car, using common items you likely already have around the house.
Makeshift Cup Holder from an Old Shoe
Cup holders only became standard on most modern cars in the last 10-15 years. If you own a older vehicle that lacks this feature and you haven’t had the chance to buy aftermarket accessories, there is a simple and handy solution.
You can transform a worn-out athletic shoe into a functional cup holder. Choose a model with a flat, straight sole — sneakers are ideal for this purpose. Position it on the center console or in a stable area of the cabin, and the shoe’s cavity will hold cups or bottles securely throughout the journey. It’s an ingenious way to repurpose an object that would otherwise be discarded.
Portable Trash Can Made from Plastic Containers
Mess in the cabin not only creates an unattractive image, but can also generate persistent odors that make the driving experience uncomfortable. Instead of leaving scraps on the floor or in door pockets, invest in maintaining cleanliness with a simple solution.
Get a small plastic container to place in front of the passenger seat. For easy cleaning, use a plastic bag inside — so you can quickly empty the contents at the next gas station or public trash can. This small gesture prevents the buildup of waste and keeps a pleasant environment in the car with little effort.
Open Your Key Fob Without Ruining Your Nails
Modern key fobs are designed to be durable and safe, which means they can become quite rigid, especially after long periods of non-use. Most drivers resort to their nails to open them, risking pain or injury.
There is a much more suitable tool for this task: a staple remover. Its thin and rigid tip fits perfectly into the gap between the two parts of the fob, allowing you to open it without effort and without the risk of injury. It’s a simple trick that can save you a lot of frustration.
Keep Food Warm with Seat Heating
If you regularly buy restaurant meals or bring home-prepared meals and you live a considerable distance from your pickup points, the problem of cold food on arrival is probably familiar.
The seat-heating function found on many modern cars can be repurposed to keep food warm during the trip. Place bags of food on the passenger seat and activate the heating function at a medium level. The steady heat will prevent the food from cooling, ensuring you arrive home with a fresh meal at the right temperature.
Locate Your Car in Crowded Parking Lots with Your Phone
In big cities, finding a parking spot is increasingly difficult, and many drivers have to park in large lots on the outskirts, then continue the journey by public transit. In the evening, when you return, pinpointing the exact spot where you left the car can become a real challenge in car parks with hundreds or even thousands of vehicles.
Your smartphone can be the perfect solution for this problem. There are many mobile apps that automatically record the GPS position of your car when you park. Apps such as Google Maps, Waze, or specialized apps like “Find My Car” let you save the location with a single tap and receive turn-by-turn directions later to return to the vehicle. Some apps even offer the ability to add photos of the area or notes about the level or sector.
Repair Superficial Scratches with Nail Polish
Scratches on the bodywork are inevitable in busy urban traffic — a door opened carelessly, a branch, or even keys that scratch can leave visible marks on the paint. Certain colors, especially light ones or uniform darks, make these imperfections more evident.
Before heading to a shop for professional touch-ups, you can try a quick and inexpensive solution: nail polish. Find a shade as close as possible to your car’s color and apply it carefully over the superficial scratch. For best results:
- Clean and dry the affected area before applying
- Apply the polish in thin layers, letting each layer dry completely
- Use a fine brush for maximum precision
- After drying, you can level the surface with a fine polishing paste
This method works well for small, superficial scratches that have not penetrated to the metal. It is not a permanent solution for major damage, but it can effectively mask minor imperfections until you have a chance to perform a professional repair.
