Tag Archives: automotive hacks

Everyday Car Care Hacks You Really Need to Know

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We are all looking for ways to save time, and one way we can do this is with some simple, everyday car care hacks! Continue below to learn a few tips and tricks that will help you improve your automotive maintenance practices and patterns, and ultimately, save you both time and money!

Indianapolis Auto Maintenance 317-475-1846
Indianapolis Auto Maintenance 317-475-1846

Gas Tank Location

Which side is the gas tank on? You have owned your car for years, and have pumped gas hundreds of times, yet you still get panicky every time you approach the fuel pump. We’ve all been there, and automotive engineers and manufacturers know this. That is why they have conveniently placed an arrow on your car’s dashboard, directly next to the fuel gauge. This arrow shows you which side of the car has the fuel tank. If there is no arrow, the icon location will instead indicate which side the fuel tank is on. What a life changer!

Lingering Odors

Does your car seem to constantly smell? Or perhaps it just has a lingering musty odor or staleness that turns you off? A great car care hack for this is essential oil! Simply locate a clothes pin, or even a bobbin pin and cotton ball, then dab a few drops onto it, stick it in the car vent, and turn on the air. The essential oil essence will fill your car with delightful, non-toxic aromas that will even set into the fabrics, leaving a longer lasting scent. Another trick is to tuck dryer sheets underneath seats to keep them smelling fresh.

Windshield Wiper Malfunctions

Although you have your windshield wipers and wiper fluid to rely on, it never hurts to have a backup plan when it comes to rain. One such hack is to use a spray-on rain resistant product. These products are perfectly safe for your car’s windshield, plus they are fairly priced and available at any local convenient store or automotive store. You can also order these products online. We Recommend Rain-X® 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner w/Rain Repellent, available at most department stores.

Worn Tires

If your tires are going bald, but you just can’t get to the auto repair shop for tire replacement service, you can simply lower your tire pressure just a bit, in order to get by for the time being. The lower tire pressure will give your vehicle more traction, which will allow you to drive a bit further without popping a tire. Need to measure your tire tread? Use a penny! In Indiana, this tire tread depth minimum is 2/32 of an inch for passenger car tires. This is measured from the top of the tire tread indicator, down to the top of the tread. You can use a penny to test this because the lettering over Abe Lincoln’s head on a penny measures out to exactly 2/32 of an inch tall! If you can see the letters, your tread is too low!

Looking for Quality Car Maintenance Service in Indianapolis?

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional auto repair and car maintenance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles, including comprehensive inspections following a car accident. Best of all, we offer customer conveniences like free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, automotive repair coupons and discounts, and competitive pricing.

4 Automotive Hacks That Will Improve Driving Safety

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The weather is going to turn on us very quickly, as the last day of summer is quickly approaching. If you are a habitual driver, it is wise to take all the necessary precautions to ensure you are managing the road, safely. This priority is especially important for those who drive others around, such as children, elderly, or car pools.

Continue reading to learn 4 impressive car hacks that will instantly improve your level of safety on the road!

Indianapolis Auto Maintenance
Indianapolis Auto Maintenance 317-475-1846

Spray-On Rain Repellent

Although you have your windshield wipers and wiper fluid to rely on, it never hurts to have a backup plan when it comes to rain. One such hack is to use a spray-on rain resistant product. These products are perfectly safe for your car’s windshield, plus they are fairly priced and available at any local convenient store or automotive store. You can also order these products online. We Recommend Rain-X® 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner w/Rain Repellent, available at most department stores.

Tire Tread Penny Test

Almost all states have a mandatory minimum for tire tread depth. In Indiana, this tire tread depth minimum is 2/32 of an inch for passenger car tires. This is measured from the top of the tire tread indicator, down to the top of the tread. You can use a penny to test this because the lettering over Abe Lincoln’s head on a penny measures out to exactly 2/32 of an inch tall! Fascinating isn’t it? If you can see the letters, your tread is too low!

Toothpaste Headlight De-Fogging

Headlight fogging is not just unpleasant to look at, it is also unsafe. But you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars having your headlights replaced or restored, so long as you have an extra tube of toothpaste lying around! That’s right; by applying standard, baking soda-based toothpaste to your headlights with a microfiber towel can remove the oxidization in the plastic. If you don’t want to use toothpaste, opt for some baking soda and water instead.

Weatherproof Your Weatherstripping

Your rubber weather-stripping is important for interior insulation, but also for function. Unfortunately, it is prone to deterioration. To slow down the rate of rubber weatherstripping deterioration, and thus, having to replace your seals, try applying WD-40 once a month.

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional Indianapolis auto repair and service you can trust. We have been helping Hoosiers repair and maintenance their vehicles for over 20 years, while offering affordable prices and reliable work. You can schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime! We can even assist with tows! Don’t forget to mention one of our auto repair coupons or discounts to get the best deal in town.