Household Hints Index

Automobile Hints

Ashtrays...
Ashes that continue to burn in the car ashtray are a nuisance. Prevent this by placing an inch of baking soda (or gravel) in the bottom of the tray.

Batteries...
Scrub battery terminals and holder with a strong solution of baking soda and water. Then smear with petroleum jelly. This is a battery corrosion-proofer.

Carpeting...
To remove salt residue left behind from winter, combine equal amounts of vinegar and water.

Deodorizing...
A vanilla bean under your car seat gives a fresh aroma and helps eliminate musty odors.

Doors...
To prevent them from freezing, wipe or spray the rubber gaskets with a heavy coating of vegetable oil. The oil will seal out water, but will not harm the gasket. This is especially good before having your car washed in the winter. Also, use this idea for trunks.

Gaskets...
Prevent doors and trunk from freezing by wiping or spraying the rubber gaskets with a heavy coating of vegetable oil. The oil will seal out water, but will not harm the gasket. This is especially good before having your car washed in the winter.

Identification...
Drop a business card or file card with your name and address down the window slot - just in case you have to prove the car is yours someday.

Locks...
To open a frozen lock, heat the key with a cigarette lighter or match. Never force the key. Turn very gently.

Octane Booster...

Submitted by Ron Henslee, Missouri ~

My dad taught me this. Drop two (2) moth balls in the gas tank and it will boost your octane. Don't put more than that in or it will burn your valves.

Parking...
If you have bumped the front fender of your car into the back wall of your garage, suspend a small rubber ball on a string from the ceiling of the garage so that when the ball strikes your windshield you will know the car is far enough in to close the garage door.

Radiators...
Submitted by Ron Henslee, Missouri ~

If you have a small leak in your radiator, let it cool down and then pour a small box of black pepper into it. When the pepper gets to the hole it swells up and clogs the hole. Nothing hurts the other parts of the motor.

Starting...
Your car will probably start on a cold morning if you blow hot air on the carburetor with a hair dryer.

On cold days and evenings, back your car into the garage. If needed, your car will be in a good position for using jumper cables.