The following 13 handy hints will help you complete automotive maintenance and small fixes with ease.
1. Chalk Marker Under Hood
Car maintenance is important, but it’s often overlooked unless you write down when certain tasks need to get done. This hint will help!
If you have a vehicle with a large, exposed air filter cover that’s flat, like the one on my truck, you can use a chalk marker to write important information about when you last changed the oil, air filter, spark plug, etc.
The marker I used is the kind that requires ammonia-based cleaner (such as Windex) to clean it off, so any water that splashes into the engine compartment won’t erase it. If you’re like me and always forget to write this information in the car manual, this tip will remind you every time you pop the hood. — Hank Huff
2. Use Sawdust to Soak Up Spills
Clean up used oil spills on the driveway or in the garage easily with a material that’s readily available in most home workshops: sawdust.
Reach into those dust-collection bags on your orbital sander, miter saw and other power tools for a big scoop of sawdust.
Sprinkle it over the oil and let it do its thing for about 20 minutes.
Using a stiff broom, sweep the sawdust over the spill several times to soak up every last bit of liquid.
Then pick up the sawdust in a dustpan and pour it into a plastic grocery bag; tie the handles of the bag in a knot and toss it in the trash.
You may need to use a degreaser to remove any oily residue left behind, but the sawdust should do the trick for picking up the bulk of the liquid.
Note: In most states, it’s acceptable to throw oil-soaked sawdust in the garbage (as long as the oil is no longer in liquid form), however, you should check your local rules and regulations before doing so.
3. Brush Out the Air Vents
These louvers are a real magnet for dust, and a vacuum with a brush attachment just won’t get it all.
Take an inexpensive artist’s paintbrush and give it a light shot of furniture polish.
Work the brush into the crevices to collect the dust. Wipe the brush off with a rag and move on to the next one.