Keeping your car in top shape doesn’t have to require a trip to the mechanic for every small issue. With the right tricks up your sleeve, you can solve common problems quickly and efficiently. Automotive enthusiast Chris Fix has shared a treasure trove of clever car hacks that can save time, money, and frustration. Here’s a roundup of the techniques to make your car maintenance routine much smoother.

1. Reuse Cable Ties Without Cutting Them

Cable ties, or zip ties, are incredibly versatile, but they’re often viewed as single-use tools. If you need to reuse a cable tie in a pinch, there’s no need to cut it and waste a perfectly good item. Grab a pair of pliers, squeeze the head of the cable tie, and slide it out without snapping the lock. This method is particularly helpful when you’re short on supplies or working on a temporary fix.

2. Loosen a Bolt on a Spinning Pulley

Removing a bolt from a pulley can be frustrating, especially when the pulley itself spins as you try to turn the bolt. Here’s the solution: reposition the bolt you want to remove so it’s at the 3 o’clock position on the pulley. With a hammer, strike downward to break the bolt loose. Once loosened, you can remove the bolt easily by hand. This technique saves you from wrestling with the problem and eliminates the need for special locking tools.

3. Effortlessly Clean Tools

Keeping tools in good condition ensures they last longer and function effectively. Chris recommends using multi-purpose cleaning wipes to clean grit and grime from tools. These wipes typically have a smooth side and a coarse, gritty side. Simply use the gritty side to scrub the surface of your tools, whether it’s a ratchet handle, snap ring pliers, or even power tools. The same wipes can even clean components like coolant hoses, instantly improving their appearance and cleanliness.

4. Test Fuses Without a Multimeter

If you need to check whether a fuse is good but don’t have a multimeter handy, you can use your phone screen as a quick alternative. Place the fuse upright on the phone’s screen and touch it with your finger. A good fuse will complete the circuit and register your touch on the screen, making it light up or respond. A damaged fuse won't complete the circuit, so there will be no reaction. This trick can help you diagnose electrical issues in an emergency when proper tools aren't available.

5. Organize Tools with Carabiners

A disorganized toolbox can slow down any project. Chris offers a simple yet effective solution: use carabiners to group tools together. For instance, slide pipe cleaners or wrenches onto a carabiner to keep them neatly grouped. Not only does this keep your toolbox tidy, but it also makes the tools portable. You can carry the entire set to your work area and quickly find the tool you need, reducing time wasted searching through a messy drawer.

6. Extend the Life of Leftover Paint

Leftover paint from car or household projects often goes to waste because exposure to air causes it to harden over time. To prevent this, use a compressed air duster. Spray the duster into the paint can before sealing it. The hydrocarbon alkanes or hydrofluorocarbons in the duster displace oxygen, the element responsible for curing the paint. By eliminating oxygen from the can, you can store your paint for longer periods without worrying about it drying out.

7. Replace a Drain Plug Washer Without Losing Oil

An oil leak caused by a missing or damaged crush washer on your oil pan’s drain bolt can be frustrating. Fortunately, you don’t have to drain all the oil to fix the issue. Here’s how: first, open the oil fill cap on the valve cover. Then attach a shop vacuum to the opening. Turn the vacuum on to create suction inside the engine. While the vacuum is running, unscrew the drain bolt—it will prevent the oil from pouring out. Replace the washer, reinstall the bolt, and tighten it securely. This hack can potentially save several quarts of oil and reduce mess.

Why These Hacks Matter

The genius of these techniques lies in their simplicity. They take everyday items and tools you likely already have—such as cleaning wipes, pliers, or a phone—and transform them into solutions for otherwise tricky problems. These hacks aren’t just clever; they’re accessible to anyone, from DIY novices to seasoned mechanics.

By adopting these practices into your routine, you’ll become more efficient, minimize wasted materials, and save money over time. Whether you’re troubleshooting electrical fuses, preventing wasted paint, or keeping tools clean and organized, these tips will keep you prepared for a variety of challenges.

The next time you encounter one of these issues, you won’t be caught unprepared. With these insights in mind, you’ll be able to tackle car maintenance confidently and efficiently—no expert required.