Sometimes a motorist has to be creative with auto repair. Here are some things to think about.
Sometimes a car breaks down far from a repair shop and a motorist has to become creative with his or her auto repair. Other times,
a driver just doesn't have the cash to pay to fix something until next payday but still has to use the car. When these problems occur, innovative solutions must emerge and everyone knows that creativity is the mother of invention. Here are some ideas that others have tried:
- No funnel: When a person needs to change motor oil or another type of fluid, a funnel is necessary in order to do it correctly. If there's no funnel to be found, the next best thing is to find a near empty bleach bottle or soda container. Cut it in half and remove the lid. Wash thoroughly and there you have it, a makeshift funnel to change your lubricant in a manner that's as neat as a pin.
- Duct tape is the answer to many problems: Whoever invented duct tape was a smart person indeed. This extremely strong, flexible cloth tape can be used to make luggage, shoes, wallets and prom dresses. So, of course, it can be used to fix parts of cars. Did your rear view mirror or side mirror fall off? No problem, duct tape it back on. Did the screws from your license plate fall out somewhere along the highway? No worries, duct tape is here. It can also be used to patch holes in the upholstery and more.
- Coat hangers are for more than hanging coats: Metal coat hangers are almost as cool as sliced bread. They can be used as a hood latch, to attach carburetor linkage, to hold engine parts together when bolts are missing and more. If a motorist loses a key, coat hangers can often be wedged in to pop the lock.
- Red electrical tape: When a rear tail light is cracked or broken, red electrical tape can be positioned over the white light bulb in order to still flash red every time you hit the brakes.
- Panty hose: Panty hose can be used as a tying device for hold things together in a pinch. It can strap items firmly to the roof or luggage rack and much more. It could be used as a makeshift seat belt if one of yours is missing or stuck.
- Kitty litter: Stuck in the snow and can't get the traction to grind your way out? No problem! Sprinkle kitty litter around the tires and they'll grip like snow tires.
- Other household items to have on hand: It's always wise to have some extra oil, water, jumper cables, gloves, tow line and a flashlight. Some people recommend keeping a hammer in the glove box in case automatic windows and doors get stuck and you need to break out.
All of these household items will help get a motorist out of a jam in a pinch. Once he or she makes it to the next paycheck or a repair shop, the vehicle can be fixed right by the auto repair technicians.
