When we think about DIY, we usually think of our home first. That’s certainly fair because we spend a lot of time there, so why not improve it? Well, it turns out we can do a lot for our car too! How much time does the average person spend in their car? Obviously, it depends on the person, but a study by OnePoll found that the answer was over eight hours per week.
Why not do some DIY to make your car a better place to spend time? There’s actually a ton of DIY you can do over the weekend with a bit of elbow grease and a few supplies. We’re going to list 10 that you can easily do today. Not only will it improve your driving, but it could also increase your vehicle’s value! Talk about a win/win.
1. Install Interior Car Lighting
LED interior lighting has become incredibly popular lately. Fortunately, it’s something very simple to install in your car, truck, or SUV. While it’s possible to install LED lighting with regular strips, that requires things like a soldering gun. Instead, opt for a kit.
2. Clean Headlights with Toothpaste
Are your headlights a bit cloudy? This can make the light diffuse, making it harder to see at night. The solution is quite simple: toothpaste! You can use toothpaste and an abrasive brush (like a toothbrush) to remove the cloudy dirt.
3. Add a Car Door Warning Light
Worried that someone might hit your door because they didn’t see it open? This DIY is for you. Whether it’s daylight or nighttime, adding a flashing light to your door could save you tons of trouble and money.
4. Reupholster Car Seat Fabric
Torn or ugly car seat? You can swap it out yourself! First, you’ll need to buy a reupholstery kit. It depends on the type of fabric you’re replacing. The hardest part is removing the seat, which can be found online for most vehicles.
5. Install an Elastic Cargo Net
Need extra cargo space? Who doesn’t! Whether you have three kids or just need more space for essential items, you can get more cargo space by installing an elastic cargo net. They’re quite cheap and can be installed very easily.
6. Fix Some Dents
Plungers are a godsend! Not only can they remove that clog from your sink, but they can also remove dents from your vehicle. Since professional removal of small dents can cost over $200, it’s definitely worth a try.
7. Add a Backseat Organizer
Going on a road trip? It’s no fun storing all your snacks on your passenger’s lap. Alternatively, you can put them in the back and reach for them whenever you want a snack, but there’s a better way. Instead, install a backseat organizer.
8. Repair Holes in the Dashboard
If you haven’t heard of Sugru, we’re about to change your life. Sugru is a moldable glue that can be used like moldable clay (but better). You can use this stuff to get rid of unsightly holes in your dashboard or other hard plastic areas of your car.
9. Make Air Fresheners
You don’t have to pay top dollar for air fresheners for your car. There are some really good ways to make air fresheners for your car. The first is to apply essential oils to an existing air freshener that has lost its scent. This is great if you like a particular design.
10. Remove Rust
Rust is dangerous for your car and also quite unsightly. Fortunately, you can remove it yourself with a bit of elbow grease. For this DIY, you can keep your car in good condition a bit longer with less than $40 in supplies. Keep in mind that this is only a temporary solution, and the rust will eventually come back.