Taking care of your car yourself can save money and give you a sense of accomplishment. But some car care shortcuts can turn a simple weekend project into a damaged car, a messy driveway, or a much bigger repair bill.
Before you grab your tools and start working outside, take a look at these car care hacks that are better left alone. Some jobs need the right equipment, proper products, or a trained technician to avoid causing more trouble.
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Engine Degreaser
Engine degreasers can be useful, but using one in your driveway can send dirty chemical runoff into your yard or street. A car wash or detailing shop has the equipment needed to handle that runoff more safely.
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Changing Tires Without the Right Tools
Changing a flat tire is manageable if you have the right jack, wrench, and other equipment. Using an unstable jack or the wrong tool can damage the lug nuts and put you at risk of injury.
Skipping a Professional Alignment
Replacing tires or working on suspension parts can change how your car sits and handles on the road. Skipping an alignment can lead to uneven tire wear and steering problems, so it’s worth having it checked at a shop after major tire or suspension work. A bad alignment can also shorten the life of your tires.
Melting Ice on Your Windshield With Salt
Sprinkling salt on your windshield may seem like a quick way to deal with ice, but it can leave residue and may damage the glass. Use an ice scraper or a windshield-safe de-icer instead.
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Trying to Install a Sunroof
Installing a sunroof is far more involved than cutting an opening in the roof and adding the hardware. A poor installation can lead to leaks, water damage, or problems with the roof structure.
Refilling Transmission Fluid Without a Flush
Adding fresh transmission fluid does not solve every transmission problem, especially when the existing fluid is badly contaminated. If the transmission needs a fluid change or flush, have the correct procedure done instead of simply pouring in more fluid.
Giving Your Car a Baby Oil Gloss
Baby oil can make the paint look shiny for a short time, but it also leaves behind a greasy surface that collects dust and dirt. A car wax or paint-safe polish is a much better choice for adding shine without leaving that oily film.
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Covering Leaks With Super Glue
Super glue might fix a broken household item, but it is not a reliable way to seal an automotive fluid leak. Oil, coolant, heat, and vibration can quickly defeat the repair and leave you with a larger problem.
Changing Brake Fluid at Home
Brake fluid replacement requires care because air or the wrong type of fluid can affect brake performance. If you’re unsure about the correct fluid or bleeding procedure, have a qualified technician handle the job.
Cleaning Battery Corrosion With Coca-Cola
Pouring Coca-Cola over battery terminals may loosen some corrosion, but it also leaves behind sugar and sticky residue. A battery-cleaning product and a wire brush are much cleaner options for removing terminal buildup.
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Using Windex on Tinted Windows
Household glass cleaners such as Windex may contain ammonia, which can damage some automotive window tint. Use an ammonia-free cleaner made for tinted windows to help prevent bubbling, peeling, or discoloration.
Using Duct Tape for Car Repairs
Duct tape can hold something together temporarily, but it is rarely a good long-term fix for a car. It can leave a sticky residue on the paint and may come loose due to heat, rain, or road conditions.
Removing Scratches With a Screwdriver
Running a screwdriver across a scratch can leave deeper marks instead of making the damage disappear. Use a paint-safe scratch remover with a soft cloth, or have a body shop handle deeper scratches.
Washing Your Car With Dish Soap
Dish soap is made to cut through grease, so it can strip away wax and leave your car’s paint without some of its protective coating. A soap made for automotive finishes is gentler and better suited for regular washing.
DIY Windshield Crack Repair
Windshield repair kits can be difficult to use correctly, especially when a crack has spread or collected dirt and moisture. A professional repair can give you a better result and may prevent a small crack from becoming a larger windshield problem.
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Painting Over Rust
Painting directly over rust may hide the spot for a while, but the corrosion can continue underneath the new paint. For a lasting repair, remove the rust, treat the bare metal with a rust inhibitor, and then apply primer and paint.
