Smart Car Hacks for Summer

June 7, 2016 27 By EngineerMommy

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DotComDIY #CollectiveBias

Once Summer rolls around, we find ourselves spending a lot of time in our cars. From impromptu road trips to weekly visits to the beach, we do a lot of driving during Summer! That’s why this is the perfect time to make sure the car is in top shape and is ready for all those Summer road trips. Today, I will share with you a few tips & tricks to get your car running more smoothly and looking more organized! From a DIY Air Freshener to a DIY Oil Change with Pennzoil motor oil, keep reading for ways to spruce up the inside & outside of your car.

Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer

1. DIY Air Freshener:
To make this easy air freshener for the car, here’s what you’ll need:
1 cup baking soda
lavender essential oil
small mason jar
hammer & nail

Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer


First, fill the mason jar with the baking soda. Add several drops of lavender essential oil.
Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer


Screw the lid onto the mason jar tightly and shake the jar well.
Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer


Now, take the lid off the mason jar and use the hammer to make a few holes in the lid.
Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer


I made 8 holes in the lid.
Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer


Place this jar in a cup holder in the car for a beautiful smell. Easy peasy!
Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer

2. Tire Tread Depth Check:
Did you know that you can do a quick check on the tread depth on your tire using a penny? Here’s how it works! Simply insert a penny into the tire’s tread groove (with Lincoln’s head upside down). If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace the tires.

Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer

3. DIY Oil Change:
I love the convenience and ease of shopping online. By shopping online, I don’t have to deal with traffic, crowds, worrying whether something will be in stock, etc. I visit Walmart.com for so many household and car-related needs, from paper towels to diapers to motor oil! Did you know that Pennzoil motor oil is on Rollback right now online at Walmart.com? When you order it online, you can either pick it up from the store or have it shipped right to your front door. Sometimes there are even super convenient options, such as curbside assistance! Click here to check out the special Rollback pricing!
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My husband and I love doing DIY projects whenever we can! From re-tiling the play room to completely remodeling the bathroom, we’re not afraid to get our hands dirty to save some money and put some sweat equity into our home. A DIY Oil Change is a great way to save time & money and avoid the inconvenience of crowds, traffic, etc.

Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer


Did you know that all Pennzoil products clean out the sludge left behind by lower-quality oils?
Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer


What’s really incredible is that Pennzoil motor oil will allow you to drive an extra of 550 miles per year compared to a dirty engine! That’s a level of quality I can be confident in! There isn’t another motor oil that protects better from friction!
Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer


The Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic motor oil actually offers the highest level of cleanliness and protection in the Pennzoil line! The Platinum® motor oil features the unique PurePlus™ Technology, which converts natural gas into a 99.5% pure base oil. This results in a motor oil that is shown to keep pistons up to 40% cleaner than the toughest industry standard.
Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer


Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer


If you decide to try a DIY Oil Change, be sure to follow all safety standards and requirements, including eye gear, proper vehicle supports, etc.

4. Center Console Tip:
Do you notice that your center console cup holders get dirty? I don’t know how mine always get so messy all the time. I regularly find crumbs, sugar, dust, etc. in there! And it’s so hard to reach in there to get them clean again!

Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer


Here’s a quick fix! Simply take two silicone cupcake liners and place them inside the cup holders. Now, whenever it’s time for a clean-up, you can easily slip these out and get them clean again!
Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer

5. Entertainment for Kids:
Somehow my kid’s toys, dolls, books always end up in the car. Instead of letting it all create a big, messy pile, use an over-the-door organizer on the back of the front passenger seat!

Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer


Now, I have a dedicated spot for my kids’ electronic books, stuffed animals, favorite small toys, little dolls, etc.

6. Trunk Organization:
As a mom of two young kids who is always on the go, my trunk can sometimes get so messy! In my trunk, I have reusable shopping bags, a first aid kit, some special tire spray, a few other random things, etc. Here’s what it looked like! I’m not proud of it- just keeping it real!

Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer


As with any organizing project, the first step is always to remove everything and give it a good cleaning. Vacuum the trunk and any mats in there.
Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer


Now, it’s time to get rid of any items that don’t belong in the trunk. From the items you want to keep in the trunk, place them inside various bins and baskets. TIP: Choose a single color to keep it looking uniform!
Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer


Now, no organization project is complete without cute labels. So I slapped on these circular chalkboard labels and labeled them “Bags”, “First Aid”, and “Manual”.
Smart Car Hacks for Summer

Smart Car Hacks for Summer


Now, the trunk is clean & organized and a pleasure to look at!

I hope these tips helped prepare your car for plenty of fun road trips this Summer!

Learn more about Pennzoil motor oil and tell me: Have you ever done your own oil change? What are your tips for getting your car in top shape for Summer driving?


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