Latest news with #carhack
Motor 1
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Car Expert Shares How to Quickly Cool Down Your Vehicle On Hot Summer Day—All it Takes Is 1 Button
A self-proclaimed car expert is turning heads on TikTok after sharing a surprisingly simple trick to cool down your car faster in the summer heat. Cole (@6spd.e38), who describes himself as 'a car guy trying to make it online,' recently posted what he called a 'summer tip' for anyone roasting in a parked car. The video, seemingly aimed at drivers without garage parking, had pulled in more than 54,100 views as of this writing. So, What's the Hack? When you climb into a scorching car, your first instinct might be to blast the A/C or roll the windows down, but Cole said not so fast. Instead, he advised rolling the windows down first to vent the hot air. Then, flip the A/C on—but make sure the air recirculation setting is off. (That's the button with a U-turn arrow inside a car icon, usually near the A/C controls.) 'This button, when it's lit up, means it's recirculating the air from inside the vehicle … through the air conditioning,' he explained. By leaving recirculation off at first, you let the system flush out the hot air. After a few minutes, roll the windows back up, turn recirculation on, and the cabin should cool down much faster. 'Works way better than just cranking the A/C to max and leaving the windows shut,' he added. Experts Say the Hack Holds Up Motor1 hasn't tested the tip firsthand, but several car experts say the logic tracks. One YouTuber backed the idea , recommending drivers switch off air recirculation on hot days to cool their car faster. Recirculation mode has its benefits—but not when your car's been sitting in the sun. With it on, the A/C just recycles the already-hot cabin air, forcing the system to work overtime. Turning it off allows the system to pull in outside air, which—even on a sweltering day—is often cooler than what's inside. As one Quora user put it, letting in that fresh air can make a noticeable difference during the first few minutes of cooling. Of course, recirculation isn't all bad. It's great for blocking out odors or keeping things cool once the cabin's already at a comfortable temp. In winter, though, the strategy changes: Keeping recirculation off helps prevent foggy windows caused by trapped moisture. In a statement to Motor1 , Cole explained that the tip is grounded in basic HVAC principles. 'It's simple,' he said. 'The hotter the air is going through the A/C system (of a house or a car), the longer it's going to take to cool it down. Letting out the extremely hot air from inside your car and letting it get to ambient temperature, even if that's 95 degrees outside, is going to speed up cooling down the air inside the car no matter what.' He added: 'So open the windows or doors, let that super hot air out, pull in air from outside by turning off the recirculation function, and then after a [few] minutes the air inside the car will be the same temperature as outside—as opposed to 120+ degrees like it was when you got into the car, and then you circulate the air inside the car and the A/C works a lot quicker that way.' Viewers Applaud the Expert for Sharing the Tip Plenty of drivers were grateful for the easy summer A/C hack, saying they had no idea a simple adjustment could cool their car so quickly. 'Great advice!' one user wrote. 'Omg I never knew this,' another added. 'I love a good tip,' said a third. 'Thanks, man.' Not everyone was sold, though. A few viewers pointed out limitations, most tied to specific car setups. 'I don't have windows,' one joked. 'Mine won't turn off without also turning off the air conditioning,' another said. 'Wrong! Read your owner's manual,' a third chimed in. But Cole pushed back: 'I'm literally an HVAC tech, that's how it works best, trust me.' Now Trending 'She Facetimes Him to Confirm…:' Mechanic Finds AirTag on Driver's Car. So They Decide to Play a Prank on His Girlfriend 'I Had to Call a Tow Truck:' Man Trades in Ford Explorer for 2023 Dodge Durango. He Claims Defect Has Left Him Stranded 6 Times Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
The Sun
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Make your car's air con blow twice as cold with Amazon essential motorists are calling a ‘game changer for summer'
THE Amazon essential that can make your car's air con blow twice as cold - saving you from the stifling summer heat. Game-changing Amazon summer essential Motorists have dubbed this hack a "game changer for summer", as from as little as £30 you could transform your vehicle's air conditioning system. 4 4 Amazon's Clima Set comes with two air condition recharge gas cylinders and is compatible with 100 per cent of cars that use R-134a refrigerant. The product details describes the set as "nature conscious and vehicle safe." It is also suitable for vehicles manufactured between 1995 and 2016. The description added: "It is safe, easy to use, and environmentally friendly, making it an ideal choice for car owners." One happy customer wrote: "Worked a treat, simple to use, van now has AC again." While reviewer wrote: "Did the job. Easy to use. "A cost effective way to recharge and you can obviously use the regulator again and will only have to buy the can next time, which saves more money." Topping up air con refrigerant Enthusiastic motorist, Scott Kilmar said: "This car hack will save you thousands in AC repairs." In his step by step guide on how to use the product, he explained that "it is not that hard to do." Halfords has also shared a guide on how to top up air con refrigerant just in time for the hotter months. Stop Making This Air Conditioning Mistake: How to Slash Your Summer Energy Bill Halfords explained: "A blast of cool, refreshing air will certainly keep everyone happy when the sun is shining. "But, as with many car components and consumables, the gas used to cool the air before it enters the cabin will eventually deplete. "That's when your air conditioning needs topping up." Its guide is broken down into three simple steps which involve turning on your car's engine, performing a diagnostic check, and topping up the refrigerant if the gauge says "pressure is low." Halfords also advise you wear safety gloves and protective glasses when topping up your car. Stay cool this summer With the sun finally out, a home expert shared his top tips for staying cool this summer. James Longley, managing director at Utility Builder, told The Sun his pro tips for staying comfortable in the heat. Contrary to popular opinion, he recommends keeping all windows and blinds closed to stop hot air from circulating around your home. Other advice includes staying hydrated, filling a hot water bottle up with cold water, and using wet towels. How to stay safe in hot weather The UK Health Security Agency advised you follow these tips to reduce your risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke: Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm If you are going to do a physical activity like exercising or walking the dog, plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun If you go outside, cover up with light clothing, a hat and sunglasses and slather on sun cream Drink plenty of fluids but limit booze Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you Source: UKHSA 4 4
Motor 1
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
‘She Couldn't Even Get in Her Car:' Woman Goes Out With Friends. Then Someone Patrols the Parking Lot with a Key Fob Reader
A woman is going viral for demonstrating how to unlock a key-fob-equipped car if you're locked out or the battery's dead—and sharing a frightening near-miss with a suspected fob hacker. 'What just happened to me and my friends was insane,' says Jessica Hyde (@ in a recent TikTok. Hyde explains that the incident occurred after she and her friends went out to dinner. When they returned to the parking lot, one of them couldn't get into her car. Fortunately, Hyde knew a trick. She used it to open the door and decided to share it online. As of this writing, her video has received more than 1.7 million views, with users thanking her for the quick and practical hack. What's the Hack? If your car's key fob battery dies, you're not out of luck—you can still unlock and even start your vehicle. Start by locating the physical key hidden inside the fob. Most have a button or sliding latch to release them. Use that key to manually open the driver's side door. According to Hyde, some cars have a small hidden notch under the door handle, accessible only with the physical key. The exact location varies, so look carefully. Once inside, if your car uses a push-button start, she says to try this: Hold the dead fob against the start button while pressing the brake. This might be enough for your car to detect the fob and start. If it doesn't work, check your owner's manual or call roadside assistance or a locksmith. But here's the catch: This maneuver could trigger your car alarm. (That's exactly what happened to Hyde's friend.) Capital One warns that some vehicles will sound the alarm unless the car is started within 10 seconds of mechanical-key entry. To avoid causing a scene, consult your manual or look up your car model online. Some cars have a hidden override button, while others allow you to bypass the alarm by starting the engine quickly. If your fob is completely dead and your car requires it to start, the good news is most models have a designated spot—often inside the center console or near the cupholders—where placing the fob will still allow you to press the ignition button and start the vehicle. If your alarm goes off and you need to silence it, there's always the last resort: Open the hood and disconnect the car battery by removing the black (negative) cable from its terminal. Did the Content Creator Narrowly Avoid a Scammer? Part of why Hyde was so shaken by her friend's car trouble is that she believes they may have narrowly escaped a scammer. After using the manual key to open her friend's car, Hyde says the alarm immediately went off, just as several police officers happened to be patrolling the restaurant parking lot. Naturally, they approached to investigate. Hyde explained the situation. That's when she says an officer revealed a disturbing detail: Someone earlier had been seen tampering with a key fob reader. 'If your key fob is close enough to your car, they can copy your key fob encryption and get into your car and steal it,' Hyde warns. How Serious is This? In March, Fox 29 Philadelphia reported that three Hondas were stolen from residents' driveways overnight. They were all locked, with the fobs left safely inside the houses. Police believe the thieves simply walked by the homes and used a wireless key-cloning device to scan for key fob signals. Once they intercepted the codes, it was a high-tech version of hot-wiring. Most newer cars feature keyless or smart remote entry systems, allowing drivers to unlock or start the car just by having the fob nearby. But this convenience comes with risks. Police say thieves are using aftermarket scanners to detect signals, clone the fobs, and gain instant access. In some cases, criminals are placing devices under dashboards to extract vehicle data and program it into blank key fobs. The best defense is surprisingly simple: a steering wheel lock. Police note they are quite effective. Just seeing one can often scare thieves away. Meanwhile, Upper Providence police advise residents to review their home surveillance footage for any suspicious activity. Viewers Offer Tips to Keep Cars Secure A steering wheel lock isn't the only method to protect your car and its fob from potential thieves. Viewers shared additional suggestions. 'You need a Faraday key fob protector,' one commented. 'Get a small Faraday bag to keep the fob inside when you're not using it,' another added. They're referring to Faraday bags , signal-blocking pouches designed to block electromagnetic signals. By preventing the transmission of a key fob's signal, these bags help stop relay attacks, where thieves amplify and transmit the signal to unlock and steal a vehicle without touching the key. Others used Hyde's story to express frustration with modern car technology and long for simpler times. 'As a tow truck driver, please bring back keys for the ignition,' one person wrote. 'I already dislike push to start,' another commented. 'This just makes me dislike it more. They need to revert to keys in the ignition for all, or at least give the option.' 'They need to bring back cars that use actual keys,' a third agreed. Motor1 has contacted Hyde via TikTok for further comment. Now Trending 'It's an Added-In Feature, I Swear:' What Is the 'Toyota Camry Dent' and Why Is It Everywhere? 'Hours at a Time:' Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Driver Says He Loves His Car. Except for This One Thing Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor 1
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
‘I'm Absolutely Doing This:' Arizona Man Shares Little-Known Sunroof Trick to Stay Cool. Then He Slides It Open to Show Off
How can you beat the heat this summer? According to one driver, if you have a sunroof in your car, all you need is a roll of aluminum foil or a sunshade. TikTok user @ilovemegapixels shared a quick car hack that's catching attention online. 'A little tip for ya,' he said in a video, before sliding open his sunroof to reveal what looked like a foil sunshade tucked inside. The goal? Blocking out the sun and keeping your car from turning into an oven. 'Makes a HUGE difference,' he said in the text overlay of his clip, adding in the comments he's used the trick on multiple cars with great results. As of Saturday, the clip had racked up more than 253,900 views. Is This Legit? It appears to be—and it's not just sunroofs where foil can help block the sun. According to at least one woman on Facebook, the hack works for home windows too. Another blogger DIY-ed an insulated panel for his car's glass roof, similar to @ilovemegapixels. Living in Arizona, where summer temps can hit 115 degrees Fahrenheit, he said his homemade insulator made a dramatic difference. 'I basically put foil home insulation I had lying around from a project and a small ironing mat,' he wrote. 'You can't see the foil backing from the outside of the car. I just take it down when summer's over and use the factory fabric cover.' According to him, the results were clear: 'When I did a before and after with my infrared thermometer, it dropped the temp on the inside roof like 30 degrees. Just much more pleasant to drive in the summer. I'm personally not a fan of glass roofs.' How Does This Sunroof Foil Hack Work? Aluminum foil does reflect a significant amount of sunlight, which can help lower interior temperatures. Placing it over a sunroof can reduce heat buildup inside a car and slow down how much heat enters overall. That said, it's not as effective as a proper sunshade and may carry some risks—like theft or vandalism—especially if the windows are left slightly cracked. Another option, according to Garage Living , is a windshield sunshade. They're less discreet, often folding up in awkward accordion-style panels and featuring that unmistakable reflective foil finish. But they work. Some high-end shades even use heat-absorbing materials designed to block thermal and ultraviolet rays more efficiently. If you've got the budget— and your state allows it —tinted windows are also worth considering. A quality tint can block a good chunk of UV rays and help keep the cabin cooler. And if you don't want to spend anything, you can always crack the windows to let heat escape. Just know it comes with the obvious downside: Someone could break in. If you go this route, be smart about it. Park your car in visible, well-trafficked areas or near security cameras to lower the risk. But if you're looking to try something simple, cheap, and maybe even fun? Head to Amazon or Home Depot, grab some sturdy foil, and see if @ilovemegapixels's trick works for you. Viewers Applaud the Driver's Ingenuity Many drivers who watched @ilovemegapixels's video said they live in states that get brutally hot in the summer, and couldn't wait to try the hack themselves. One woman said, 'I live in Texas! I will try ANYTHING!!!!!!!!' 'Thank you! From, an Arizonian,' another added. 'Much appreciated - I'll try that,' a third chimed in. One commenter said they'd never considered using adhesive aluminum foil on their sunroof, but were eager to give it a shot: 'Will have to see if I can find one that will fit or cut to fit.' Of course, not everyone was convinced. 'Can cause glass to break,' one TikTok user warned. 'Be careful.' 'Wonder if that would explode the glass with all that reflective heat,' another said. 'Foam insulation is better.' To the skeptics, @ilovemegapixels stood firm. 'Been using it for years,' he replied to one. And to another, he said, 'All the glass on cars is tempered and treated for heat - it doesn't just explode. Been doing this on multiple cars for 10 years with no issue.' Motor1 has reached out to @ilovemegapixels via a TikTok comment. We'll update this article when we hear back. Now Trending Mechanic Says These Redesigned Lugnuts Are the 'Worst Thing' Automakers Have Done. Then He Shows Why 'Can't Unsee It:' Why Are Drivers Flipping Their Ford Logos Around? Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor 1
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
'I'm Convinced:' Driver Tries Hack to Get Scuffs Off Your Paint. All You Need Is Comet, Water, and a Rag
This scuff-removing hack is going viral on TikTok. But is it really worth risking your paint job? Everyone loves a good, cheap car hack—especially when it uses items you might already have lying around. Getting a scratch professionally buffed out of your car varies widely. It can cost anywhere from $50 to upwards of $1,500 , depending on the severity of the scratch, your detailer's expertise, and the sort of paint you have underneath. It's no wonder a person might turn to a more cost-effective solution. What Is the Viral Scuff-Removing Hack, and Does It Really Work? Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . In a viral video with more than 1.9 million views, content creator Laiya (@ shared the cheap and easy way you can remove a scratch mark on your car. In the video, Laiya showed that her red Ford Fusion had minor white scratch marks from a hit and run she was the victim of. She planned to get the marks off with a simple combo: Comet cleaning powder, a rag, and a bit of water. 'Let's see if this [expletive] will work,' Laiya said. She added a bit of water and powder to her rag and started to rub the mix on the front of her car. To her surprise, the scratches seemed to go away in an instant. But it also started to peel a bit of her paint off, so Laiya quickly reversed course and washed the mix off. 'I think this works,' Laiya said, smiling. 'This hack actually [expletive] works. Wow.' Did It Work Long-Term? Laiya had some doubters who accused her of faking the results with editing tricks or said she lied about them being scratch marks when it was just something removable like dried bugs or bird poop. She assured her audience that these were real scratches from a hit-and-run. In a follow-up video, Laiya showed that the results held up after two days. While the hack seemed to work beautifully, after it fully dried, the scratches were still there. 'Should you guys try this hack on your cars? No. Apparently, there are actual products to take out scratches in paint,' Laiya said. 'I think you guys should use those which are approved by actual detailers than trying a hack on TikTok like I did.' What Do the Experts Say? 'It's not for cars with clear coats as it will scratch them and make the paint all dull and hazy. It's the down and dirty way of removing oxidation,' a member of a car forum explained of the so-called Comet hack. There's a reason buffing comes with a higher price point. The buffing process simultaneously removes the scratch while polishing and cleaning your car underneath. This restores the car's original glossiness and can help maintain its resale value. Trending Now Toyota's New Blue Paint Is Awesome, But It's Only for a Few Models 'Big Gap Here:' Man Buys Hyundai Elantra. Then He Realizes Newer Models All Have This Design Flaw That Leads To Rust Commenters React 'Be careful it might look great, but you are scratching the clear coat off your car that actually protects the paint from peeling DONT DO THIS!!' a top comment reads. 'I feel like that would make it worse cause it's basically liquid sandpaper,' a person pointed out. 'Girl you're BRAVE. Comet is abrasive as a cleaner this scared me,' another wrote. Motor1 reached out to Laiya for comment via TikTok direct message and Comet via email. We'll update this post if either responds. More From Motor1 Even Porsche Sales Are Down in 2025 Woman Walks Up to a Brand-New Ford Lariat. Then She Learns it has a New 'Luxury' Feature The C8 Corvette Has a New Color: Green Toyota: Tariffs Will Lead to Higher Prices, Fewer Sales, Pricier Repairs Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
