Category: Top Car Hacks

20 Essentials Every Car Should Have

Whether you get a flat tire in the middle of a seven hour drive or you’re caught in a downpour on the way to an important meeting, life is full of unexpected events! Luckily, you can ensure that you’re protected from– or at least prepared for– most of what life has to throw at you with some careful planning ahead of time. Here are some car essentials every car owner should have in their vehicle so that they’re ready for anything:

Documents

While we have countless documents saved on our phones, we want to make sure you have these documents as back up in case you left your phone at home or it’s running low on juice.

Owner’s manual
Driver’s license
Vehicle registration
Proof of insurance
Emergency contact information
Car repair and AAA information

Car Maintenance

While we never like to think of the worst case scenario, it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

Spare tire and tire changing equipment (lug wrench, tire jack, etc.)
Emergency tire patch kit
Jumper cables
Tire pressure gauge
Duct tape

Supplies

We always need some basic supplies in our car because we just never know when we might need some of these essentials.

First aid kit
Heavy-duty flashlight
Swiss Army knife/multipurpose tool
Water bottles
Nonperishable food

Misc.

It’s always good to keep these things in your car, as you may not use the all the time but when you need them, you know they’re in your back seat or glove compartment.

Umbrella
Pens and a notebook
Change of clothes/shoes
Glasses/sunglasses

Now that you and your car are ready for anything, we can give you a squeaky clean look to match! Visit a Super Sudz near you to give your car some TLC.

car essentials

5 Perks of Tinted Windows

What’s the big deal with tinted windows? Although many people regard them as an aesthetic choice, tinting actually has tangible benefits, especially for us in Texas where we’re no strangers to sunny weather! Here are five reasons to consider tinting your windows:

Keeps upholstery from fading

Direct sunlight can be damaging, fading the leather or cloth of your car’s interior, warping or even cracking over time. Windshield sun protetectors or parking in the shade can temporarily reduce sun damage, but it’s just a bandaid. Tinting your windows consistently blocks the sun and will reduce the harmful effect and keep your upholstery looking good as new!

Blocks UV rays

Have you ever gotten a sunburn through your car window on a long drive? Tinted windows help shield up to 99% of harmful UV rays from reaching your skin. This is something especially helpful for anyone who lives in an extremely sunny region as harmful UV can accelerate skin aging and cause skin cancer.

Helps solar heat rejection

Tinted windows can bring down the heat in your car by as much as 70%! This means that you can use your air conditioner less, which helps you save energy and improve gas mileage.

Increases privacy and security

Probably the most widely-known benefits of tinting, the dark film will ensure that you and your passengers are shielded from prying eyes at all times. When you park your car, tinted windows can discourage lurking people from seeing anything inside your car and thus saving you a major headache.

Protects glass from shattering

In case of an emergency, whether an attempted robbery or a car accident, tinted film can help hold shattered windows together, preventing pieces of glass from flying in all directions.

Of course, whether you tint your windows or not, it’s always important to keep them clean! Sign up for our monthly membership here so you can swing by for unlimited washes whenever you want!

4 Tips for a Dog-Friendly Ride

If you’ve ever gotten in a car with your dog, you know that driving with an animal in the back seat is tricky! Here are some tips to keep you and your furry best friend safe while you hit the road together:

Keep them secure

Make sure you have a special harness, car seat, or other mechanism in your car that fits your dog! Having them sit on a passenger’s lap or an empty seat can be tempting, but it’s important to make sure your pet is secure while the car is moving– it makes the ride safer for them and you!

Lock your windows

Everyone knows dogs love to have their heads out the window, but it can be dangerous. This is true on especially on roads with high speed limits. Although it’s hard for dogs to roll windows down on their own, ensure that your windows are always closed and locked when they’re in the car to protect them from any objects that may fly in or keep them from wiggling out.

Keep supplies handy

Always have plenty of water on hand for your pup, especially in the summer when the temperature is rising. After all, it’s not easy carrying around all that fur every day! If you’re going on a longer trip, make sure you have snacks and toys, and most importantly cleaning supplies. You never know when messes will occur!

Check ID

If you’re going on a longer trip, make sure your pet’s ID is up to date. Ensure that their collar has your name and phone number on it, and if they’re chipped, double-check that you know how to access their information in case they get lost.

Time to Ride With Your Dog!

Does a long road trip with your family and pup have your car looking a little worse for the wear? Swing by a Super Sudz near you and we’ll have your ride looking as good as new!

car hacks dog-friendly car driving with pets

4 Truck Bed DIYs for Summer

Looking for ways to beat boredom while staying safe this summer? If you or a friend own a pickup truck, there are plenty of ways to do up a truck bed to have some summer fun– even without leaving your driveway! Here are four of our favorite DIYs to transform a pickup truck into a whole new experience:

Pool party

If your little ones are getting tired of the heat, turn your truck bed into a temporary kiddie pool with nothing more than a tarp and a garden hose! Looking to level up? Check out Pick-Up Pools to find special liners designed with pickup truck pool parties in mind. Just be sure to do your research beforehand to make sure you’re not overloading your truck bed with too much weight!

Picnic

Want to enjoy a picnic without worrying about sharing a meal with ants? Spread your blanket out in your truck bed instead! Bring a speaker and plenty of snacks and enjoy a meal outside with no mess!

Drive-in theater

Pickup trucks are perfect for hitting your local drive-in theater because the truck bed gives you plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy! Make sure to bring lots of pillows and blankets and a cooler for drinks and snacks so you can really kick back and relax. Don’t live near a drive-in? Replicate one in your own backyard with a projector and bed sheet on the side of your house or garage!

Camping trip

In the mood to enjoy the great outdoors but don’t love the idea of sleeping on the ground? Set up sleeping bags and lanterns in your truck bed and enjoy a comfortable night under the stars– you can even squeeze in a tent, if there’s room, for the full experience! Just don’t forget the s’mores!

These transformations are just a few of the great ways to enjoy some fresh air this summer! Don’t forget, the first step to enjoying any truck bed makeover is a fresh wash! Click here to find a Super Sudz location near you and swing by today to get your pool/camper/picnic locale ready for some summer fun!

DIY pickup trucks truck beds