Driving in the UAE is exciting, but let’s face it—between the scorching summer heat, busy traffic, and the need for regular maintenance, owning a car here can be a challenge. Over the years, I’ve discovered clever little tricks—what I like to call DIY car hacks—that make driving smoother, cheaper, and a lot less stressful.
Friends and colleagues often ask me, “What hacks do you use to beat the UAE heat or handle those annoying everyday car issues?” Well, instead of repeating myself a hundred times, I thought I’d share them with you in this guide.
Owning a car in the UAE in 2025 is both a privilege and a necessity. With world‑class highways, long commutes between emirates, and the ever‑present challenge of desert heat, your car quickly becomes more than just a mode of transport — it’s part of your lifestyle.
Yet, maintaining that lifestyle often means dealing with annoyances: scorching interiors, stubborn dents, fogged windshields, and the occasional roadside inconvenience. After years of driving across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, I’ve learned that small, clever tricks — what I call DIY car hacks — can make a huge difference.
Here, in this blog , I’ll share 15 genius car hacks UAE drivers must try in 2025, from cooling your cabin faster in summer to saving dirhams on maintenance. These aren’t just random tips — they’re tested, practical, and perfectly suited for life in the UAE.
Step 1: Keep Your Car Cool in the UAE Heat
Problem: Summer in Dubai can push car interiors to over 60°C within minutes.
Hack: Always use reflective sunshades or thermal windshield covers when parking outdoors.
Pro Hack: If you don’t have a sunshade, turn your steering wheel upside down. When you return, the top (where your hands touch) won’t be blistering hot.
Why It Works: Reflective shades deflect UV rays and reduce heat buildup, protecting both your skin and your car’s dashboard.
I once parked in Deira without a sunshade; within 20 minutes, touching the gear lever was painful. Since switching to a reflective cover, the difference is night and day.
DIY car hacks like this are not just about comfort — they extend the life of your upholstery and electronics.
Step 2: Turn Cup Holders into Mini Coolers
Long drives in the UAE demand hydration.
Hack: Line your cup holders with silicone muffin cups or place small freezer packs underneath.
Pro Tip: For longer journeys, freeze a few water bottles halfway full, then top them up before heading out. You’ll have cold water for hours.
This trick saved me during a trip from Dubai to Al Ain in peak summer — my drinks stayed cool well past noon.
Step 3: Remove Small Dents with a Household Plunger
Minor dents can cost AED 600–1,000 to repair.
Hack: Use a clean plunger with a little water to pop out shallow dents.
Step‑by‑Step:
- Wet the dent and plunger.
- Place plunger over the dent and pull firmly.
- Repeat until the dent pops back.
This DIY car hack saved me after a minor parking mishap in Sharjah. Of course, it won’t work for deep scratches, but for small, annoying dents — it’s golden.
Step 4: Prevent Windshield Cracks from Spreading
Hack: Apply clear nail polish over small chips to hold the crack temporarily until you get professional help.
Why it’s effective: The polish fills the micro‑crack and prevents stress from spreading during temperature changes.
Last year, this trick bought me two weeks before I scheduled a proper repair at an RTA‑approved workshop.
Step 5: Create a Natural Car Air Freshener
Artificial fresheners fade fast.
Hack: Soak a wooden clothespin in essential oil (like lavender or citrus) and clip it to your AC vent.
Pro Hack: Rotate oils weekly to prevent scent fatigue.
I once used peppermint oil during Ramadan — not only did it keep the car smelling fresh, it also kept me alert on long evening drives.
Step 6: Use Shaving Cream to Stop Foggy Windows
Winter mornings in the UAE often mean foggy windshields.
Hack: Rub a thin layer of shaving cream on the inside of the windshield, then wipe it clean.
Why It Works: Shaving cream contains the same anti‑fogging agents used in swimming goggles.
This DIY car hack was a game‑changer during my commutes from Sharjah to Dubai in December.
Step 7: Organize Your Trunk with Laundry Baskets
Groceries and bags rolling around the trunk?
Hack: Keep collapsible laundry baskets or plastic crates in the trunk.
After my weekly Carrefour run, I realized I spent less time chasing rolling bottles — and more time enjoying the ride home.
This is a simple yet effective DIY car hack for families and frequent shoppers.
Step 8: Keep Spare Keys Safe with a Magnetic Holder
Getting locked out in Dubai Mall parking is no joke.
Hack: Hide a spare key in a magnetic key holder under the car.
Important: Use this only in secure residential or workplace parking — not public lots.
This trick once saved me a call to roadside assistance when I left my keys in the trunk.
Step 9: Restore Headlights with Toothpaste
Cloudy headlights reduce visibility.
Hack: Apply toothpaste with baking soda, scrub gently with a microfiber cloth, rinse, and polish.
Pro Hack: Apply car wax afterward to seal clarity longer.
I restored my SUV’s headlights before a night drive to Abu Dhabi — the brightness difference was immediate.
Step 10: Dryer Sheets for Pet Hair Removal
Driving with pets means constant hair cleanup.
Hack: Rub dryer sheets across seats to lift fur.
Pro Tip: Keep a few in the glove box for quick cleanups.
This trick kept my leather seats clean after a trip with my Labrador to Jumeirah Beach.
Step 11: Moisture Control with Rice Socks
Humidity can create damp smells in your car.
Hack: Fill a sock with uncooked rice, tie it, and place it under your seat.
Why It Works: Rice absorbs moisture, preventing foggy windows and musty odors.
This hack works wonders in Ajman’s humid winters.
Step 12: WD‑40 for Removing Stickers & Residue
Old Salik stickers can be a nightmare.
Hack: Spray WD‑40, wait a minute, and peel gently.
I used this hack to remove an old parking sticker — no scratches, no residue.
Step 13: Protect Doors with Pool Noodles
Parking in tight Dubai Marina lots?
Hack: Cut a pool noodle in half and attach it to your garage or parking wall where your door opens.
This simple DIY car hack has prevented countless scratches on my SUV.
Step 14: DIY Phone Holder
Need navigation but no phone mount?
Hack: Use a strong rubber band threaded through your AC vent to secure your phone.
I used this trick once while waiting for a proper mount delivery — it worked like a charm in heavy Sheikh Zayed Road traffic.
Step 15: Portable Cooler with Ice Packs
Perfect for road trips or desert picnics.
Hack: Keep frozen gel packs in a small insulated bag in your trunk.
During a drive to Ras Al Khaimah, this hack kept snacks and drinks fresh despite the desert heat.
Why These Car Hacks Matter for UAE Drivers
In the UAE, conditions are unique:
- Extreme heat can damage interiors and electronics.
- Long commutes mean you need comfort and efficiency.
- Family lifestyles demand organization and freshness.
- Petrol vs EV era: Hacks like rice socks and moisture control are especially useful for EV owners, where cabin air quality matters.
These DIY car hacks help you save money, reduce stress, and extend your car’s life — all while making driving in 2025 smoother.
FAQs About DIY Car Hacks in the UAE
Yes. These hacks are external, harmless, and don’t affect your warranty when done correctly.
No. They’re meant to simplify daily upkeep, not replace essential maintenance. Always follow your dealer’s service schedule.
Sunshades, reflective covers, and rice socks are the top picks to combat heat and humidity.
Yes. Using silica gel packs for moisture and essential oils for air freshness are popular EV‑friendly hacks.
Absolutely. Hacks like plunger dent repair, toothpaste headlights, and WD‑40 sticker removal can save hundreds of dirhams annually.
Drive Smarter, Not Harder
Driving in the UAE in 2025 isn’t just about reaching your destination — it’s about enjoying the journey. These 15 genius DIY car hacks prove that with a little creativity, you can stay cool, save money, and simplify your daily commute.
For me, these hacks transformed frustrating car moments into quick fixes. And if you treat these tips as part of your driving lifestyle, you’ll find every trip — from Dubai to Fujairah — smoother and more enjoyable.
So, the next time you park under the UAE sun or head out for a family road trip, remember: sometimes the smartest solutions are the simplest ones.
