9 Simple Car Hacks That Cost Almost Nothing

EmberAtlas Updated: 2025-06-18

8. Condition your dashboard with Vaseline

Maintaining the inside of your car is equally crucial as preserving the outside in good shape. The dashboard, which can get dry, cracked, and faded over time from sunshine and temperature swings, is one sometimes disregarded element of interior car maintenance. Although there are many pricey car polishing treatments on the market, a basic and reasonably priced fix comes from an unlikely home item: Vaseline.
With more than 100 documented uses, vaseline—also known as petroleum jelly—is a flexible product; one of its less-known but quite useful applications is dashboard conditioning of your car. This approach of dashboard maintenance is not only affordable but also simple to use, which attracts automobile owners trying to keep their interior without breaking the budget.
Conditioning your dashboard with vaseline is easy. Start by making sure your dashboard is dust- and trash-free. Apply a tiny bit of Vaseline to the dashboard then with a microfiber cloth. A little goes a long way; you need not use much of the product to have the intended impact. Using circular motions, gently rub the Vaseline into the dashboard to guarantee even coverage across the surface.
Vaseline's long-lasting action is one of its main benefits when used for this aim. Vaseline's conditioning effect last a longer period than many commercial dashboard cleansers, which could need regular reapplying. Just fold the microfiber towel and keep it in your glove box following application. Because the Vaseline on the cloth won't dry out, you may use the same cloth for touch-ups anytime your dashboard begins to lose its gloss.
Apart from its main application on the dashboard, Vaseline's adaptability in vehicle maintenance covers various locations. Beauty website Bellatory claims it may be used to cover the connections around your car's battery, therefore stopping corrosion. Your battery's lifetime can be increased and greater electrical connectivity guaranteed by this basic application. Moreover, occasionally Vaseline can even be used in place of WD-40 since it lubricates different automotive parts.
Vaseline is not only gentle on your wallet but also quite successful for maintaining your car. Non-toxic, non-reactive petroleum jelly won't damage the interior materials in your automobile. Economically, it's a wise decision; a big Vaseline jar is far less expensive than most specialist car interior products. For budget-conscious vehicle maintenance, online stores such as Amazon sometimes price a box of two 13-ounce canisters at about $10.
Vaseline is usually suitable for use on most dashboard materials, but first it's advisable to test it on a small, inconspicuous spot. This measure guarantees that it won unexpectedly react with your particular dashboard material. Vaseline should also be avoided on places that might come into touch with clothes since it leaves oily marks.
Vaseline applied on your dashboard has advantages beyond the cosmetic ones. Particularly in areas with significant UV exposure or extreme temperatures, regular conditioning helps to avoid dashboard drying out and cracking. Apart from its appearance, a well-kept dashboard helps to preserve the value of your vehicle over time.
Furthermore, this do-it-yourself approach to dashboard maintenance fits very nicely with the expanding trend of simple, environmentally friendly living. By using a typical home item for automobile maintenance, you are lessening the need for extra specialist products, therefore lowering packaging waste and the environmental impact of manufacturing and distribution of several car care products.
Ultimately, Vaseline's use as a dashboard conditioner is a perfect illustration of how sometimes inexpensive, basic remedies can outperform more costly ones in automotive maintenance. This trick improves various facets of car maintenance in addition to keeping your dashboard appearing new and fresh. Including this simple and reasonably priced method into your monthly vehicle maintenance schedule can help you to save time and money while also maintaining a well-kept inside.