If you do your own auto body repair then it is all too easy to get car paint on other parts of your bodywork. There is a quick and easy trick to remove it without taking off the original paint underneath.

Wash the car as thoroughly as you can, being sure to remove as much dirt and grease around the affected area as you can. Dip a very clean cloth into nail polish remover and squeeze off any excess. Lightly rub the area with the cloth until the unwanted paint lifts clear. Do this until all the paint is removed while being careful not to remove the original paint.

Wash the car again, paying particular attention to the affected area as there may be acetone still on the body work. Once dry, wax the car to a shine. The area should now resemble the rest of the car and the unwanted pain should now all be gone.

Alternatively, if you don’t have or want to use nail polish remover you can buy wax that contains a rubbing agent. Applying this was and rubbing it in over the affected area can also remove the paint, again, being careful not to remove the original paintjob in the process.

Using either method will return your bodywork to its original color scheme without affecting the paint around it.

If you have ever been in an auto collision or a bump then you know that often cars simply won’t start afterwards. Even if the damage is nowhere near the engine. This has been an issue since cars were first invented and even now where most modern cars are more controlled by computer than the driver it’s still the case.

Bump starting a car isn’t rocket science but it can damage the engine if not done correctly. Here are a few simple steps to get your vehicle jump started with the minimum of fuss, remembering of course that this can only be done with a manual car!

If the car tries to turn over when you turn the key, you shouldn’t try bump starting it. It means that the problem is something other than the battery or starter. If this happens to you it would be advisable to get a tow home or to the shop.

You will need two people to effectively bump start your car, but it can be done single handed if you’re quick. Start by turning off all electrics, so the lights, washer wipers, radio etc and turning the ignition to the on position.

Remove the parking or handbrake, depress the clutch pedal and put the car into 2nd gear. Leave the gearbox in neutral if you’re pushing yourself. By either pushing yourself or other pushing, get the car rolling as quickly as you safely can. As soon as you get a bit of speed put the car into 2nd gear if you need to and release the clutch while giving the car a bit of gas. If the engine fires, pop the clutch again and keep a light touch on the gas pedal to keep the fuel flowing. Thank your helpers if there were any and get yourself home as quickly as possible.

Depending on what happened to the car you may find that the engine starts normally again after that. If it doesn’t then it is probably going to need professional help.