Solutions is all about solving problems. Browse through our library of household tips for simple ways to solve everyday challenges.

To remove tar from your car, mix baking soda with water to make a paste, then rub on tar.

Help prevent jet lag by avoiding alcohol for two days before flying. The day before a flight, eat only light meals to prevent bloating or nausea.

Cats and wildlife may climb onto vehicle engines for warmth during cold weather. Be sure to check under the hood before starting your vehicle and honk the horn to startle any animals seeking shelter inside.

Pack shoes inside old socks to keep the dirty soles from touching your clean clothes.

If your car gets stuck in ice or snow, you can provide traction with kitty litter (keep a bag in your trunk). If you don’t have litter, try placing the rubber mats from your car in front of the drive wheels.

Traveling out of the country? Check with your medical insurer before you go to see what’s covered. You might consider purchasing travel insurance so you don’t find yourself paying a large medical bill and waiting for your insurance to reimburse you.

The iPod® works best in temperatures between 50 degrees to 95 degrees F (10 degrees to 35 degrees C), so try to avoid leaving it outside in the cold or in a hot car.

To remove odors from your car trunk, fill an empty coffee can with kitty litter and leave it in the trunk overnight.

When traveling, pack a few large sealable plastic bags. They’re great for wet or dirty clothes, spillable toiletries or small items that could get lost.

With the price of gasoline on the rise, it’s more important than ever to check your tire pressure at least once a month, since low pressure can reduce the miles you get per gallon.

Planning a car trip with kids? Bring along some jump ropes so they can work off excess energy whenever you stop for food or gas.

Before heading off on a winter road trip, pack emergency supplies: warm clothing, flashlight with fresh batteries, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, and flares or reflectors.

Use a covered cake pan to carry kids’ art supplies or toys for long car trips. All the pieces stay in one place, and the cover creates a sturdy writing or coloring surface.

Spray a thin coat of cooking spray on the hood and grill of your car before taking a long road trip. All the dead bugs your car accumulates will wash right off!

Spray a thin coat of cooking spray on the hood and grill of your car before taking a long road trip. All the dead bugs your car accumulates will wash right off!

When packing for a trip, roll up clothes rather than fold them. They will take up less space and will come out with fewer wrinkles.

Before leaving on a trip, make two copies of your ID, insurance, credit cards, etc. Leave one at home and put one in your luggage in case of loss or theft.

If your windshield wipers stop working, cut a potato in half and rub the face on the glass. Repeat as necessary until you can replace the wipers.

To clean your luggage of scuff marks, rub with a bit of lemon extract.

Make sure your car is not leaking antifreeze in the driveway as this can be tasty, but deadly, for pets.

Keep an old rolled-up window shade in your vehicle. If you need to change a flat, you can roll it out to protect your clothes from getting soiled from the road.

Chipped paint spots on your car? Promptly clean the area thoroughly and apply a coat of clear nail polish to prevent rust.

Place heavy items in the bottom of your suitcase, followed by wrinkle-resistant garments, top with the clothes most likely to wrinkle. The result: fewer wrinkles on arrival.

When packing for a trip, stuff underwear and socks inside your shoes to save space and help your shoes keep their shape.

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