Cheap Fixes Encyclopedia
Last updated: July 13, 2026
Cheap Fixes Encyclopedia
The heart of Cheap Car Repair is creative, often absurd cost-cutting. Below is a comprehensive list of known cheap fixes, their risk levels, and expected outcomes. Risk reflects the chance of customer backlash, breakdown, or physical retaliation.
Body filler over rust (no grinding)
Risk: MediumQuick cosmetic fix. Looks fine leaving the shop but rust spreads underneath. Good for quick profit on beaters.
Pantyhose as fan/timing belt
Risk: HighClassic Eastern European hack. Works briefly under light load. Snap risk increases with RPM and distance.
Kitchen sponge as air filter
Risk: MediumFilters poorly but passes visual inspection. Engine wear accelerates over time.
Watered-down fuel
Risk: HighStretches gasoline supply. Causes misfires, rough idle, and stalling — especially on cold starts.
Beer and vodka fuel mix
Risk: ExtremeImpressive when it works. Extremely unreliable. High chance of engine damage and furious customers.
Paint over rust (no treatment)
Risk: LowPurely cosmetic. Customer may not inspect closely. Rust returns within weeks in-game.
Used parts from another customer car
Risk: HighSwap good parts off one car for cheap substitutes. Saves purchase cost. Ethical and legal nightmare — triggers consequences if discovered.
Random round object as steering wheel
Risk: ExtremeIf it is round enough, it steers. Barely. Immediate safety hazard and reputation destroyer.
Tape and wire hose repair
Risk: MediumTemporary seal on coolant or vacuum hoses. Holds until heat cycles weaken the adhesive.
Diluted brake fluid
Risk: ExtremeNever recommended. Brake failure leads to the most severe consequence events.
Welded improvised cargo rack
Risk: LowStructural addition like a welded till on a hatchback. Functional and profitable if done cleanly.
Potato in exhaust pipe (prank)
Risk: LowNeighbour prank, not a customer repair. Causes backpressure stall. Entertainment, not profit.
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