. How to Make a DIY Toy Car: 4 Fun & Easy Tutorials
How to Make a DIY Toy Car: 4 Fun & Easy Tutorials
How to Make a DIY Toy Car: 4 Fun & Easy Tutorials

4 DIY Methods to Make an Awesome Toy Car with Recycled Materials

This article was co-authored by Amy Guerrero and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement.

There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.

This article has been viewed 1,123,214 times.

Making a toy car is a fun and easy project that you can do at home with recycled materials you already have on hand. It’s also a great activity that allows you to bond with your children or get in touch with your own inner child. In this article, we'll walk you through 4 super easy methods for creating a DIY toy car in a few minutes time. Scroll down to get started!

Constructing a Toy Car
  1. Rinse an empty plastic water bottle and remove the label.
  2. Drill 4 holes into the water bottle to make axles.
  3. Push 2 plastic straws into the holes for the axles.
  4. Pierce holes in the center of 4 plastic bottle caps to make wheels.
  5. Thread the bottle cap wheels onto the straw axles with a piece of string.
  6. Spray paint the bottle, wheels, and axles if you like.
Method 1 of 4: Plastic Bottle Toy Car
  • You can use any plastic bottle you have on hand. A water or soda bottle works great, but you could also use an empty hand sanitizer bottle, or whatever you have within easy reach. [1] X Research source
  • If you're a kid, let an adult handle the drill so you don't hurt yourself.
  • If you don't have a drill, use scissors or an ice pick.
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  • It’s easier to paint the bottle and bottle caps before assembling the car.
  • If you don't have plastic straws, you can improvise with sticks, pencils, or thick wire from a wire hanger.

Stick the plastic straws through the holes in the plastic bottle. The axles hold the front and rear wheels, so run 1 straw through the top set of holes (for the front wheels) and the other straw through the bottom holes (for the rear wheels). Center the straws so that an equal amount of length sticks out of both sides of the bottle.

  • The string is optional, but it you want to use it, cut the piece to be 12–24 in (30–61 cm) long (you'll use the string to pull the car).
  • Put the lid back on the bottle so the length of string hangs outside the lid in front of the car.

Cut the top of the bottle to make a windshield (if you'd like). If you want to make a windshield, get an adult to cut a rectangle or square into the front top of the bottle with scissors or a box cutter. Only cut 3 sides of the shape and then flip it up so the windshield faces the lid of the bottle.

Puncture a hole through each of the 4 plastic bottle caps. Let an adult use a drill or another sharp object (like an ice pick) to create a hole in the center of each bottle cap. Each hole needs to be big enough to slide a plastic straw through it. [4] X Research source

Thread the bottle caps onto the plastic straw axles. Run the axles through the holes you drilled in the bottle caps. Position the open side of each bottle cap to face the car so that it has more stability. [5] X Research source

Push the car on a flat surface or use the piece of string to pull it. The axles should turn just like a real car, so your toy will move forward on its wheels! If you don’t want to use the string, just push the car to make it move.

Advertisement Method 2 of 4: Milk Carton Toy Car
  • If you don't have a single-serving milk carton, cut out a 4 in × 6 in (10 cm × 15 cm) piece of cardboard.

Get 4 plastic bottle caps and drill holes through the centers. If you don't have a power drill, let an adult bore holes with a box cutter, scissors, or knife. The plastic bottle caps will be your car's wheels. [7] X Research source

Thread a bottle cap on one end of each skewer. Make sure the top of each bottle cap is facing towards the milk carton as this provides better stability. You can use hot glue where the skewer and cap meet to make it sturdier (just be sure to let the glue dry before proceeding).

  • Threading the skewers inside of the straws will make the wheels spin.

Push the skewers through the remaining 2 bottle caps. Orient the bottle caps so their tops face the milk carton. If you want to make the wheels sturdier, apply hot glue where the skewer and cap meet. Then, let the glue dry for a few minutes. [8] X Research source

Tape the axles horizontally across the milk carton. Position 1 axle a few inches down from the top of the carton, and the other axle a few inches up from the bottom of the carton. [9] X Research source

Customize the car (if you'd like) and give it a roll. You can use construction paper, paint, or markers to decorate the milk carton any way you'd like (or not). You can also cut shapes into the milk carton to give it character.

Advertisement Method 3 of 4: Balloon-Powered Cardboard Car
    Instead of cardboard, you can use old sturdy paper boxes. Alternatively, glue together several layers of recycled toilet paper or shipping paper to make them as thick as cardboard. [10] X Expert Source

Drill holes through the centers of 4 plastic bottle caps. Let an adult use a power drill or sharp object to make a hole in the center of each bottle cap. These bottle caps will create the wheels for your toy car. [11] X Research source

  • Position the first straw about 2 in (5.1 cm) from the top of the cardboard and the other straw about 2 in (5.1 cm) from the bottom of the cardboard.

Cut a wooden skewer in half and stick one half through each straw. Trim down the skewers to be slightly longer than the straws and thread them through the center of each straw. The 2 bamboo skewers will act as your car's axles. [12] X Research source

Stick the bottle caps on the ends of the skewers and secure with hot glue. Make sure that the top of each bottle cap is facing towards the cardboard. Push the caps down the skewers until they're resting against the cardboard. Apply hot glue to hold the caps in place.

Cut a flexible plastic straw in half. Make sure the pieces are of equal length. Then, discard the part of the straw that doesn’t bend.

  • It can help to inflate and deflate the balloon a few times to stretch the rubber first.
  • Blow into the straw to test if the rubber band is tight enough. No air should be able to escape the balloon.

Tape the balloon and straw to the short end of the cardboard piece. Flip the cardboard piece over so the axles are on the bottom side. Tape the end of the straw to the short end of the cardboard. One half of the straw should be hanging over the edge of the cardboard. [13] X Research source

  • You may have to straighten the wheels a few times to get the best movement.
Advertisement Method 4 of 4: Rubber Band-Powered Car

Cut a 5 in × 9 in (13 cm × 23 cm) piece of corrugated cardboard. The cardboard piece needs to be slightly longer than a standard plastic drinking straw (which is 8.5 in (22 cm) long). The width of the cardboard can be about half that (the width measurement doesn't have to be exact.) [15] X Research source

Tape 2 straws to the top of the cardboard (one at each end). Place the straws horizontally across the cardboard and line them up so they're parallel to each other. The straws will hold the axles for your car's wheels. [16] X Research source

Cut a 1 in × 1 in (2.5 cm × 2.5 cm) notch out of the front of the cardboard. Cut the piece from the center of one of the short ends of the cardboard. When you make the cuts, you'll also remove a segment out of the middle of the front straw. [17] X Trustworthy Source Science Buddies Expert-sourced database of science projects, explanations, and educational material Go to source

Insert a wooden skewer through each straw. Center each skewer so an equal amount sticks out from each side of the straw. The wooden skewers will be your car’s axles, which will hold the wheels of your car. [18] X Research source

Cut out four 1 in × 1 in (2.5 cm × 2.5 cm) pieces of sponge. Press 1 piece of sponge to each end of both wooden skewers. When you apply a little pressure, the skewer will puncture the sponge and it'll stay in place. [19] X Trustworthy Source Science Buddies Expert-sourced database of science projects, explanations, and educational material Go to source

Insert an old CD onto the ends of the wooden skewers. The CDs are your wheels! Press the sponge pieces through the center holes of each CD so the sponge holds the CD in place. Secure the CD with tape so it won't wobble.

  • Try rotating the front skewer—as the skewer rotates, the rubber band should rotate with it.

Slice a 1 ⁄2 in (1.3 cm) slot in the middle of the cardboard. Use scissors, a power drill, or box cutter to make a horizontal cut in the center of the car. The cut should be parallel with the short ends of the cardboard rectangle. [21] X Trustworthy Source Science Buddies Expert-sourced database of science projects, explanations, and educational material Go to source

Stick a paper clip through the center slot and attach the rubber band it. Unbend the paperclip but leave one of the ends hooked. Stick the straightened end through to slot and hook the free end of the rubber band onto the paper clip's hook. [22] X Research source

  • If the rubber band didn't unwind after you let go, wind it more tightly and give it another try.
  • If the rubber band unwound but the axle didn't spin, secure the rubber band to the skewer with more top or hot glue.
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Community Q&A

Is it possible to hook up a simple electric motor to the car to make it run? Community Answer Yes, using a fan you can make it move by hooking it up with a motor.

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How do I make car wheels from a softer substance like soft plastic or even sponges? Community Answer You can cut out foam or sponge circles or you could use bottle caps.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

Do I have to use glue to make a toy car? Community Answer

I suppose you could use strong, clear tape or something similar, but glue would probably be the most effective thing to use.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Please provide your name and last initial Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Things You’ll Need Plastic Bottle Toy Car Milk Carton Toy Car Balloon-Powered Cardboard Car Rubber Band-Powered Car

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  1. ↑https://themakermom.com/2015/12/build-diy-toy-car.html
  2. ↑https://myworldtheirway.com/2020/06/plastic-bottle-toy-car/
  3. ↑https://myworldtheirway.com/2020/06/plastic-bottle-toy-car/
  4. ↑https://themakermom.com/2015/12/build-diy-toy-car.html
  5. ↑https://myworldtheirway.com/2020/06/plastic-bottle-toy-car/
  6. ↑https://www.kidspot.com.au/parenting/things-to-do/make-a-milk-carton-car/news-story/9b4eaaebc84dac76cc23e783c5a475a9
  7. ↑https://www.kidspot.com.au/parenting/things-to-do/make-a-milk-carton-car/news-story/9b4eaaebc84dac76cc23e783c5a475a9
  8. ↑https://www.kidspot.com.au/parenting/things-to-do/make-a-milk-carton-car/news-story/9b4eaaebc84dac76cc23e783c5a475a9
  9. ↑https://www.kidspot.com.au/parenting/things-to-do/make-a-milk-carton-car/news-story/9b4eaaebc84dac76cc23e783c5a475a9
  1. ↑ Natalie Kay Smith. Sustainable Fashion Writer. Expert Interview
  2. ↑https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/build-a-balloon-powered-car/
  3. ↑https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/build-a-balloon-powered-car/
  4. ↑https://www.kidspot.com.au/parenting/things-to-do/make-a-milk-carton-car/news-story/9b4eaaebc84dac76cc23e783c5a475a9
  5. ↑https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/build-a-balloon-powered-car/
  6. ↑https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUVL9dxqkz8
  7. ↑https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUVL9dxqkz8
  8. ↑https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/rubber-band-car
  9. ↑https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUVL9dxqkz8
  10. ↑https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/rubber-band-car
  11. ↑https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUVL9dxqkz8
  12. ↑https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/rubber-band-car
  13. ↑https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/build-a-rubber-band-powered-car/
  14. ↑https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/rubber-band-car

About This Article

Co-authored by: Arts & Crafts Specialist

This article was co-authored by Amy Guerrero and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement. This article has been viewed 1,123,214 times.

128 votes - 68% Co-authors: 90 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 1,123,214 Categories: Craft for Kids

"To make a toy car, start by cutting out an 8 by 10 centimeter piece of cardboard for the base. Then, use a drill or small kitchen knife to poke holes in the center of 4 small plastic lids to make wheels. Next, cut a straw in half and tape one half horizontally to the front of the car body and the other at the back. Put a skewer through the straws to act as axles. Then, use hot glue to attach the wheels to the axles and you're done! "

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Reader Success Stories

Alexa Casillas May 4, 2019

"These are really easy and cool to try out! I'm going to do the first example, the water bottle car. Thank you!"

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Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Arts & Crafts Specialist 128 votes - 68% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 90 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 1,123,214

"These are really easy and cool to try out! I'm going to do the first example, the water bottle car. Thank you!"

"The balloon method help me because I am supposed to make it for a school project, but didn't understand how."

"I was researching how to make a toy car for a personal project of mine, and this article was truly helpful."

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