Drivers warned against TikTok ‘hacks’ that could leave your car unfit for the road – and cost you hundreds
NOT all TikTok car hacks are as smart as they seem – some could even set you back you hundreds.
A car insurance expert has warned motorists against some of the tricks that have gone viral on social media.
Many drivers turn to social media hacks to help them cut costs.
Like this simple and cheap hack for a fresh-smelling interior – which will cost you nothing.
But some of the so-called genius tricks could actually land you in a tough spot – and could rack up hefty bills.
Irish insurance experts Quote Devil broke down the top three trending hacks that can do more harm than good. Based in Ireland, this advice is handy for drivers across the UK.
Here’s a run down of the top car hacks to avoid.
Frozen Car Door hack
There are several hacks going viral on TikTok for helping you open a frozen car door.
One experts have advised against?
Using a tool such as a credit card or hammer to slide along the edge of the door frame to break the seal of ice.
The insurance experts warn against it, saying: “We strongly advise against undergoing this hack. Trying to open a frozen in this way can damage the lock and door itself.”
So never use a bank card, CD case or something similar to scrape away ice and snow – as well as potentially snapping your card, this method could also scratch your windows.
Damage to the car door can cause your vehicle to fail its MOT test and could cost upwards of £600 to replace.
DIY Car Window Tint
One of the most popular hacks online is DIY tints on car windows – providing an easy way to modify any vehicle.
It involves using soap and water to apply a thin layer of shaded plastic over the car window, creating a tinting effect.
While the hack might sound great, it comes with its risks, DublinLive reported.
Tinted windows restricting more than 65 per cent of light could even be illegal – and anything illegal could void your insurance.
The Irish insurance experts say: “DIY car window tints can be very dangerous and can lead to your car insurance being voided if not installed correctly.
The added that your insurer must be made aware of any car modifications to avoid invalidating your policy.
The experts advised: “We advise speaking to a professional for installation. When applied incorrectly, the tint can actually obscure your vision out of the window and increase chances of a car accident especially when driving at night.”
Boiling water for snow and ice on car windows
Savvy motorists have come up with another car hack that could save you time this winter.
As one TikTokker explains, to defrost windscreens in seconds, drivers only need to fill a zip-lock bag with hot water and rub it over their windscreen and windows.
The popular hack is used by lots of drivers aiming to get on the road quickly, even when their window is iced over.
But defrosting your car windows in this way can be highly dangerous since glass contracts when it’s cold and expands when it’s hot.
The use of boiling water causes the windscreen or window to move with the temperature change.
And as the change is sudden, this can result in the glass shattering.
It’s not only dangerous, but could also set you back up to £350 for a replacement windshield.
There’s plenty of other hacks to quickly de-ice your car instead.
And the most simple tip is to park your car in the right place because the sun rises in the east and will melt it for you.
Also, spraying your windscreen with a solution of water and vinegar every night before going to bed can help too.
Using rubbing alcohol could also help to melt ice in seconds.