UK drivers have been warned of a viral motoring hack that is supposed to enhance the appearance of their cars but can, in fact, cause them a load of hassle. The AA says that while the “car hacks” circulating on TikTok promise stylish makeovers or quick fixes, they often can create safety hazards, costly repairs, or, in some cases, legal trouble.
The breakdown experts researched motoring trends that are gaining traction on TikTok to find out the dangers or damaging ‘fixes’ associated with them. They did reveal that some hacks can be useful. However, motorists should be aware of any potential risks associated with even those deemed “helpful hacks”.
One hack that the AA revealed actually works is buffing vaseline into your car’s leather and plastic interiors to lubricate them, add some shine, and improve their appearance. The trick was shared in a 13-second video on TikTok that gained over 169,000 views.
The creator said: “Never pay to have your car detailed again. You’re going to grab a bucket of vaseline and you’re going to rub it inside your interior. This works on leather, plastic, [on] anything in your car, and it’s going to give it a good shine and keep it lubricated during the summer or any season.”
However, the AA noted some of the risks associated with using vaseline in your car. While it might make the interiors shiny at first, vaseline attracts dirt and grime, leaving a sticky residue and possibly some long-term damage.
If the sticky residue needs to be removed, a full car valet that includes interior leather cleaning can typically cost £140 for a small car and up to £250 for larger vehicles.
It is important that motorists be cautious of the tips and advice circulating online, even if they look harmless. Many of the car hacks shared online come with various risks, and so it is better to check with an expert before testing any out.
Doing so will save you from any potential future hassle or unexpected costs.
