TikTok car hacks are becoming increasingly popular on social media - but a car insurance expert has warned that some of them can set you back by hundreds of euros.
With the hashtag #carhacks raking in over 2.2 billion views on TikTok, many motorists use these hacks as an affordable way to improve their cars. But some of them can in fact be dangerous or void your car insurance. Irish insurance experts Quote Devil have broken down the top three trending hacks that can do more harm than good.
DIY Car Window Tint
One of the most popular hacks with tutorials taking the internet by storm is DIY tints on car windows that provide a quick and simple way to modify any vehicle. The hack involves using soap and water to apply a thin layer of shaded plastic over the car window to provide a tinting effect. While this hack may be cheap and cheerful, it’s not without its risks.
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The insurance experts say: “DIY car window tints can be very dangerous and can lead to your car insurance being voided if not installed correctly. Your insurer must be made aware of any car modifications to avoid invalidating your policy. Window tints must also fall within the legal limit to avoid a fine, a vehicle’s windscreen, and front side windows must let in at least 65 per cent of light in order to pass the road worthiness test. 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 on snow and ice
This is a popular hack, perhaps used by less experienced drivers looking to get back on the road quickly on a wintery day. Defrosting your car windows by pouring boiling water over the frozen glass 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. As the change is sudden, this can result in the glass shattering which is extremely dangerous and could set you back up to €400 for a replacement windshield.
Frozen Car Door hack
With the hashtag #frozencardoor raking in over 931,000 views on TikTok, it’s clear that motorists have been looking for a solution to the dreaded frozen door. There are a number of hacks circulating the app with the main one being 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.
But the insurance experts warn against the trending hack: “We strongly advise against undergoing this hack. Trying to open a frozen in this way can damage the lock and door itself. Damage to the car door can cause your vehicle to fail its NCT test and could cost upwards of €700 to replace.”
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