There’s no doubt that TikTok is seriously popular with one billion users globally accessing its constant stream of videos. You’ll also already know it’s filled with content on every imaginable topic – and that includes some genuinely useful driving tips and hacks.
However, evidence of why TikTok may not always be the best source of practical driving or car-owning tips is becoming more apparent each month. In fact, some seem intent in seeing you end up with a fine – or no licence.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the worst culprits according to learner driver insurer specialist, Veygo:
Tinting your windows yourself
One enterprising TikToker has come up with an ‘ingenious’ DIY tip for tinting your car windows yourself to avoid paying a professional to do it. The hack recommends using maple syrup and charcoal toothpaste to massively darken your windscreen and side windows.
However, bear in mind that there are legal limits for how dark the windows on your car can be – for instance, the front side windows must let in more than 70% of light and windscreens 75%.
If you’re caught by police with over-darkened windows, you can expect a fine of £100 (plus an afternoon spent using a toothbrush to remove the wretched paste).
Using water repellent instead of wipers
A question: Why would you want to use water repellent instead of wipers to clear your windscreen of excess water? No, we don’t know either but that hasn’t stopped TikTokers from recommending using water repellent during winter months because… nope, the reason is still alluding us.
Never mind though because if you are found to have an unclear (more likely, blurry) view of the road by the police, you can expect a fine of up to £1,000 and three points on your licence. Plus a copper most likely pointing out where the wiper stalk is on your car – like they have to point out the indicator stalk to BMW drivers.
Not signalling when driving
Talking of signalling, one TikTok driving hack – who we assume is a BMW driver – recommends you simply ignore the Highway Code and not use your indicators at all if you’re, say, changing lanes or exiting a roundabout.
Again, we find ourselves grasping for a good reason for this ‘awesome’ hack, but never mind that: Just bear in mind that you can be done for careless driving if you cause an accident because you weren’t signalling a manoeuvre.
That could mean a fine of up to £5,000 and three to nine points on your driving licence.
Opening a bottle with your car
Yes, according to TikTok, you can now open that bottle of Coke or, erm, beer by using your car’s seatbelt buckle, alloy or even bonnet.
Not only will you look really cool/like a tool (delete where applicable), you could also end up damaging the component and enjoying a fail at your next MOT plus the cost of fixing or replacing the item.
We recommend leaving your car parts to get on with their intended job and instead, invest in a bleeding edge device simply known as a ‘Bottle Opener’, which can be left in the glove box.
Adding LED strips to your car
TikTok is awash with car exteriors and interiors with added LED strips. These apparently make your motor look like it was made for the neon-soaked streets of Tokyo, not Tunbridge Wells just off the A26. Which is fine when you’re pulled up as such lights are legal when stationary.
However, as soon as you move off, you could be pulled over for distracting yourself or other drivers as you head down the road looking like a mobile disco at a wedding party. Expect a £200 fine for your cosplay of Vin Diesel.
Bye bye TikTok, hello Highway Code!
It’s worth remembering the reason why using a car has so many regulations attached.
Years of research (and deaths on the road) have informed numerous policies, which are designed to ensure our cars – and our driving – are as safe as possible.
So our advice? Ignore TikTok’s more dubious hacks and stick with the Highway Code instead. It might just save your life.
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Main image by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash