#CarTok repair advice can cost drivers up to £7,000
Drivers have been warned that taking cheap vehicle repair advice on #CarTok can result in much higher repair bills.
There are now more than 6.7 million videos under the #CarTok hashtag, with analysis by motor trade insurance specialist ChoiceQuote finding that some of the cheap fixes promoted can cause serious damage to vehicles.
It has identified 10 viral videos that could see drivers paying more than £7,000 in additional repairs from a professional.
Among them, the ‘Master battery reset’ video could cause electrical unit damage costing up to £2,500, ‘Olive oil on dashboard’ can crack plastics causing damage valued at £1,000, while ‘boiling water on dents’ can crack paint and cause metal stretching, with repairs costing up to £800.
Viral hacks
Chris Galloway, head of trading at insurance broker ChoiceQuote, said: “TikTok has become a primary search engine for car advice, but there is a massive disconnect between viral hacks and mechanical reality. While it may be appealing to try and fix issues yourself with seemingly simple tips, the harsh reality could be a repair bill totalling thousands of pounds.
“We urge drivers to consider the long-term maintenance costs. DIY fixes that interfere with the electronics or structural integrity can not only lead to expensive professional repairs but potentially also a failed MOT or voided warranty.
“The safest and most cost-effective way to maintain your car is to trust the specialists in the motor trade who have the correct tools and knowledge to do the job safely.”
