The AA are cautioning drivers not to be misled by viral TikTok “car hacks” that promise stylish makeovers or quick fixes, which often create safety hazards, costly repairs, or even legal trouble.
With many drivers about to embark on long drives to university halls and solo-living, The AA has researched the motoring trends gaining traction on TikTok to identify the dangerous or damaging ‘fixes’ being promoted.
Among the harmful hacks is the ‘Cosy Car’ makeover – which involves drivers creating a cosy, cottage-style interior by adding a crocheted steering wheel and gear stick cover, painting the sun visor, and adorning the ceiling with multiple badges.
The AA says more than 8,000 Google searches are made a month for ‘steering wheel covers’, but loose covers on steering wheels or gear levers can slip, impairing control of the car.
Pins and ornaments may also cause injuries in a crash, as well as adding permanent damage that can reduce the car’s resale value.
Another of the trends involves modifying the car interior with seat belt covers and bottle-holding attachments for the headrest.
The AA says clip-on decorations can stop seat belts retracting or locking correctly, reducing protection in a collision. Attaching bottle holders to the headrest is also dangerous, as bottles could become heavy missiles under emergency braking.
Shaun Jones, AA patrol of the year, said: “DIY is growing, but with limits: Motorists are tackling small tasks like wipers and bulbs themselves to save money. Although TikTok is full of DIY car hacks, unsafe accessories and dodgy DIY jobs can leave you with fines, breakdowns, invalidated insurance, or worse.
“Following a recent TikTok fad where car-washers climb and dance atop their cars to the sped-up soundtrack of Ellie Goulding’s ‘Lights’, we wanted to provide guidance to drivers to be wary of car-related trends.”
The AA advises drivers to:
- Steer clear of accessories or covers that obstruct steering, braking or safety systems.
- Don’t attempt DIY wraps, tints or large paintwork applications unless you’re trained.
- Always use approved cleaning products for interiors.
- Check the law before making modifications.
- If in doubt, seek professional advice – or leave it alone.
Re – the steering wheel covers: I find steering wheels on modern cars to be difficult to grip due to their slipperiness and hard ‘textured’ surface, so found a smooth, plastic wood effect cover that solved the problem – the moisture on one’s fingertips help grip the polished wood effect. Obviously one has to make sure the cover is tight enough and doesn’t slip – in any event it’s much better than what the maunfacturers think is good enough for proper control. Mind you I was brought up on cars which had hard, plastic or even bakelite steering wheels which were so easy to grip even with a light touch and therfore, turn.
Hugh Jones, South Wirral
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