When scrolling your TikTok feed, #CarTok might appear as a treasure trove of wisdom for car enthusiasts, laden with intriguing hacks and professional advice. But beware—Auto Trader has lifted the hood on this content, revealing a startling trend: nearly two-thirds of car-related TikTok videos are misleading, and some could drive you straight into a vehicular catastrophe.
Don’t Trust Everything Under the #CarTok Hood
While TikTok has revolutionized short-form, digestible content, it’s also the perfect breeding ground for advice that ranges from creatively impractical to downright dangerous. Auto Trader analyzed a sample of 130 videos across niches like car repairs, cleaning, maintenance, and driving tips. Shockingly, 59% of these videos contain dubious advice that could result in damage to your vehicle or worse, especially for lease vehicle owners who risk hefty repair fees.
Cleaning Hacks That Could Leave Your Car in a Dirty Mess
Household items like toothpaste, coconut oil, and even toilet brushes attached to drills may sound surprisingly innovative as cleaning tools. After all, who wouldn’t want to go MacGyver on their vehicle? However, Auto Trader’s research reveals that 81% of car-cleaning hack videos on TikTok could actually damage your car . These seemingly quick-fix techniques contain harsh chemicals or rough household items that can wreak havoc on your paint job or delicate surfaces. So unless your car cleaning budget allows for a professional repaint, stick to approved cleaning products.
Repairs Gone Rogue
The allure of DIY car repairs is undeniable, and TikTok serves up a feast of videos by amateur mechanics and professionals. But here’s the kicker: 90% of car repair tips featured on TikTok are not recommended for anyone without significant experience . Misguided attempts at fixing scratches or conducting “DIY car services” could cause more harm than good. The advice? Leave complex repairs to the experts, or you could find yourself peeling rubber straight into repair-shop debt.
Silver Linings on TikTok Lanes
It’s not all doom and gloom in the world of #CarTok. When it comes to car maintenance, around 72% of videos offer genuinely helpful advice, from prepping your car for winter to basic tire-pressure checks . Driving tips aimed at learner drivers also fare admirably, with 68% providing accurate, practical advice—perfect for acing your driving test in style. These videos are often created by legitimate instructors or professionals, offering a rare corner of TikTok reliability.
A Word of Caution from Auto Trader
While TikTok continues its ascent as an unconventional search engine, Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Auto Trader, advises consuming its content with a healthy dose of skepticism. Many creators prioritize virality over accuracy, crafting videos designed to shock or entertain rather than educate. As Auto Trader’s findings suggest, following such advice could cost you more in repairs than you might have saved.
For lease vehicle drivers in particular, experimenting with unregulated online hacks can result in tremendous penalties, as lease agreements often don’t cover damage arising from improper maintenance or cleaning. The best advice? Consult professionals and stick with tried-and-true methods.
Bottom Line: TikTok Wisdom, or a Shortcut to Car Trouble?
TikTok’s #CarTok may be teeming with advice, but drivers must navigate this niche with caution. For every tip on basic car maintenance or driving skills, there are countless videos offering ill-advised hacks that may void warranties, damage your car, or create dangerous situations. As Auto Trader’s investigation shows, the fast-paced world of TikTok videos is no substitute for expert guidance . So next time you’re tempted to try that DIY repair or hack, remember: not all viral advice is worth following.
