With over 6.7 million videos under the #CarTok hashtag, TikTok has become a primary search engine for drivers looking for quick, cheap fixes [1].
However, new research from motor trade insurance specialists ChoiceQuote warns that these hacks could cause serious damage to vehicles, leaving drivers with repair bills that far outweigh the cost of a professional service.
An analysis of popular car maintenance trends on TikTok found that following these ten viral videos could leave a driver facing £7,050 in professional repair costs.
The cost of TikTok car advice
| The TikTok “hack” | Purpose of the hack | The potential damage | Estimated repair cost |
| “Master” battery reset | Disconnect cables to clear engine codes | Fried ECU and electrical unit damage | £1,000 – £2,500 |
| Olive oil on dashboard | Restores new car shine to dashboard | UV damage and cracked plastics | £600 – £1,000 |
| Boiling water on dents | Pops out dents | Paint cracking and permanent metal stretching | £400 – £800 |
| WD-40 on brake rotors | Stops squeaking and prevents rust | Total friction loss and brake failure | £300 – £600 |
| Hot glue stick dent puller | Removes door dings | Paint and primer stripped from metal | £300 – £500 |
| Clear nail polish on glass | To stop windscreen cracks spreading | Traps dirt or moisture leading to MOT failure | £200 – £600 |
| Toothpaste on paint | Buffs out scratches and clears fog | Abrasive swirl marks and cloudy headlights | £200 – £400 |
| Dish soap exterior wash | Cheaper alternative to car shampoo | Strips protective wax, causing rust | £200 |
| Laundry pods on seats | Remove stains from car upholstery | Strips glossy finish and damages upholstery | £150 – £300 |
| Shaving foam on seats | Stain remover on fabric | Deep mould growth and internal seat rot | £150 |
| Total potential bill | £7,050 |
Although these videos may seem to offer an instant solution, ChoiceQuote specialists warn that the long-term damage can be concealed until much later.
The most expensive mistake identified is the master battery reset hack. Creators suggest disconnecting battery cables to clear engine codes for free. However, in modern cars, disconnecting the battery in this way can damage the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or key fob coding, potentially requiring a system replacement costing between £1,000 and £2,500.
Using olive oil on a car’s dashboard comes in as the second most expensive TikTok ‘hack’. While creators suggest using olive oil to restore ‘new car shine’ to dashboards, it can act as a magnifying glass for UV rays, causing plastic dashboards to warp, crack or melt. This can cost up to £1,000 to repair.
One of the most viral #CarTok hacks and the third most expensive to repair involves pouring boiling water over a dent and using a plunger to pop it out. However, the extreme thermal shock of the boiling water can cause the paint to crack instantly and permanently stretch the metal, meaning that it cannot be restored to its original shape. This could result in a professional panel beat and full respray in the region of £800.
Chris Galloway, Head of Trading at insurance broker ChoiceQuote, comments:
“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.”
Photo by Jose Ricardo Barraza Morachis: https://www.pexels.com/photo/car-mechanic-holding-a-tool-for-repair-4116224/
