#CarTok tips can do long-term damage – Auto Trader
More than 876 million car videos have been broadcast on TikTok under the #CarTok hashtag, however, drivers have been warned to be wary of some of the top tips.
The videos offer guidance and advice around everything from repairs to maintenance and where to find cheap insurance.
But Auto Trader has warned motorists to be wary of some of the hack videos, with as many as 59% offering advice that can actually cause long-term vehicle damage.
For example, Auto Trader research found that 81% of car cleaning videos could actually have a negative impact over the long-term, with many of the ‘hack’ videos encouraging motorists to use household items like toothpaste or coconut oil to remove marks.
#CarTok advice unreliable
Meanwhile, 90% of videos about car repairs are inappropriate for anyone who is not suitably qualified. There are more than 365,000 TikTok searches for car repairs every month, but many are tailored to professionals and can cause more damage if the work is attempted by a driver without the necessary skills.
However, 72% of car maintenance videos were proven to be helpful to drivers, with many created by professionals offering accurate, detailed and useful advice, while 68% of videos around driving tips were found to be helpful, especially for learner drivers.
Erin Baker, Auto Trader’s editorial director, said:
“TikTok is becoming one of the go-to search engines, offering inspiration and education content from experienced creators. But drivers should be wary as many videos on TikTok are intended to shock audiences and to gain traction and engagement. We found that a staggering 59% of the videos offer advice that is not recommended to drivers and could potentially leave your vehicle with more damage if followed.”
