UK drivers could be hit with a hefty fine if they follow some of the latest TikTok car hacks, experts have warned.
The Highway Code outlines information and guidance for road users to promote the safe and efficient use of the road network.
However, some parts of it may be unknown to drivers, and flouting some rules may lead to unwanted consequences.
Now, the AA is warning drivers about being misled by viral TikTok “car hacks” which they say could lead to car damage, costly repairs, or even fines.
The warning from the AA comes during what it describes as “a busy month for new car sales” due to the new registration plate change .
Motoring expert Shaun Jones has identified this TikTok hack to avoid, revealing that it could lead to a hefty fine.
The ‘Cosy Car’ Makeover is a trend that has gained millions of views on the platform.
It is when drivers create 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 has highlighted how thousands of Google searches are made a month for ‘steering wheel covers’.
But Mr Jones says: “Loose covers on steering wheels or gear levers can slip, impairing control of the car. If caught driving carelessly, penalties include a £100 to £5,000 fine and points on your license.
“Pins and ornaments may also cause injuries in a crash, as well as adding permanent damage that can reduce the car’s resale value.”
AA warnings have also come following other TikTok car hacks they say to aviod.
It says “life-risking” accessories, such as modifying the car interior with seat belt covers and bottle-holding attachments for the headrest, are a no-go.
Mr Jones says: “Clip-on decorations can stop seat belts from retracting or locking correctly, reducing your protection in a collision.
@toricolburn I learn everything from tiktok apparently #fyp #carhacks #hacks #owala #owalawaterbottle ♬ 2000 – vowl. & Sace
“Attaching bottle holders to the headrest is also dangerous, as bottles could become heavy missiles under emergency braking.
“If caught drinking from a huge water flask, you could also potentially be fined for distracted driving, so it is best to use the car’s built-in cup holders and pull over safely to drink.”
Another trend that is becoming more popular is “dashboard glow-ups”, where videos are shown to buff Vaseline into the car’s leather and plastic interiors to lubricate them, add shine and improve their appearance.
However, experts say that while shiny at first, Vaseline attracts dirt and grime, leaving sticky residue and possible long-term material damage.
@adnanshabbir808 Vaseline makes car interior look brand new🤯🤯 #trending #viral #hack #DIY #tiktokautocampaign ♬ original sound – Weekly Tools
Shaun Jones, AA Patrol of the Year, says: “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 by following the below advice to stay safe and protect your car from damage.”
The AA has also issued a warning to UK drivers over DIY car window tinting.
Mr Jones says: “Too-dark tints on front or side windows are illegal and can lead to fines.
“Despite 9,900 monthly Google searches for ‘tinted car windows’, DIY kits often don’t make the light percentage clear, so it’s very easy to go too dark.”
According to UK law, the rules for tinted front windscreens and front side windows depend on when the vehicle was first used.
For vehicles first used on April 1, 1985 or later, the front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through and the front side windows must let at least 70% of light through.
For vehicles first used before April 1, 1985, the front windscreen and front side windows must both let at least 70% of light through.
There are no rules for tinting the rear windscreen or rear passenger windows.
It’s illegal to fit or sell glass (or a vehicle already fitted with glass) that breaks the rules on tinted windows, and police can issue a prohibition notice, stopping you from driving until the tint is removed and may also hand out a £50 to £100 fine.
Despite many to avoid, experts have picked out two that do work.
The first is using a paint pen to touch up scratches, which is useful, as covering where bare metal is exposed can reduce the chances of rust occurring and help protect the car’s bodywork.
Recommended reading:
However, it is important not to attempt to paint over large areas of damage, as an approved professional will need to use specialist paint and buffing techniques for a better, long-lasting finish.
The second is using a safety pin to unblock or adjust washer jets if the water isn’t shooting out correctly.
The AA says this hack is actually used by most mechanics, but urges to be gentle, as if you are too forceful, you may break the pin within the washer jet.
This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation’s Editors’ Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here
© 2001-2025. The Worcester News is owned and operated by Newsquest Media Group Ltd, an audited local newspaper network.
Visit newsquest.co.uk to view our policies and terms.
The Echo Building, 18 Albert Road, Bournemouth, England BH1 1BZ. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637
Data returned from the Piano ‘meterActive/meterExpired’ callback event.
As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.
Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services.
These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.
It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.
