As a member of Generation Z, I admit that I spend a lot of my time on screen using the video-based social media app TikTok.
Whether it is while commuting, waiting in line for stuff, or in other non-active pockets of time, I can be found scrolling from video to video and occasionally laughing at something in the bite-sized pieces of content on my screen.
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TikTok’s “For You” algorithm works in worrying ways with actual implications, but the longer you use the application, the more it knows about you. And if you’re like me, it offers an endless stream of bite-sized car-centric videos for hours on end.
But granted that many people these days get a considerable amount of information from social media platforms like TikTok, AutoTrader UK has a warning for those who are thinking about trying out the “life hack” they saw on their feed.
According to AutoTrader UK, 59% of car-centric TikTok videos contains advice that could damage to vehicles.
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Dont always trust the car advice on TikTok, says Auto Trader
Though TikTok is a great place to get entertainment in a short, digestible form, it’s also a place where advice is given without question, especially on car-related topics.
In a new study, Auto Trader analyzed a sample of 130 videos on TikTok across niches like car repairs, cleaning, maintenance, and driving tips. They found that 59% of these videos contain questionable advice that can actually damage cars.
Professional detailing could cost hundreds to even thousands of dollars, but the Auto Trader experts found that 81% of the cleaning advice on TikTok contained tips that could lead to vehicle damage.
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They denote that while many of the ‘hack’ videos peddled on the site promoted cleaning procedures using household items like toothpaste, coconut oil, mops, and power drills to clean various areas of the car, they aren’t always the best options. Auto Trader advises owners to use specialist products to avoid potential damage from harsh chemicals or unsuitable objects.
The same can be said for auto repair. On TikTok, amateur mechanics and automotive professionals create bite-sized videos of repairs. However, Auto Trader notes that 90% of car repair tips featured on TikTok are not recommended for anyone without significant experience with the appropriate tools, as they could leave one’s vehicles in a worse state than before.
“TikTok is becoming one of the go-to search engines, offering inspiration and education content from experienced creators,” Auto Trader Editorial Director Erin Baker said in a statement. “But drivers should be wary as many videos on TikTok are intended to shock audiences and to gain traction and engagement.”
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However, not all advice on #CarTok is not bad advice. Auto Trader researchers found that 72% of car maintenance videos on the platform are helpful to drivers.
They note that these kinds of TikToks are made by professionals who offer accurate, detailed, and useful advice on a variety of maintenance topics. Some tips included how-to guides on checking a car’s oil and tire pressure, shock absorbers, and prepping cars for colder winter months.
Additionally, they find that 68% of driving tips videos can provide practical advice for novice drivers, which can help them out on the road.
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