If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through social media and stumbling upon a ‘genius’ car hack that promises to save you hundreds at the mechanic, you’re not alone.
The #CarTok hashtag has racked up over 800 million views, with thousands of videos showing everything from lightning-fast brake pad swaps to ‘miracle’ engine fixes using household products.
But before you grab your spanner and start following along, auto experts are urging caution—these viral hacks could put you, your car, and even your wallet at serious risk.
Let’s face it: car repairs can be expensive, and saving a few bucks by doing it yourself is tempting, especially when a 30-second video makes it look so easy.
But as Kazimieras Urbonas, supplier excellence manager at Ovoko (one of Europe’s largest online marketplaces for used car parts), pointed out, ‘Users are diving under bonnets with growing confidence, but the information in these trending tutorials can be dangerously misleading.’
While some social media content creators are genuine mechanics sharing helpful tips, many others are chasing views and likes, with little regard for accuracy or safety.
The result? A flood of oversimplified, and sometimes downright dangerous, advice. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular—and risky—car hacks making the rounds:
1. Brake pad swaps in 60-second videos
Promising ‘easy brake replacement’ often skips crucial steps like checking torque specifications, bleeding brake lines, or ensuring calliper alignment.
Miss any of these, and you could put yourself and others in danger every time you hit the road.
2. Jump-start tricks without proper context
Jump-starting a car isn’t as simple as it looks, especially with modern vehicles packed with sensitive electronics.
Many social media tutorials overlook essential details like voltage ratings and grounding techniques. What works for an old Commodore could fry the electronics in a new hybrid.
3. Engine ‘fixes’ with sealants and additives
Some videos suggest pouring stop-leak fluids or household products into your engine or radiator to silence knocks or fix leaks.
While these might offer a reprieve, they often mask the real problem, potentially leading to much bigger (and more expensive) issues later.
Why these hacks do more harm than help
The appeal of these videos is obvious: they’re quick, persuasive, and promise big savings.
But as Urbonas warned, ‘On social media, there’s no regulation, no industry oversight, and no guarantee that the person doing the repair knows what they’re doing.’
Here are some of the biggest risks:
- No verification, no credentials: Anyone can post a video with the right hashtags, regardless of their experience or qualifications.
- Lack of mechanical nuance: Cars are complex, and what works for one make or model might be disastrous for another.
- Oversimplification: Modern vehicles often require electronic resets, sensor calibrations, and diagnostic tools—steps almost always skipped in these videos.
- False confidence: Slick editing and bold claims can make you feel like a pro, but one wrong move could lead to costly repairs, voided warranties, or even safety hazards.
A recent study by Auto Trader found that 59 per cent of social media car advice could cause more harm than good, and 90 per cent of repair-related clips shouldn’t be attempted by anyone without proper training.
We’re not saying you should never get your hands dirty. Plenty of basic maintenance tasks—like checking tyre pressure, topping up fluids, or changing wiper blades—are perfectly safe for most people to tackle.
A well-made video from a certified mechanic can be an excellent resource for learning these skills.
But it’s best to leave it to the professionals regarding safety-critical systems like brakes, engines, or anything involving your car’s electronics.
As Urbonas puts it, ‘Saving a few pennies on a repair isn’t worth putting your own life—or those of other drivers—on the line.’
Have you ever tried a car repair tip you found online? Did it work out, or did it end in disaster? Share your stories in the comments below—your experience could help others avoid trouble.
Also read: Those ‘what I eat in a day’ TikTok videos aren’t helpful. They might even be harmful
