15 Weird Things You Should Never Do to Your Car
In the age of social media, platforms like TikTok have become hubs for sharing life hacks, DIY tips, and quirky trends. While some trends are harmless or even helpful, others can lead you down a path of car care chaos.
From viral videos showcasing unconventional car maintenance methods to strange DIY experiments, TikTok has seen its fair share of weird car trends. However, just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it’s safe or effective for your vehicle.
Painting Your Car with House Paint
Why People Say to Do It: Painting your car with house paint may seem like a cost-effective alternative to professional automotive paint jobs, especially for DIY enthusiasts on a budget. Some may believe that house paint can provide a durable and long-lasting finish similar to automotive paint.
What Will Really Happen: Using house paint on your car is a recipe for disaster. House paint is not formulated for use on automotive surfaces and lacks the durability, flexibility, and weather resistance required for exterior applications. It’s prone to fading, peeling, and cracking when exposed to UV rays, temperature fluctuations, and road debris. Additionally, house paint may not adhere properly to automotive surfaces, leading to an uneven finish and poor aesthetic quality. For a professional-looking and long-lasting paint job, it’s best to use automotive-grade paint and follow proper painting techniques.
Using Vegetable Oil as Engine Oil
Why People Say to Do It: In emergency situations where engine oil is not readily available, some may suggest using vegetable oil as a temporary substitute. Vegetable oil is readily available, inexpensive, and has lubricating properties, leading some to believe that it can serve as a makeshift engine oil.
What Will Really Happen: Using vegetable oil as engine oil is a surefire way to cause catastrophic engine damage. Vegetable oil lacks the additives and properties required for proper lubrication and protection of internal engine components. It’s too thick and viscous to flow properly through the engine, leading to inadequate lubrication, increased friction, and overheating. Additionally, vegetable oil breaks down quickly under high temperatures and pressures, forming harmful deposits and sludge that can clog oil passages and damage engine parts. Using anything other than the manufacturer-recommended engine oil can void your warranty and lead to costly repairs. Always use the proper grade and type of engine oil specified by your car’s manufacturer for optimal engine performance and longevity.
Installing Fake Performance Parts
Why People Say to Do It: Installing fake performance parts, such as aftermarket intake systems, exhaust systems, or tuning chips, may seem like a cost-effective way to enhance your car’s performance and appearance without breaking the bank. Some may believe that these parts provide similar benefits to genuine performance upgrades at a fraction of the cost.
What Will Really Happen: Installing fake performance parts is not only a waste of money but can also lead to detrimental effects on your car’s performance, reliability, and safety. Fake performance parts are often made from low-quality materials and lack the engineering and testing that genuine parts undergo. They may not fit properly or perform as advertised, leading to decreased performance, increased emissions, and potential damage to the engine or other components. Additionally, using counterfeit parts can void your car’s warranty and may even be illegal in some jurisdictions. For genuine performance upgrades, it’s best to invest in quality parts from reputable manufacturers and have them installed by qualified professionals.
Jumpstarting Your Car Backward
Why People Say to Do It: Some may believe that jumpstarting a car in reverse gear can provide a better connection between the donor and recipient batteries, allowing for a more efficient transfer of power. Additionally, others may think that jumpstarting in reverse can reduce the risk of electrical damage to the vehicle’s electronics.
What Will Really Happen: Jumpstarting your car in reverse is not only unnecessary but can also pose significant safety risks and potentially damage your vehicle’s electrical system. Jumpstarting a car is a straightforward process that involves connecting the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the donor and recipient batteries in the correct order. Reversing the polarity or connecting the cables incorrectly can cause electrical shorts, sparks, and damage to sensitive electronic components, such as the alternator, ECU, or stereo system. To avoid costly repairs and electrical hazards, always follow the proper jumpstarting procedures outlined in your car’s manual and use caution when handling jumper cables.
Using a Potato to Fix Dents
Why People Say to Do It: Some DIY enthusiasts may suggest using a potato to fix small dents in car body panels, claiming that the starch and moisture in the potato can help soften the metal and restore its shape. This DIY hack is often promoted as a cheap and easy alternative to professional dent repair services.
What Will Really Happen: Using a potato to fix dents is not only ineffective but can also cause further damage to your car’s body panels. Potatoes lack the structural integrity and precision required to properly reshape metal and may leave behind unsightly marks or scratches on the surface. Additionally, attempting to force a potato into a dent can push the metal outward, causing distortion and making it even more difficult to repair. For proper dent repair, it’s best to consult with a professional auto body technician who has the tools and expertise to restore your car’s appearance safely and effectively.
Installing Extra Loud Exhaust Systems for Performance
Why People Say to Do It: Installing an extra loud exhaust system is often associated with the belief that it can improve engine performance, increase horsepower, and enhance the sound of the car’s engine. Some may also think that louder exhaust systems are necessary for achieving a sportier or more aggressive driving experience.
What Will Really Happen: While aftermarket exhaust systems can indeed improve engine performance and alter the sound of the exhaust note, excessively loud exhaust systems can have several negative consequences. Extra loud exhaust systems may violate local noise regulations and attract unwanted attention from law enforcement. Additionally, overly loud exhaust systems can be annoying to passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers, contributing to noise pollution and community disturbances. Furthermore, some aftermarket exhaust systems may sacrifice low-end torque and fuel efficiency for increased sound, leading to decreased overall performance. Before installing an aftermarket exhaust system, it’s important to research local regulations, choose a system that complements your car’s performance goals and driving style, and ensure proper installation by a qualified professional.