Viral car hack ‘could get you in trouble’, experts warn

Many of us turn to social media for hacks for everyday life, including car maintenance tips, but experts are now warning that a popular car hack circulating on the internet could end up costing you more than you bargained for.

It's incredibly annoying when your beloved car gets a dent. To solve the problem, TikTok users pour hot water over the dent and then pull it out with a plunger.

Although this trick seems quick and easy on the wallet, it can actually be harmful in the long run.

Experts from leading British automotive group Swansway Motor Group explained: “You could cause irreparable damage to your vehicle, which will undoubtedly lead to higher repair costs later.”

Instead of removing dents yourself, the experts recommend taking the car to a professional repair shop. They continue: “Trying to push out dents with a plunger may seem like a quick and inexpensive solution, but this approach can often do more harm than good. Car surfaces are tough and resilient, and attempting to remove dents yourself with a plunger can lead to unintended consequences.”

A significant risk of the plunger technique is that it can cause additional damage to the paint and structure of the car. The pressure of the plunger can cause the paint to chip or even crack, which would result in additional repair costs.

Additionally, correctly repairing dents in cars usually requires special tools and expertise. Professionals have the necessary training and equipment to assess the damage and ensure the structural integrity of the vehicle is maintained. “The reality is that it's a gamble,” said the experts at Swansway Motor Group.

Mark Trevers, Swansway Motor Group Collision Repair Centre Manager, added: “In the long run, the 'quick fix' with a plunger can prove to be a costly mistake. It's important to make the safety and integrity of your car a top priority by entrusting your dent removal to experts who can tackle the problem properly, ensuring the long-term value and functionality of your vehicle.”

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