A popular car parking hack – which has been shared on social media – could cause expensive damage to your vehicle, experts have warned – and you should avoid it
Experts are alerting drivers about a motoring hack that’s gaining traction on social media but could have damaging consequences.
Amid the recent heatwave, TikTokers have been suggesting that motorists twist their steering wheels 180 degrees when parking to prevent the section where hands are usually placed from overheating. Online vehicle buying platform iSellmycaronline.com’s car expert Todd Bialazewski highlighted the importance of assessing potential harm posed by such tricks before giving them a go.
He said: “As much as we all love finding new tips and tricks online, it’s important to critically evaluate their safety and long-term impact. We all know that the weather is getting warm now, so naturally our cars will become unbearably hot. But instead of risking damaging your car or your ability to drive safely, the simplest option is to give yourself more time for your journey and let the car cool down first.”
This ‘cool’ tip is spreading like wildfire across platforms including TikTok and Instagram, professing that drivers can escape the scorch of a sizzling steering wheel by simply rotating it while parked, reports the Express. Yet this manoeuvre, known as ‘dry steering’, can accelerate wear on various steering and suspension components, creating more issues than it solves.
Dry steering can also result in tyre damage as they grind against the road surface, causing cracks. To assist drivers in reducing their car’s interior temperature on a hot day without harming components, sellmycaronline.com suggests being mindful of where you park.
Research has shown that cars parked in direct sunlight during 16-degree heat can see internal temperatures rise to 38 degrees within minutes. Therefore, opting for shadier parking spots, such as under trees or in covered car parks, can help maintain a cooler interior temperature.
The firm also recommends investing in accessories like a windscreen cover for those who can’t find shaded parking. Typically made from reflective material, windscreen covers prevent the sun from heating up the vehicle’s interior, ensuring a more stable temperature. Windscreen covers for vehicles are readily available at most automotive retailers, with prices starting around £5. Larger shades covering the entire roof can be found for approximately £50.
