It has long been a popular trend to find ways of personalising your own car. Many go for their favourite air freshener or other forms of interior decor. Meanwhile, a wave of videos on TikTok have been increasing in popularity, displaying a variety of creative ways to add your own personal touch to your vehicle.
Despite this, experts at insurance broker ChoiceQuote have warned that some viral driving accessories could not only land you in a heap of trouble, but could also make you a more dangerous driver in some cases.
Phil Leese, a specialist motor trading manager, said: “Adding car accessories to your vehicle is a great way to not only personalise your car to your own style but it can add extra convenience and storage. Some of these car accessories that have gained popularity on TikTok may not be worth the investment as they could lead to distracted driving which could result in penalty points, fines and invalidating insurance.
“Drivers should be cautious when adding accessories to their vehicles as they might not be as safe and aid the driving experience as they thought. If you are unsure if a car accessory is distracting it is best to avoid adding the accessory altogether.”
Below are some standout examples that ChoiceQuote has warned of accessorising your car with.
Light up window decorations
A TikTok creator has gone viral, racking up an eye-watering 25.2 million views and 3.8 million likes for a clip showing the installation of a light-up window decoration in her car’s quarter window. Commenters on TikTok were quick to point out the potential hazard, with one user noting “now you can’t see your blind spot”.
Quarter windows, often found in older vehicles, are crucial for driver visibility. Despite the temptation to jazz up cars with such light displays, insurance experts at ChoiceQuote strongly recommend against it, warning that while it may add a personal touch, it poses a significant safety risk and could distract other drivers, potentially causing accidents.
Fluffy steering wheel covers
Adding a cover to your steering wheel is a simple way for drivers to personalise their vehicles. However, ChoiceQuote warns drivers against overly fluffy and stylised steering wheel covers that lack supportive grip.
While these covers can add style and comfort to your car, the fluffy material could compromise your control of the wheel, potentially leading to safety issues. The Highway Code stipulates that losing control of your vehicle due to a slippery grip could be classified as dangerous driving, resulting in up to 11 points on your licence. Therefore, when selecting a steering wheel cover, you should choose one that offers a suitable amount of grip.
Footwell car LED lights
LED lights have become a popular way to add ambiance to homes and now vehicles. Adding these lights can give your vehicle a luxurious feel, inject some fun and allow you to express your personality while driving, impressing passengers in the process.
While generally safe if placed in non-distracting areas like the footwell or under seats, drivers should be aware of the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989. These state that LED lights must not dazzle or distract other drivers. Red LEDs are only permitted at the rear of your car, white lights at the front and blue lights are exclusively for emergency vehicles.
Drivers must also ensure their LED lights meet MOT test requirements and may need approval from their insurance provider for safety reasons. Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to penalties, fines and even vehicle confiscation in extreme cases.