Drivers given urgent warning over TikTok button hack that could harm your car | The Sun
DRIVERS have been issued an urgent warning over a TikTok button hack that could harm their cars.
Motors expert Graham Conway urged vehicle owners to avoid the social media tip, as it could do more harm than good.
Graham, who is the Managing Director of Select Car Leasing, reacted with exasperation to a clip of an influencer reprogramming their key fob to give their 20-year-old car keyless ignition.
This involved tinkering under the hood and adding some new parts to the ignition system.
But Graham cautioned that this could see drivers face "costly repairs" if they got it wrong.
He told The Express: "At first glance, this might seem like a cost-effective plan, as getting a new key and having it programmed at a dealership can be quite expensive, potentially costing several hundred pounds.
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"Attempting to reprogramme a key fob without understanding the intricacies of the car's electrical system may lead to unforeseen issues and potentially costly repairs down the line.
"This risk is amplified when the person making the attempt is relying solely on information gleaned from a TikTok video or other online sources."
Graham also highlighted possible safety issues, especially when it comes to fiddling with your vehicle's electrical systems.
Failure to isolate the battery during the work could see you at risk of electrocution resulting in severe injury or even death.
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This is especially the case with older cars, which may have developed undiscovered electrical issues over time.
Instead, he advised that it was always best to have any maintenance or modification work done by professionals with the necessary knowledge and equipment.
However, he did feel that the keyless system could be a "viable option" if done properly.
He concluded: "When in doubt, it is always advisable to seek the expertise of trained professionals who can perform the task safely and correctly, even if it comes at a higher cost.
"Safety and the long-term health of your vehicle should always take precedence over short-term savings."
It comes after an expert mechanic explained why you should never undertake DIY repairs on your car.
Meanwhile, a car dealer shared an easy £10 check that is crucial to buying a second-hand car and could save you thousands.
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