10 May Four viral car decorations that could land you 9 penalty points
58.6M views where users are making the car interior more aesthetically pleasing by buying ‘decorations’ for your motor, from rear-view mirror accessories to stocking beauty products in your car.
Car experts at Leasing Options have found that #decoratemycar can come with some hefty consequences from MOT failures to 9 penalty points on your license.
1. Avoid hanging large rear-view mirror accessories
Some rear-view accessories could lead to you failing your MOT Leasing Options have found, as it can be deemed as a distraction and obstruction of view for the driver of the vehicle and could land you an unlimited fine and up to 9 points on your license.
Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer, at Leasing Options said, “It’s a legal requirement for a driver to have a full view of the road at all times – and that includes your rear-view mirror. In some posts online, drivers are hanging large air fresheners or other decorations from their rear-view mirrors which could block your view of the road behind when driving. This gives mechanics full cause to give you an advisory of removing said decorations or your car could fail its MOT.”
2. Experts warn against decorating your dashboard with diamante gemstones
Although diamante gemstones can provide a bit of glitz and glam to your car interior, some fans of the trend are even sticking gemstones onto steering wheels, air vents and across their dashboards.
However, Leasing Options warn this could be deemed as ‘careless and inconsiderate driving’ according to The Highway Code, as it is distracting not only to the driver of the vehicle but also to other motorists on the road. This is particularly prominent during the summer months as the sunlight can catch the gemstones and reflect the light distracting drivers.
Mike Thompson added, “If you are stopped for ‘careless and inconsiderate driving’, according to The Highway Code, you could be faced with an unlimited fine and/or a discretionary disqualification and 3-9 points on your license.
“Additionally if you’re tempted to decorate your car interior with any kind of stick-on decoration be warned that these tend to have cheap adhesive on them which can damage the material of your dashboard and leave a residue when removed.
“If you are leasing a car, it should be noted that damaging a lease car can result in costly charges if it isn’t repaired before it’s returned to your vehicle provider. If you’re unsure if you’re likely to be charged, call your leasing provider to see if they’d class this as damage.
“To effectively remove the leftover residue, dab the area with a cloth damp with warm soapy water for a few minutes. This will give the solution time to soak into the adhesive, then wipe it clean with a cloth. If warm soapy water doesn’t work repeat the process with white vinegar.
“Avoid using harsh materials such as a metal scrubber as you may further damage your car interior. If the problem persists, take it to a professional car valet service.”
3. Stop storing hand sanitiser and suncream in your car
Another car trend is storing liquid essentials, so you have everything you would ever need on the road. However, Leasing Options are warning that keeping copious amounts of products in the car in the summer could lead to them becoming less effective.
The TikToks include drivers storing hand sanitiser, sun cream, beauty wipes and other essentials in the car. However, long-term heat and sunlight exposure can break down the active ingredients, like the alcohol content in traditional hand sanitisers – so it’s possible that the alcohol won’t kill germs as effectively.
Thompson says, “Despite temperatures outside the car being 24C are lower, the inside temperature of your car can be much higher – in some cases even 40C. The best place to store hand sanitiser and sun cream is in a cool dark place and away from heat, so a glove compartment may be your best bet – but not during sunny warmer months!”
4. Remove any steering wheel covers
Another car accessory which has seen an increase in interest on TikTok is steering wheel covers, particularly with users purchasing fluffy covers.
Mike explains, “Motorists should avoid buying steering wheel covers that can impact the grip and handling of their car.
“If you lose control of your steering wheel due to lack of grip from the cover, you could be fined for dangerous driving in association with The Highway Code. Punishment could lead to up to 11 points on your license being added. If you’re keen to try a steering wheel cover, opt for one from trusted retailers or your car’s manufacturer.”
