- TikTok shows hydrophobic windshield spray to replace wipers, but it’s unsafe in rain.
- Experts warn visibility isn’t fully restored; heavy rain, snow, fog remain dangerous.
- UK imposes fines, license suspensions, and possible imprisonment for dangerous driving.
- Insurance may deny coverage if an accident results from such negligence.
A new viral TikTok trend promises to definitively fix windshield wiper problems, but British authorities warn that drivers who adopt this method risk severe fines and even imprisonment. While in Romania such dangerous practices largely go unpunished, other European countries are taking drastic measures against negligent driving.
The viral video, which has gathered over 180,000 views, presents an apparently simple solution to keep the windshield clean without using the wipers. Although it seems tempting, road safety experts warn that this practice can have serious consequences.
What the viral TikTok hack proposes
In a video that went viral on TikTok, an American motorist demonstrates the use of a hydrophobic solution on the windshield to remove water while driving. The method appears to offer some effectiveness in removing water from the driver’s field of view, and at the end of the demonstration the driver enthusiastically declares: “So yeah, without wipers!”
The hydrophobic solution applied to the windshield should, in theory, cause raindrops to bead and slide quickly off the surface, maintaining clear visibility. This technology is not new — similar products have been used in aviation and on the surfaces of ships for years.
Visibility limitations
Experts from the Chill Insurance company analyzed the video and raised the alarm. Although the hydrophobic solution seems to work partially in the TikTok demonstration, visibility remains compromised by precipitation, and a complete abandonment of the wipers creates an extremely dangerous driving situation.
“While the hydrophobic solution may offer some protection, it cannot fully replace the function of the wipers in difficult weather conditions,” explain auto safety specialists.
Risks to road safety
Abandoning the wipers can create a false sense of safety at the wheel. In heavy rain, snow, or fog, the windshield can be compromised rapidly, and the driver can lose all visibility in a few critical seconds.
These situations can lead to:
- Serious accidents due to reduced visibility
- Chain-reaction crashes on highways
- Accidents with injuries at intersections
- Loss of vehicle control
Legal and financial consequences
Implications for auto insurance
Insurance companies may refuse to cover damages if it is proven that the accident was caused by the driver’s negligence. Using this “hack” instead of functional wipers can be considered gross negligence.
If the insurer can demonstrate that the accident occurred due to a dangerous practice knowingly adopted, the driver risks being left with all repair costs and damages.
Sanctions in the United Kingdom versus Romania
In the United Kingdom, the legal system treats dangerous driving with severity. Penalties include:
- Fines ranging from £100 to £2,500
- License suspension for periods between 12 and 36 months
- Imprisonment up to 2 years for dangerous driving
- Imprisonment up to 14 years if there are victims
- Penalty points on the driving license
The situation in Romania
In contrast to the United Kingdom, Romania does not have direct and specific sanctions for adopting unsafe driving practices such as abandoning the wipers. Aggressive drivers or those who engage in risky behaviors are rarely fined, creating a gap in enforcement and potentially encouraging such dangerous practices.
Expert recommendations
Safe alternatives for windshield maintenance
Experts recommend the following safe methods for maintaining optimal visibility:
- Regularly replace wiper blades (every 6-12 months)
- Use high-quality windshield washer fluid suitable for the season
- Regularly clean the windshield with special products
- Check the defrost/anti-ice system before the cold season
- Apply hydrophobic treatments only as a supplement, not a replacement
When to use hydrophobic solutions
Hydrophobic products can be useful as:
- A supplement for wipers, not a replacement
- Additional protection in moderate weather conditions
- Help for visibility at high speeds on highways
- Reduction of wiper usage frequency
Expert conclusion
Although hydrophobic technology can offer certain visibility benefits, it cannot and should not replace the vehicle’s standardized safety systems. Wipers remain an essential safety element, and abandoning them based solely on a viral hack can have serious consequences.
Before adopting any viral trend related to auto safety, drivers should consult specialists and consider all potential risks, not just the apparent benefits shown in short videos.