Motorists are being cautioned against parking under trees this summer, as a former car salesman warns it could lead to costly repairs. The expert, known on TikTok as Capturing Cars, says seeking shade beneath trees can result in bills running into thousands of pounds.
He advises drivers to park in direct sunlight instead and use air conditioning to cool the vehicle. 'If you're attempting to park your car under the tree to keep your car cool, you are far better off coming back to your car - having parked in the sun - and then simply opening a window and letting the air-conditioning do its job,' he explained.
The main risks include tree sap, bird droppings, and insects, all of which can damage paintwork. Bird droppings are particularly harmful in summer, as they are more acidic and can 'literally melt the paint work on your car' if not cleaned off within 24 hours.
Leaves and sap also pose problems. One TikTok user commented: 'I hate parking under a tree, the roof gets covered in leaves.' The expert recommends parking under a building for shade if possible, or simply in the sun, to avoid these issues.
