A former car salesman has issued a warning to motorists who park under trees. The expert, known as Capturing Cars on TikTok, has revealed that this seemingly harmless act could actually see drivers facing a steep bill. He explained: "Parking your car under a tree in the summer in the shade could cost you thousands of pounds.
"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."
The expert further clarified that seeking shade under a building is fine, but trees can cause specific problems. This is due to the sap produced by trees which can damage cars, not to mention the potential mess caused by birds nesting in the trees.
He continued: "If shade happens to be under a tree rather than under a building, there are many reasons that you may well regret your decision to park there. Birds obviously nest in trees, they sit in trees and inevitably poo, and if your car is underneath, it will land in your car."
His warning isn't about the fact that you have to clean your car though, with the Daily Record noting that he reveals bird poo can actually melt your car paint. He said that in the summertime, bird poo is "more acidic and if you do not clean off your car almost instantly, certainly within a day, it can literally melt the paint work on your car."
Bird droppings aren't the sole culprit when it comes to things that can harm your vehicle - tree resin and insects pose threats as well. Similar to bird waste, tree and insect residue can corrode your paintwork. So, if you're seeking shade, position your car in direct sunlight or beneath a structure for cover - and "let the air conditioner do its thing", concluded the TikToker.
