Car experts tell drivers to squirt toothpaste on their car to avoid £1,000 fine

Motorists have been encouraged to squirt toothpaste on their car in a bid to dodge an expensive fine for breaking driving laws.

Experts at Vanarama have wanted the bedtime staple may be a vital cleaning tool to protect motorists from falling foul of the law.

The Highway Code makes it clear that road users need to keep their headlights clean at all times. Rule 113 states drivers must ensure they use headlights at night or when visibility is seriously reduced.

A dirty lamp could restrict motorists’ vision of the road ahead which could lead to strict punishments.

But, Vanarama has issued the simple cleaning hack as temperatures drop so motorists can make sure they are not caught out.

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They said: “Yes, your everyday toothpaste can be used on headlights to make them especially clean and get rid of especially stubborn mud and dirt.

“When they start to get foggy, remove all the excess dirt and grime with warm soapy water and a cloth, then apply a small amount of your toothpaste using a (spare) toothbrush and gently rub until you see the dirt disappearing. Once finished, wipe over with your warm soapy water and cloth, and the headlights will be good as new.”

The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 state that having clean headlights is a must.

Regulation 23 reads: “No person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road a vehicle unless every lamp, reflector, rear marking and device [in this list] is in good working order and, in the case of a lamp, clean.”

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Motorists pulled over will likely be issued a simple on-the-spot fine of between £30 and £100. However, this could increase to a four-figure £1,000 sum if the incident is dealt with in court.

Automotive YouTube experts Ideal Media said the tip was inexpensive and would make the lights look “brand spanking new”.

However, host Brad Danger has revealed gritty toothpaste was ideal to get the best result.

He explained: “Did you know with a simple toothbrush and toothpaste you can remove years of wear and tear and grime on your headlights and actually restore them to ‘like new’ condition?

“If you can find a gritty toothpaste that would be best. The abrasiveness of the grit is what really helps scrape away the years of grind.

“Along with that, we will also need some soap and water to clean the headlights, a sponge or mit to do the dirty work, masking tape to mask off the paint from potential scratches, a few soft cloths and some paper towels and finally some car wax.”

Brad said toothpaste can be applied directly onto the glass or rubbed in through a cloth. The paste should then be scrubbed in with a toothbrush until the solution starts turning yellow.

He added: “Overall the scrubbing action should take plus or minus five minutes per headlight or about twice as long as you’re supposed to brush your teeth two times a day.”

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