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A former car salesman has issued a warning to motorists who park beneath trees. Taking to TikTok, the expert, whose channel goes by the name of Capturing Cars, has revealed that choosing this spot could land you with a bill running into thousands.

Explaining his reasoning, he pointed out that drivers who do this may well be seeking shade. However, there's a simpler method to keep your vehicle cool that sidesteps this entirely - and could well avoid a headache, reports the Daily Record.

He said: "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."

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He emphasised that seeking shelter beneath a structure, such as a building, is perfectly acceptable if it offers shade - but it's trees in particular that can trigger problems. This is because trees produce sap which can harm vehicles - and on top of that there are the birds to consider as well.

He explained: "If shade happens to be under a tree rather than under a building, there are many reasons that you've made 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."

Even leaves can prove problematic - particularly during autumn. One TikTok user said in the comments: "I hate parking under a tree, the roof gets covered in leaves."

His caution about bird poo isn't just about washing your car. He said that bird droppings can genuinely dissolve your car's paintwork. He explained that during summer months, bird excrement is "more acidic and if you do not clean off your car almost instantly, certainly within a 24 hours, it can literally melt the paint work on your car."

Then there is tree sap and insects as well. Similar to bird droppings, tree and insect sap can corrode your paintwork. So if you're seeking shade, the motoring specialist said park in direct sunlight or beneath a structure for cover - and "let air conditioner do its thing".