Social media is full of tips and tricks that make life easier but the TikTok Hyundai Elantra trend might be doing the opposite for most.
What’s worse than a trick you don’t find useful? One that makes your life a living hell! The TikTok Hyundai Elantra trend also known as the Kia challenge is that one internet trend that you and yours will want to be wary of this summer.
Social media is full of risky dares that range from unconventional to life-threatening. The Hyundai Elantra trend falls somewhere in the middle and will likely make you wish you had never bought certain car models or brands.
So what is the TikTok Hyundai Elantra challenge and why should it concern you?
The TikTok Hyundai Elantra trend, what we know so far
The Kia challenge originates from the streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the year 2021. It started when a group known as the “Kia Boyz” recorded themselves hot-wiring several Hyundai and Kia key ignition-based vehicles. What’s more, is that they would perform these acts with nothing but a USB cord. This series of videos had possibly exposed a previously overlooked defect in these vehicles.
The TikTok Hyundai Elantra trend quickly went viral with many a TikTok user trying it out to determine whether or not it was a hoax. Once it had been certified, more people joined in, and it wasn’t long before the videos attracted the wrong attention. This resulted in a rapid rise in car theft rates across Milwaukee and America as a whole. The primary targets were — you guessed it — Kia and Hyundai Elantra vehicles.
Watch this video to learn more about the trend and how it has caused countrywide panic.
According to The Verge, both car brands later developed mass software updates in an attempt to curb the trend’s negative results
How to avoid falling victim to this trend
The TikTok Hyundai Elantra trend has spurred nothing but chaos since its inception. There have been thefts, damages to life and property, and of course numerous lawsuits, see here. The last thing that anyone would want is for a bunch of reckless teens to take their car out for a joyride and it can be avoided.
While the thefts are aimed mainly at Kia and Hyundai vehicles, the defect doesn’t affect every model. Affected models include any Kia vehicles between 2012 and 2021. Hyundai models between 2015 and 2021 are also vulnerable. So, for starters, you should probably avoid those cars entirely. But if you have already purchased one, don’t worry all hope isn’t lost.
Here are a few ways to secure your car against the theft surrounding the TikTok Hyundai Elantra challenge:
- First, claim your free software update by your vehicle brand. According to them, these should protect you from the famous hack and keep your car safe.
- Get a steering wheel lock. This is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to protect your vehicle because what good is a stolen car that won’t drive?
- This last one is more of a countermeasure than a means of prevention but you should probably get insurance. This provides you with adequate compensation should you get car-jacked!
You can discover even more ways to protect your automobile against theft in the video below.
