A mechanic's viral TikTok warned drivers to peel the protective film off their car's CarPlay infotainment screen, cautioning that it can "bake on" and ruin the display if left in place, leading to costly repairs. However, Engadget notes this advice isn't universally safe to follow, as infotainment screens vary widely between car manufacturers and models, and some coatings that look like removable shipping film are actually permanent anti-glare or fingerprint-resistant layers.

The article explains that genuine protective films are typically only meant to shield the screen during shipping, and leaving them on long-term risks the adhesive or plastic melting into the display. Third-party replacement screen protectors exist but aren't usually manufacturer-approved and may hinder touchscreen use. As a cautionary example, a Reddit user with a 2019 Mazda 3 stripped what they thought was factory shipping plastic, only to remove the anti-glare coating and leave a patchy mess; the advice is to check for clear removal indicators such as a pull tab or printed warning, and to verify with the manufacturer before peeling anything that seems stubborn or well-integrated.