The art of parking can be a tricky skill to master for some.

But, according to viral driving instructor Annie Winterburn, more people make mistakes than might be expected. Winterburn has cautioned drivers against committing a common parking faux pas.

In an enlightening TikTok clip, she said: "Stop putting your hazard warning lights on when you're parked somewhere you're not supposed to park, or to say thank you to somebody, or to say hello to somebody. Hazard warning lights should be used to warn people.

"So you can use them if you've broken down and you're causing an obstruction, or if you're driving on a motorway or a dual carriageway, and you can see the traffic ahead of you is slowing down rapidly.

"You can see all the brake lights come on, so you can put your hazard warning lights on for just couple of seconds to warn people behind you. Then they'll put theirs on while you put yours off."

The video quickly caught the attention of viewers, racking up hundreds of views and sparking a variety of comments. Reactions among viewers differed, with one remarking: "I think we are smart enough to know the difference between a thank you and a warning brake with the hazard lights on."

A second chimed in with: "What I hate is someone parked at the side." A third also added: "If I'm double parked I'm putting my hazards on because I'm causing an obstruction."

Meanwhile, a fourth commented: "If parking in the wrong place you are a hazard, so makes sense to me."

When should you use hazard warning lights?

Experts advise that your hazard lights should be used whenever your vehicle is stationary and could pose a risk to other motorists. This includes scenarios such as a breakdown, an emergency stop or being forced to halt due to an obstacle.

Hazard lights serve as a signal to other drivers of your presence and indicate that you're dealing with an emergency situation. It's important not to use hazard lights while being towed unless it's necessary to alert others to a potential danger.

Additionally, leaving hazard lights on while parked is also discouraged.