Embarrassed car owners reveal ‘dirty’ habits
More than half of Brits are ashamed of their car’s cleanliness while Tesla owners are least likely to give you a rideA new study has uncovered some of the dirty truths behind driving habits in the UK, with more than half of respondents saying they’re embarrassed by the ‘unclean’ state of their vehicle.
The latest research found 60 per cent of car owners are embarrassed by how dirty they allow their cars to get, and around a quarter of respondents even confessed to refusing to give a friend a lift, because of the embarrassing state of their car.
The British data also singled out Tesla drivers, saying the group of electric vehicle owners are among those most ashamed of their vehicle hygiene and therefore unlikely to offer up rides to friends.
But BMW drivers were labelled the most embarrassed, with four in five BMW owners said to be the most ashamed of the mess in their vehicles, closely followed by Tesla and Volkswagen drivers.
Tesla drivers topped the list for those least likely to give their mates a lift due to the state of their ride, with Honda drivers in second place.
According to the findings collected by Scrap Car Comparison, ‘new drivers aged 18-24 are most likely to go red-faced due to the state of their car’, with 78 per cent admitting to not keeping on top of their vehicle’s cleanliness.
It also serves as a reminder to car owners to keep on top of basic cleaning tasks, with an earlier study by the same group revealing the horrifying bacteria that could be lurking within your car.
Having a dirty vehicle could cost you more than the friends you left behind too, according to the UK firm, which says if dirt, including bird droppings, is left on paintwork for prolonged periods, it could cause the finish to break down, which can lead to erosion and an increased risk of rust forming.
David Kottaun from Scrap Car Comparison says though some people may joke among friends about the state of their car, it’s clear that it is a matter that hits a nerve and causes embarrassment for many, despite attempts to laugh it off.
“It’s important for any car owner to properly care for their vehicle, including keeping it clean, to ensure it has a long life on the roads and doesn’t become a risk either to themselves or someone else,” said Kottaun.
“For anyone that thinks their car is a bit on the grubby side - think about how often you clean the inside of your house and try to apply the same thought process to your car, especially if you tend to drive it every day. You’ll probably be horrified that you haven’t cleaned it sooner!”
What can you do?
- Keep your vehicle clean – inside and out with our top tips
- Schedule regular tidy-ups and keep rubbish bags in your car
- Take coffee cups, food packaging, and snacks with you when you leave
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