Modern British drivers are increasingly neglecting to wash their cars, with a new report indicating that many are cleaning their vehicles only once every three months. The study, conducted by webuyanycar, highlights a stark departure from traditional Sunday cleaning routines, revealing that one in five Britons now consider their car to be permanently dirty.
The survey found that the average Briton cleans their car just four times a year, despite expert recommendations that suggest cleaning should occur weekly. According to scientists from Queen Mary University London, steering wheels harbour approximately 700 germs, a figure significantly higher than the 80 germs found on a public toilet.
Embarrassment over the state of their vehicles is common, with 21 percent of respondents admitting that they feel self-conscious when friends or family members enter their car. The survey uncovered various forms of neglect, with 44 percent of cars exhibiting muddy exteriors and eight percent having cluttered boots filled with clothes and fast-food wrappers. Additionally, a quarter of respondents reported leaves stuck between the bonnet and windscreen, while 21 percent said their car’s handles and side mirrors were covered in cobwebs.
Other common issues include sweet wrappers in door pockets (13 percent), bird droppings on the exterior (10 percent), and food stains on upholstery (seven percent). Seven percent of respondents even revealed that rubbish accumulation has rendered the passenger side of their car unusable.
The findings come in the wake of new Highway Code laws introduced last year, which impose fines of up to £1,000 for vehicles obstructing vision due to excessive dirt. Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar, commented on the research, noting that while Brits may not prioritise car cleaning, they still experience significant embarrassment over the condition of their vehicles. He added that while his company cannot address the cleanliness issue directly, it can ease the process of selling a car.
Regional differences in cleanliness were also noted, with Yorkshire residents reported to have the dirtiest cars, followed by Kent, Essex, and Hampshire. The study identified various reasons for neglecting car cleaning, including lack of motivation (31 percent), infrequent use (21 percent), and weather conditions (14 percent). Despite these challenges, 87 percent of respondents agree that a clean car is safer and more manageable to drive. Additionally, two-thirds of people admitted to judging others based on their car’s cleanliness and even refusing lifts due to the state of the vehicle.
A desire for new, clean cars is prevalent, with Audis (32 percent), BMWs (25 percent), Land Rovers (24 percent), and Mercedes-Benz (23 percent) emerging as the nation’s top dream vehicles.