We Brits are just clean crazy

WE Brits are very precious when it comes to our motors – so much so that many of us impose strict rules on passengers in a bid to keep that ‘new car’ feeling.

New research from automotive shopping website, CarGurus, found the top regimes imposed by cleancrazy Brits include no eating or drinking in the car (30 per cent), no pets (23 per cent) and six per cent don’t allow young kids in their car in case they make a mess.

Regionally, drivers in Wales appear to be the hottest on car cleanliness, with just under a half banning food and drink in their vehicle (43 per cent), and over a quarter (27 per cent) not allowing pets in their car. Brits living in London are most relaxed on the food and drink rule (24 per cent) and Scots are the most likely to let their pet pals ride shotgun (17 per cent).

However, despite the obsessive rule keeping, and need to retain the ‘new car’ feeling, it appears that on average Brits only clean their cars inside and out every 7 months. The research also revealed that UK drivers only consider their car to feel ‘new’ for just after a year after they bought it – either used or new.

When asked what motivates them to keep their car in good nick, over half of drivers (52 per cent) said so the car lasts longer. But 18 per cent admitted that they judge someone by the state of their car and a further 16 per cent said they keep their car in a good state to make a good impression on others.

Over a fifth (22 per cent) admit to thinking less of someone if they have a messy car, with a further 18 per cent assuming that if someone has a messy car, they must be a messy person.

Says Sarah Welch of CarGurus: “Our research has shown that Brits really do care about their cars and, for many, a car is seen as a reflection of its owner. A car is a huge investment, be it new or used, and so it’s important to keep it in the best possible condition to help retain its value for a future sale.”