When it comes to relationships, seven in 10 believe having a dirty car is a turn-off, according to new research.
A poll of 2,000 American drivers discovered that over half (51%) would go so far as to end a first date early if their date showed up in a dirty car.
In fact, having a messy car is such a massive turn-off that 23% have even ended a relationship with someone because of their filthy vehicle.
The study, conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Meguiar’s, aimed to discover how people feel about their dirty cars and uncovered nearly half (49%) of respondents admit to having a messy car.
Whether it’s old food wrappers, dirty blankets or expired drinks, 68% of those with messy cars are completely embarrassed to have people in their car, given its filth.
Yet 45% said containing the mess in their cars is overwhelming.
Nearly a quarter (24%) said they avoid cleaning their cars because they know it’ll just get messy again shortly thereafter.
Forty-one percent don’t think it’s all that important to have a tidy car while a further one in five don’t even know where to begin when it comes to cleaning their cars.
And another 24% would much rather clean their toilet than have to tidy up their car.
Results revealed 62% of those surveyed would rather have a dirty car than a dirty home.
When asked about the junk found in people’s cars, three in 10 revealed their cars are filled with crumbs while a further 28% said they have empty bottles taking up way too much space in their cars.
Three in five respondents said their cars are filled with stuff they need to pursue their passions.
“As a brand that’s all about reflecting your passion, we understand that people have a myriad of passions and, sometimes, it’s those passions that can lend themselves to having a messy car,” said a spokesperson for Meguiar’s. “In fact, while some people may not normally be passionate about maintaining a clean car, if they are looking to feel more productive, have a healthier love life or be happier overall, a nice cleaning could significantly benefit them in the long run.”
A majority of Americans believe their entire life would be better off if they had tidier vehicles. Seventy-eight percent said a clean car makes them feel like they have their life more together.
Results revealed there is actually a connection between your car’s tidiness and how productive people are (or can be). In fact, two in three said they are more productive when they have a clean car.
“Just like a clean house or a tidy office space, a clean car often comes with a variety of benefits,” added the spokesperson for Meguiar’s. “By taking the time to maintain a clean car, people reveal their life has positively benefited as a result of their commitment to car tidiness.”
TOP 5 THINGS AMERICANS WOULD RATHER CLEAN THAN THEIR CARS
1. Dishes 36%
2. Dusty shelves 29%
3. Kitchen sink 27%
4. Toilet 24%
5. Bathtub 24%
TOP 5 DIRTIEST PARTS OF A CAR
1. Floor 41%
2. Backseat 30%
3. Cup holders 27%
4. Dashboard 22%
5. Trunk 22%
TOP 5 THINGS IN AMERICANS’ CARS
1. Crumbs 30%
2. Empty bottles 28%
3. Food wrappers 25%
4. Old magazines 24%
5. A blanket 23%