A new survey of 2,000 adults has shown that a dirty car could be a major turn-off for potential partners, with 45% of Brits admitting an untidy vehicle could turn a first date into a last
Keeping your car clean could be the answer to a second date(Image: Getty Images)
Half of Brits would get the ‘ick’ if their date turned up with a filthy car, research has revealed. A poll of 2,000 adults found for 45%, a messy car could turn a first date into a last – with strong smells, cigarette ash and old food packaging among the biggest turn-offs.
Grubby interiors are also a major red flag, with stained seats, stuffed door pockets and layers of pet hair all likely to be a dealbreaker. But it’s not just dirt, novelty add-ons like fluffy dice, car eyelashes and even personalised number plates could put the brakes on a budding romance.
The research commissioned by car care brand Turtle Wax revealed that while 58% regard a filthy vehicle as unhygienic, others acknowledged it would prompt them to question how their date maintains their home. Furthermore, over half believe it indicates their date hasn’t made an effort.
Love Island winner Casey O’Gorman jokes that his messy car might explain why he remains single.
Casey said: “As someone who’s spent plenty of time talking about dating and relationships, I couldn’t believe a dirty car was such a big turn-off for so many people.”, reports the Daily Star.
“But when you think about it, it makes sense – if you’re picking someone up for a date, your car is one of the first impressions they get of you.
“Nobody wants to sit surrounded by old wrappers, strange smells and clutter, so keeping your car clean is an easy win. It doesn’t take much effort, but it could make all the difference between getting a second date or getting the ick.”
How much of an ‘ick’ is your car? Take the quiz now.
The study also found 55% consider it essential a prospective partner can drive and has access to a vehicle, while 38% admitted they would be more inclined to date somebody with a ‘nice’ car.
It creates a favourable first impression for 44%, while 38% believe it shows someone has their life in order, and a further 37% think it reflects pride in their possessions.
Nevertheless, it’s not just what your vehicle looks like – according to the poll carried out by OnePoll, your conduct behind the wheel can be equally important.
Aggressive speeding (70%), texting while driving (68%) and playing music too loudly (51%) are all significant turn-offs for Britons.
Yet, car-based dates remain popular, with a drive to the coast (52%), a countryside cruise (46%) and a visit to the drive-in cinema (26%) amongst the leading preferences.
Steve Millard, from Turtle Wax, which has introduced its Car Icks Kit created to address the most common turn-offs, said: “First dates are all about putting your best foot forward, and your car is often part of that first impression.
“No one would turn up to a date in stained clothes or looking unkempt – and the same should apply to your car.
“It’s an extension of you, and people will naturally make judgments based on what they see and experience.
“Ultimately, something as simple as tidying your car could help avoid an early ‘dealbreaker’ moment and give romance a better chance to flourish.”
TOP 20 CAR ICKS:
- Strong smells (e.g. stale food, smoke, damp).
- Cigarette ash, ash trays or cigarette butts.
- Old food wrappers or empty drinks/coffee cups.
- Stained or visibly dirty seats.
- Rubbish stuffed into door pockets or footwells.
- Crumbs in the seats.
- Pet hair on seats.
- Extremely dirty exterior.
- Dusty or sticky surfaces.
- Mud, dirt or debris on the floor.
- Blasting music without asking.
- Loose items rolling around in the boot/ footwells.
- Flat or poorly maintained tyres.
- Grubby steering wheel/gear stick.
- Novelty accessories (e.g. fluffy dice, car eyelashes).
- Dirty or streaky windows/windscreen.
- Old receipts, papers or parking tickets piling up.
- Scratches, dents or damage that’s been ignored.
- Clothes or coats thrown across the seats.
- Personalised number plates.
