A dirty car is a major red flag for single Brits, new research has shown. A survey of 2,000 adults discovered that for 45%, a messy vehicle could transform a first date into a final one – with unpleasant odours, cigarette ash and old food wrappers amongst the biggest turn-offs.
Grimy Interiors and Novelty Accessories
Grimy interiors are also a significant red flag, with stained seats, crammed door pockets and layers of pet fur all likely to be dealbreakers. But it's not just grime – novelty accessories like fluffy dice, car eyelashes and even personalised number plates could halt a blossoming romance in its tracks.
The study commissioned by car care brand Turtle Wax revealed that while 58% consider a dirty car unhygienic, others confessed it would make them wonder how their date maintains their home and personal space. What's more, over half reckon it indicates their date hasn't made any effort.
Love Island Winner Weighs In
Love Island winner Casey O'Gorman jokes that his dirty car might explain why he's still single. He 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. 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."
Importance of a Car in Dating
The research also revealed that 55% consider it important for a potential partner to drive and have access to a car, while 38% admitted they'd be more likely to date someone with a 'nice' car. For 44%, it creates a strong first impression, while 38% feel it suggests someone has their life together, and a further 37% believe it demonstrates pride in their belongings.
However, it's not solely about appearances, according to the survey conducted by OnePoll - your behaviour behind the wheel can be equally decisive. Aggressive speeding (70%), texting while driving (68%) and blasting music too loudly (51%) are all major turn-offs for Brits.
Traditional Manners Still Matter
Despite this, traditional manners still count for 59%, who feel it should remain customary to open the car door for a date. Two thirds (64%) of these said it shows good manners and 55% view it as a sign of respect. Amongst those who disagree, 45% argued adults can open their own door, while 35% dismissed the gesture as 'old fashioned'.
Car-based dates remain popular, with a drive to the coast (52%), a countryside cruise (46%) and a trip to the drive-in cinema (26%) featuring amongst the top choices.
Expert Advice
Steve Millard, from Turtle Wax, which has introduced its Car Icks Kit designed to tackle the most common turn-offs, added: "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
