A recent study has revealed that keeping your car clean could be the key to securing a second date, as Brits identify the biggest dating red flags related to vehicles. The research, conducted by car care brand Turtle Wax, surveyed 2,000 adults and found that for 45% of respondents, a messy car could turn a first date into a last. Strong smells, cigarette ash, and old food packaging were among the most significant turn-offs.
Grubby Interiors and Novelty Add-Ons
Grubby interiors also emerged as major dealbreakers, with stained seats, stuffed door pockets, and layers of pet hair likely to end a budding romance. Beyond dirt, novelty add-ons such as fluffy dice, car eyelashes, and personalised number plates could put the brakes on a romantic connection.
First Impressions Matter
The study found that while 58% consider a dirty car unhygienic, others admitted it would make them question how their date maintains their home and personal space. Over half of respondents believe a dirty car suggests their date hasn't made an effort. Love Island winner Casey O'Gorman commented on the findings, saying, "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."
Car Date Etiquette
The research also highlighted that old-school manners still matter, with 59% believing it should be customary to open the car door for a date. Among those, 64% said it shows good manners, and 55% view it as a sign of respect. However, 45% argued that adults can open their own door, and 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%) among the favourites.
Top 20 Car Icks
Steve Millard from Turtle Wax, which has introduced its Car Icks Kit to tackle 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."
- 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
