Love Island winner Casey O'Gorman has warned that a dirty car could cost you a second date, as a new survey reveals that 45% of Brits would end a first date over an untidy vehicle.
Survey Reveals Major Turn-Offs
A poll of 2,000 adults found that strong smells, cigarette ash, and old food packaging are among the biggest turn-offs. Grubby interiors, including stained seats, stuffed door pockets, and layers of pet hair, are also major red flags. Novelty items like fluffy dice, car eyelashes, and personalised number plates could also put the brakes on a budding romance.
First Impressions Matter
The research, commissioned by car care brand Turtle Wax, found that 58% regard a filthy vehicle as unhygienic, while others question how their date maintains their home. Over half believe it indicates a lack of effort. Casey O'Gorman joked 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. 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."
Driving Habits Also Key
The study found that 55% consider it essential that a prospective partner can drive and has access to a vehicle, while 38% would be more inclined to date someone with a 'nice' car. A clean car creates a favourable first impression for 44%, and 38% believe it shows someone has their life in order. However, driving habits are equally important: aggressive speeding (70%), texting while driving (68%), and playing music too loudly (51%) are significant turn-offs.
Popular Car-Based Dates
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%) among the top preferences.
Steve Millard from Turtle Wax, which has introduced its Car Icks Kit to address 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, ashtrays, 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
