Motorists behaving badly
It's official - we're a nation of car slobs! That's according to research released today that shows 9 million British motorists treat their cars like a rubbish skip.View the car hall of shame
From smelly sports kits to half-eaten sandwiches, 35% of drivers say they are happy to let the mess build up and only clear it out twice a year.
- A massive 82% of motorists are careless with their music collection, leaving loose CDs and cassettes littering the floor
- One in ten drivers tidy up their car just once a year (8%) and 1% said they'd only clean out their car when they came to sell it!
- Women are more likely to leave empty food packaging in their car than men - 36% compared to 25%
- Men clean out their car more often than women, with 44% tidying up once a month compared to 38% of the female respondents
- Nearly a quarter of men wash their car once a week (24%) compared to only 14% of women
- Women would be more embarrassed to give someone a lift in a messy car - 7% said they would refuse to do it if their car was untidy
To get motorists to smarten up their act, check out some top tips to a tidier car...
1. Don't let the rubbish build up - tidying little and often will keep your car clutter-free so keep some handy bags in the car to empty out rubbish.
2. Dust down the dashboard and door panel with a damp towel - it makes the job easier and lifts off those sticky food and drink stains.
3. Use a cotton bud to remove dust that builds up in the A/C fans. For the cracks in between the controls, use a toothpick and some tissue paper.
4. Baking soda in the ashtray will keep down the odour of cigarettes and extinguish the butts quickly
5. A clean, dry paper towel and white vinegar will remove any dirty build up on the windows. When the glass is dry, polish it with crumpled newspaper as, unlike paper towels, newsprint doesn't leave lint behind and the ink acts as a polish.
6. Avoid washing your car with a hosepipe to save water - use a bucket and sponge instead. A product like Superguard, it repels dirt and means you don't have to wash it as often
7. Sticky tape will pick up most crumbs from your carpet and upholstery and save you having to lug the vacuum cleaner outside!
