A poll of 2,000 drivers found 35 percent admit to treating their vehicle ‘like a baby’, with some banning the slamming of doors and muddy clothes and shoes
A survey of 2,000 motorists has revealed that two out of five impose strict rules on their passengers, including no smoking, littering or placing feet on the dashboard. A third of drivers treat their vehicle ‘like a baby’, stopping passengers from slamming doors or wearing muddy clothes or shoes.
Some drivers have even banned fast food in their cars, while others forbid any food at all. There are also those who won’t allow passengers to open fizzy drinks while the car is in motion. Those who treat their car ‘like a baby’ want their car to look immaculate every time they pull out of their driveway.
This research was commissioned by Turtle Wax as part of its ‘You Are How You Car’ campaign, which wants to emphasise how the way you treat your car reflects how you present yourself to the world.
Matthew Chapman, director of global portfolio for the car care company, commented: “For many people, a car is so much more than just a way to get from A to B – it’s a passion, a project and a point of pride.
“Whether it’s keeping the paintwork pristine, upgrading the tech or splashing out on premium fuel, the emotional connection we have with our vehicles often drives us to spend far more than we realise.”
When their vehicle is sparkling clean, drivers say they feel more relaxed and even proud, with one in ten saying it improves their confidence. Four out of ten people confess that cleaning their car serves as a form of stress relief or therapy.
Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings said: “If we like to look our best when socialising for example – or even just a trip to the shops – then the chances are, it’s the same for people who present their car with an equal level of high standards.”
“It’s also about impression management,” she added. “A pristine car says something about the way that we live and what we’d like others to think about us. It speaks of efficiency, organisation, enjoyment and self-respect.”
Matthew Chapman added: “Whether it’s paying extra for ceramic coating, refusing to eat or drink in the car, or insisting that passengers ‘mind the doors’, these little rituals all add up to a clear message: this car matters as it is a reflection of me.”
WHAT YOUR CAR SAYS ABOUT YOU ACCORDING TO JO HEMMINGS:
A Pristine Interior – a need for control and calm
If your car is spotless inside – no crumbs, no clutter, even the dashboard gleams – it often signals someone who yearns for control, order and mental clarity. You’ll likely find a clean environment calming and use that to deal with external stress. It can also indicate conscientiousness and pride in personal standards.
Firm Passenger Rules – strong boundaries and assertive
If you ask people to clean their shoes, ban food and drink and are strict about no door slamming for example, you are likely to be assertive, self-aware and value respect for your space. You take ownership of your environment, whether that’s your home, your workspace or your car.
A Messy Car Interior – a creative, free-spirited mindset
If your car is chaotic and you’re totally fine with that, it suggests a personality that leans toward spontaneity, creativity and maybe a disorganised approach to life. You often value experiences over aesthetics and may prioritise emotional connection over outward appearances.
A Gleaming Exterior – image-conscious and socially aware
If your car is always washed and waxed with spotless windows, you’re likely to be image-conscious and attentive to how you’re perceived. You value first (and subsequent) impressions and see your car as an extension of your personal identity. You may also have a competitive or status-aware streak.
No Rules at All – easy-going, possibly reckless
If your passengers can eat, drink, play loud music and travel in muddy clothes, you probably prioritise comfort and connection over control. You might be open and flexible, but there’s a chance that your slapdash approach might spill over into carelessness.