Discover the growing trend of UK motorists ditching car washing services and taking matters into their own hands.
According to research, 18% of surveyed drivers have abandoned professional car washes in the past year. The main motivation behind this switch? Saving money! A whopping 67% of respondents made the decision to wash their own cars to cut costs. In fact, some drivers are going to extremes by admitting they never wash their vehicles, accounting for 14% of those surveyed.
Research shows, which involved 2,000 UK motorists, uncovered some interesting insights. It turns out that 28% of respondents clean the exterior of their cars at least once a month, spending an estimated 25 hours and 40 minutes each year on this task. But it doesn't stop there. A remarkable 17% of individuals go all out, using specialized car cleaning products and waxes to achieve a pristine finish. This trend is backed up by a 20% increase in demand for wash, wax, and cleaning kits compared to last year.
While tactics for cleaning cars may vary, 23% of respondents opt for hot water and washing-up liquid, followed by a quick rinse with a hose. However, using this cost-saving method may actually cause long-term damage to the paintwork.
Those using washing up liquid to clean their car's exterior should understand that it will contain a grease-removing agent which removes the wax and could make a real mess of the bodywork. The AA advises car owners invest in a properly formulated car shampoo, which not only looks after your paintwork but also provides a superior finish. With countless options to choose from, you can easily find a budget-friendly solution. Finish off with a wax or polish for a sparkling, professional-grade result at home.
It's not just exteriors that motorists are keen to clean. A significant 29% of respondents also spruce up the interior of their vehicles at least once a month. This amounts to an estimated 19 hours and 48 minutes devoted to making sure their car's interior is spotless. eBay sales data reflects this trend, showing an impressive 83% year-over-year increase in sales of car vacuums compared to last year.
The surge in motorists taking charge of their own car cleaning isn't solely driven by the cost of living. The research reveals that 28% of respondents choose to clean their own cars because they trust their own abilities to do a good job. Additionally, 18% simply enjoy the process, while 9% admit they don't trust anyone else to do it for them.
When it comes to self-assessment of car cleaning skills, over half of the respondents (54%) rate their abilities as "good."
Not only is cleaning your own car more cost-efficient, but it can also be incredibly gratifying!
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