Half of Brits would get the ‘ick’ if their date turned up with a filthy car, research has revealed.
A poll of 2,000 adults found for 45 per cent, a messy motor could turn a first date into a last – with strong smells, cigarette ash and old food packaging among the biggest turn-offs.
Grubby interiors are also a major red flag, with stained seats, stuffed door pockets and layers of pet hair all likely to be a dealbreaker.
But it’s not just dirt, novelty add-ons like fluffy dice, car eyelashes and even personalised number plates could put the brakes on a budding romance.
Around six in 10 (59 per cent) admitted it would make them question how their date keeps their home and personal space, while 58 per cent simply find it unhygienic.
More than half (53 per cent) also believe it suggests their date hasn’t bothered to make an effort for the romantic rendezvous.
The research was commissioned by car care brand Turtle Wax, which has launched a quiz to help drivers find out just how much of an ‘ick’ their own motor might be.
It has also partnered up with Love Island winner Casey O’Gorman, who jokes that his dirty car might be the reason he’s still 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."
The study also found 55 per cent think it’s important a potential partner can drive and has access to a car, but 38 per cent admitted they’d be more inclined to date someone with a ‘nice’ car.
It creates a good first impression for 44 per cent, while 38 per cent believe it signals someone has their life together, and a further 37 per cent reckon it shows pride in their possessions.
But it’s not just what your car looks like, according to the survey carried out by OnePoll, how you behave behind the wheel can be equally make-or-break.
Aggressive speeding (70 per cent), texting while driving (68 per cent) and blasting music too loudly (51 per cent) are all major turn-offs for Brits.
Despite this, old-school manners still matter for 59 per cent as they believe it’s should still be customary to open the car door for a date
Two thirds (64 per cent) of these said it shows good manners and 55 per cent view it as a sign of respect.
Among those who disagree, 45 per cent argued adults can open their own door, while 35 per cent dismissed the gesture as ‘old fashioned’.
It also emerged car-based dates are also still on the cards, with a drive to the coast (52 per cent), a countryside cruise (46 per cent) and a trip to the drive-in cinema (26 per cent) among the favourites.
Steve Millard, from Turtle Wax, which has introduced its Car Icks Kit designed to tackle the most 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.
“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:
1. Strong smells (e.g. stale food, smoke, damp)
2. Cigarette ash, ash trays or cigarette butts
3. Old food wrappers or empty drinks/coffee cups
4. Stained or visibly dirty seats
5. Rubbish stuffed into door pockets or footwells
6. Crumbs in the seats
7. Pet hair on seats
8. Extremely dirty exterior
9. Dusty or sticky surfaces
10. Mud, dirt or debris on the floor
11. Blasting music without asking
12. Loose items rolling around in the boot/ footwells
13. Flat or poorly maintained tyres
14. Grubby steering wheel/gear stick
15. Novelty accessories (e.g. fluffy dice, car eyelashes)
16. Dirty or streaky windows/windscreen
17. Old receipts, papers or parking tickets piling up
18. Scratches, dents or damage that’s been ignored
19. Clothes or coats thrown across the seats
20. Personalised number plates
