95% of car owners only wash their car twice a year or less

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95% of car owners only wash their car twice a year or less

A recent survey carried out by Car Leasing unveiled that an astounding 95% of car owners wash their cars only twice a year or less.

Years ago, car washing was part of almost every adult’s weekend routine. But now, our beloved vehicles are lucky if they see a bucket and sponge more than twice a year. In July, Car Leasing surveyed 2,365 car owners across the UK and discovered that a shocking 69% only wash their vehicles twice a year and 26% once a year.

How frequent car owners wash their car:

Once a year – 26%
Twice a year – 69%
4 times a year – 3.5%
Every month – 1.5%

The task of handwashing our own vehicles is becoming something of the past. While the older generations are saddened to see this phase out, the younger generations just aren’t bothered anymore.

The surge in popularity of hand car washes may be one of the reasons people are opting not to wash their cars. It is estimated that there are approximately 20,000 in the UK and for £5, you can save yourself the hassle of purchasing the necessary equipment and liquids to do it yourself. For many, paying the £5 each time for someone else to do the job is far more appealing.

We asked a couple of survey respondents to share their reasonings:

Rebecca Parkinsons, 34 from Kent: “I just simply don’t have the time. I have a family to look after, and with everyone’s day-to-day tasks and weekend activities it’s not at the top of my priority list. Besides, it would just get dirty after each football run so what’s the point!”

Charles Townsend, 76 from Manchester: “My car is my pride and joy, she’s a classic beauty. I try my best to wash her biweekly, but with my age catching up on me that’s sometimes not possible. However, I can’t let her go a month without a wash, if I can’t do it, I’ll pay somebody else. I would never trust those machines, not with my E-Type.”

Julian Pearson, Car Leasing Director shared his thoughts: “Unfortunately we’ve changed. Nobody spends the amount of time with their cars that they used to, the younger generations aren’t up for earning a bit of extra pocket money and there are now easier alternatives such as the automated car washes and hand wash services often found in large car parks, supermarkets and garden centres.”

Julian added “It’s a shame really, such a fun, relaxing and rewarding activity is now becoming obsolete.”