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Keeping your car clean could be the key to a second date

A new poll has found that a filthy car could be a major turn-off on a first date with nearly half of Brits admitting they would get the 'ick' if their date turned up with a messy car

[Female hand holding the tube of the vacuum cleaner and cleaning the car seat]

A clean car could be the way to someone's heart(Image: Getty Images)

A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that for 45%, an untidy could turn a first date into a last with strong smells, cigarette ash and old food packaging among the biggest turn-offs.

Grimy interiors are also a major red flag, with marked seats, crammed door compartments and coats of pet fur all potential relationship killers. But its not just dirt, novelty add-ons like fluffy dice, car eyelashes and even personalised number plates could put the brakes on a budding romance.

The study commissioned by car care brand Turtle Wax discovered that while 58% consider a filthy vehicle unhygienic, others confessed it would lead them to wonder how their date keeps their house. What's more, over half believe it suggests their date hasn't bothered to make an effort.

[the inscription on a dirty car, wash me]

Having a dirty car is a major turn-off for single Brits(Image: Getty Images)

Love Island winner Casey O'Gorman 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."

How much of an 'ick' is your car? Take the quiz now.

The research also revealed 55% believe it's crucial a potential partner can drive and has access to a motor, while 38% confessed they would be more likely to date someone with a 'nice' car.

It makes a positive first impression for 44%, while 38% reckon it demonstrates someone has got their act together, and a further 37% think it displays pride in their belongings.

However, it's not simply what your motor looks like - according to the survey conducted by OnePoll, your behaviour at the wheel can be equally decisive.

Aggressive speeding (70%), texting while driving (68%) and playing music too loudly (51%) are all major put-offs for Brits.

However, car-based dates are also still popular, with a drive to the coast (52%), a countryside cruise (46%) and a trip to the drive-in cinema (26%) among the top choices.

Steve Millard, from Turtle Wax, which has launched 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 TURN-OFFS:

1. Strong odours (e.g. stale food, smoke, damp).
2. Cigarette ash, ash trays or cigarette ends.
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.

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