Drivers are ditching car washes and cleaning motors themselves to save money
DRIVERS have ditched car washes and are cleaning their vehicles themselves to save cash.
A poll has revealed Brits have stopped using professional car wash services amid cost of living crisis.
The study commissioned by eBay UK found 18 per cent have ditched car washes in the last year.
The poll gathered 2,000 motorists and revealed why drivers have decided to become cleaning experts.
Most of those who choose to stop using professional cleaning services claimed their biggest motivator is to save money.
But for others is not all down to their savings as 28 per cent spend hours on the task because they think they'll do a better job than a professional cleaner.
With 18 per cent claiming to enjoy the task and only nine per cent having a lack of trust in others to do the job.
And 27 per cent claim they clean their car as well as – if not better than – ‘most’ professional car washers.
But 14 per cent admitted to never do the task and a 28 per cent of all drivers claimed to clean the exterior of their cars once a month or more.
Spokesperson for eBay UK, Laura Richards, said: “Consumers are increasingly taking things into their own hands as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.
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“And the study suggests this extends to keeping their vehicles spotless as they look for ways to save money.
“But it’s not just about making their money go further - for a significant number of those polled it appears to be a passion.”
However, motorists decide to wash their cars differently - with 23 per cent only using hot water and soap followed by a hose down.
While 17 per cent take it to the next level and spend in specialist products and waxes.
The results, published via OnePoll, also found more than half of people think it is important to them to drive a dirt-free car.
With 29 per cent, going as far as to keep the inside of the vehicle sparkling clean every month - spending more than 19 hours per year in doing so.
When asked about the quality of their car cleaning and washing, 54 per cent describe their standard as ‘good.’
However most of people agree that the task is challenging - with 75 per cent finding it arduous.
The most testing tasks are avoiding streaks, followed by cleaning the wheel trims, and vacuuming the car interior.
Laura Richards added: “While many professional cleaning services do a great job, doing it yourself is an easy way to save money and ensure the job is done to your satisfaction.
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“But dirt can be stubborn so it’s important to have the right tools and cleaning products for the task at end.”
It comes as another poll revealed the features most wanted by Brits in a handy guide to help people hoping to sell their own used motors.
