Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110
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Dirty cars cost cash
While owners of classic cars are known for their TLC, millions of new car and van owners are depreciating the value of their cars by failing to keep them in good condition, a poll has found.
The study, by car care company Autoglym, reveals that motorists and business owners could lose as much as £2,000 when reselling their vehicles, but with a few simple care tips cash strapped car owners and busy fleet managers could save themselves thousands.
More than 90%of people agree that a well maintained and clean car or van will have more value, and yet a quarter admit they don't take pride in their vehicle.
The poll also reveals that less than one in five car owners check their oil the recommended once a week, with a quarter admitting they only do it once a year at best, with similar numbers when it comes to checking water. And it's a well known fact that people take even less care of their company vehicles!
The results have led Autoglym, which creates car care products to protect all areas of a vehicle, including the bodywork, engine, wheels glass, and interior, to campaign for drivers to clean up their act when it comes to cars. Backed by racing driver and Formula One legend, Johnny Herbert, the company has created a short film guide called 'cleaning up Britain's cars' to show how easy it is to look after your car. Of course the information is equally valid for those living in different parts of the world.
"Regardless of market depreciation, a car that is kept in tip-top condition can be worth thousands more than one that is not," argues Johnny Herbert.
"There's simply a lack of care and knowledge when it comes to looking after our vehicles, but with the right products and know how we can all save money in the long run - it's time we all started to take pride in our cars."
Many drivers are also lax on fixing what could be serious mechanical problems, with one in five admitting they continue driving on worn brakes for a couple of weeks or more, a quarter wait a month to check annoying rattles, and more than a third won't immediately investigate warning lights.
Furthermore, over 40% will wait more than three months to repair dents or scratches, while one in 10 admit they just leave them.
One in seven surveyed wash their car or clean the inside once a year at best, one in 10 admit they've never hand washed their vehicle and 60% only wax their car annually.
Autoglym's Chief Executive Paul Caller is urging motorists to maintain their cars more regularly.
"It's surprising to see that the majority of car owners depreciate their own vehicles by not looking after them," he says.
"Simple things like sealing and protecting your paintwork from environmental contaminants such as damaging UV rays will extend the life of your car bodywork and help keep the vehicle's value.
"We've created a video called 'cleaning up Britain's cars' to help motorists learn more about how easy it is to look after a car and hopefully save them money - we hope this will spark car owners into action and will transform Britain's cars from messy motors to valuable vehicles."
The Autoglym 'cleaning up Britain's cars' video is available to view at www.autoglym.com Produced by industry experts, it contains advice on the correct cleaning procedure for all aspects of your car or van allowing you to achieve excellent results, quickly and easily.
Established in 1965, Autoglym developed a reputation for high quality products in the world of automotive care and valeting. The result of nearly 50 years' research and development, Autoglym products combine ease of use, value and reliability with excellent aftersales service. Throughout the world, vehicle manufacturers and distributors, bodyshops, valeting companies, transport operators and consumers are using Autoglym products.
31st July 2014