- A quarter of UK drivers clean their car at least once a month, according to eBay research, with two thirds (60%) completing the job at home
- More than a third of Brits (36%) judge motorists driving unclean cars, with 40% admitting to being ashamed if their own vehicle is dirty
- Audi owners were found to be the most judgemental (58%) of others’ car cleanliness, followed by BMW (54%) and Mercedes-Benz (51%) owners
- Motorists can find a wide range of car care products on eBay to give their car a spring clean, including 30% off selected products here
London, 9 April, 2025 – New research from eBay, the UK’s number one online marketplace for car parts and accessories, has found the UK is a nation of proud car cleaners but quick to judge the state of other peoples’ motors.
The majority of owners (25%) said they cleaned their car at least once a month, while 13% did so weekly and 12% once a fortnight. Around two thirds (60%) of respondents did the job themselves by cleaning their car at home, with a third (33%) saying they spend up to an hour doing so.
Nearly half (47%) of BMW owners wash their cars at least once a week, making them the most likely to polish their cars to perfection on a regular basis. On the other hand, Vauxhall, Fiat and Renault owners washed their cars the least frequently.
BMW drivers were also the most self-conscious, with 57% admitting they would feel ashamed if someone saw their car was unclean. In contrast, Dacia drivers were the least concerned with the state of their motor, with only 18% caring about other peoples’ perception of their vehicle’s appearance.
Meanwhile, more than a third (36%) of Brits said they’d judge other motorists for driving unclean cars. Audi drivers were the most critical, with 58% admitting they would judge other drivers based on their car’s cleanliness.
The research also found the car owners that wash their cars the most or least. MINI drivers spent the most time washing their cars, averaging 44 minutes. BMW and Audi drivers followed, with averages of 42.6 and 42.2 minutes, respectively.
Of the top accessories that Brits use to clean their cars, sponges were the most frequently used (69%), followed by car shampoo (63%) and a pressure washer (29%). This was reflected in the items people search for on eBay, with pump foam sprayers and portable car washer water pumps among the most popular items.
Worryingly, nearly a quarter (22%) resorted to using washing-up liquid on their car’s exterior, rather than actual car cleaning products. Washing-up liquid contains harsh chemicals that can strip wax and damage paintwork.
Abir Tewari, UK Director of Commercial Operations, Parts & Accessories at eBay, said: “Britain is a nation of passionate car lovers, with many meticulously keeping their motor spick and span. However, our research shows some drivers are using the wrong products, which could be doing more harm than good. Using eBay, motorists can find a comprehensive range of cleaning accessories, from low-cost items for everyday drivers to high-end products for professional detailers.”
Official Autoglym and Demon Tweeks brand stores add to eBay’s collection of cleaning mitts, buffing pads, buckets, waxes, polishes, interior protectants, leather and glass cleaners — helping Brits keep their cars spotless with the right tools. eBay is currently offering 30% off selected car care products up until 31st July, here.
Top five most cleaning conscious owners by car brand
1. BMW – 57%
2. Mercedes – Benz – 56%
3. Toyota – 51%
4. Audi – 49%
5. MINI – 47%
Top five least cleaning conscious owners by car brand
1. Dacia – 18%
2. SEAT – 15%
3. Fiat – 15%
4. Renault – 14%
5. Mazda – 13%
Top five most judgemental owners* by brand:
1. Audi – 58%
2. BMW – 54%
3. Mercedes – Benz – 51%
4. Honda – 47%
5. Toyota – 42%
Top five least judgemental owners* by brand:
1. Citroen – 49%
2. Skoda – 47%
3. Mazda – 45%
4. Volkswagen – 44%
5. Peugeot – 43%