Despite the fact that 84% of Canadian drivers eat and
drink in their vehicle, three out of four survey respondents clean
the interior less than once every few months
TORONTO, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Although Canadians
have a reputation for being neat and tidy, focusing on cleanliness
doesn't appear to be a priority when it comes to their cars.
Despite spending an average of five hours per week in a vehicle,
Canadian drivers do not clean them regularly, with 73% of
respondents cleaning their car interiors less than once every few
months according to a survey conducted by Canadian Tire.
When compared to the amount of time spent cleaning the kitchen,
it appears that vehicles are a neglected source of dirt and grime.
Almost half of Canadian drivers surveyed (48.7%) spend five to 10
hours a week preparing or eating a meal in the kitchen and 83% of
respondents clean them regularly (more than once a week). But when
it comes to vehicles, 84% of Canadian drivers eat and drink in
their vehicles, yet one in five (18.7%) don't immediately clean
food and drink spills, leaving them to attract bacteria.
Beyond crumbs and spills, four-legged passengers can also
contribute to a messy vehicle. Twenty-three per cent of
Canadian drivers typically travel with pets, but only 14% of those
that do make an effort to limit dirty paw prints, hair and unwanted
slobber smears by putting them in a travel carrier.
"With spring in the air, Canadian drivers are looking forward to
another season on the open road," said Melissa Honour, category business manager, auto
cleaning and auto body repair, Canadian Tire. "Canadians spend a
lot of time in their vehicles and the dirt and grime of everyday
use can really build up. At Canadian Tire, drivers can now get
their hands on easy-to-use specialty cleaning products that were
previously only available to professional auto detailers."
Despite a climate that lends itself to salt stains, tree sap,
mud, bug splatters and bird droppings, Canadian drivers don't wash
the exterior of their cars nearly as often as one might expect.
Survey results show that only 51% of Canadian drivers wash the
exterior of their cars regularly (more than once a month). What
many drivers don't realize is that long-term exposure to dirt and
grime damages the clear coat on a vehicle. This not only impacts
its appearance but can trigger the occurrence of rust not to
mention decreasing the value of a car.
With the sun shining and weather warming up, now is the time to
get outside and give your car the attention it deserves. Regular
cleaning can extend the life of your vehicle while making it look
its best on the road. Drivers should clean the interior of their
vehicles at least once a week in high use areas such as your
steering wheel and thoroughly wax the exterior twice a year -
spring and fall - to safeguard against the elements. Canadian Tire
offers drivers exclusive and innovative car cleaning products to
help tackle the job including well-known brands such as Simoniz,
Mother's, Meguiar's, Turtle Wax and the full GOclean Waterless Car
Wash line. The professional grade Autoglym detailing product line
offers a range of made-for-Canada
spring car cleaning solutions. For more car cleaning products and
tips, visit canadiantire.ca.
ABOUT CANADIAN TIRE
Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (TSX: CTC.a) (TSX: CTC) is one
of Canada's most-shopped general
retailers and the country's largest sporting goods retailer, with
more than 1,700 retail and gasoline outlets from coast-to-coast.
Our primary retail business categories - Automotive, Living,
Fixing, Sports, Playing and Apparel - are supported and
strengthened by our Financial Services division, which offers such
products and services as Canadian Tire Home Services, credit cards,
retail deposits, in-store financing, product warranties, and
insurance. Nearly 68,000 people are employed across the Canadian
Tire enterprise, which was founded in 1922 and remains one of
Canada's most recognized and
trusted brands.
ABOUT THE SURVEY
From March 30th to April 2nd, 2012 an
online survey was conducted among 1,003 randomly selected Canadian
adults that drive a car or truck that they own or lease and who are
Angus Reid Forum panelists. The margin of error—which measures
sampling variability—is +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. The results
have been statistically weighted according to age, gender and
region to ensure a sample representative. Discrepancies in or
between totals are due to rounding.
SOURCE CANADIAN TIRE CORPORATION, LIMITED
Image with caption: "Infographic. Coffee rings, pet hair and
bird droppings: These are just some of sloppy surprises our
vehicles have in store for us. What mess is hiding in your
backseat? (CNW Group/CANADIAN TIRE CORPORATION, LIMITED)". Image
available at:
http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120418_C6844_PHOTO_EN_12479.jpg
