Consumers Risk Paintwork Damage Costing £1,000s By Using Harmful Household Products On Their Cars

UK motorists are inadvertently inflicting damage on their vehicles that could lead to expensive repairs, by employing a range of unsuitable household and personal cleaning products. A survey initiated by Autoglym, a leading vehicle care brand in the UK, reveals a surprising trend among car owners towards using unconventional items such as scouring pads, scrubbing brushes, caffeine shampoo, laundry detergent, and even floor cleaner for car maintenance. This practice not only strips away protective layers but also risks scratching the paintwork, potentially necessitating resprays costing between £2,000 to £5,000.

The survey highlights that 48% of car owners have used washing-up liquid on their cars' exteriors, a figure that rises to 56% among those aged 55-64. Despite its effectiveness in tackling kitchen grease and food residues, washing-up liquid is detrimental to car bodywork, removing essential protective coatings and exposing the surface to environmental damages. Furthermore, a significant number of respondents admitted to using abrasive materials like 'scrubbing brushes' (12%) and 'scouring pads' (6%), which are likely to cause lasting scratches.

Car Owners Risk Paintwork Damage by Using Harmful Household Products

Laura Fippen, Head of Technical Services at Autoglym, comments on the findings, stressing that none of the household products identified are suitable for car cleaning. She reassures consumers that it is possible to restore their vehicle's protection using products specifically designed for cars. Fippen also suggests preventive measures such as using a specialist car shampoo and protective treatments to make future cleaning tasks less burdensome.

For those looking to correct the misuse of household cleaning products on their vehicles, Autoglym offers solutions like its Ceramic Wash & Protect. This product not only cleans deeply but also leaves a durable layer of protection on the car's surface. Additionally, Autoglym's All Purpose Cleaner and Super Resin Polish are recommended for removing tough dirt deposits and minor paintwork scuffs respectively.

Autoglym products are available for purchase through various outlets including Autoglym’s website, Amazon.co.uk/Autoglym, Halfords both in-store and online, as well as independent car care retailers. Founded in 1965 and based in Letchworth Garden City, North Hertfordshire, Autoglym has grown to become the UK's largest vehicle care brand with a presence in over 45 countries worldwide. The company prides itself on producing high-quality products that cater to both casual users and car care enthusiasts.

For further information about Autoglym and its range of products designed for both consumer and professional use, visit www.autoglym.com.

Article Published On: Thursday, May 9, 2024, 17:36 [IST]
Read more on: #global
Notifications
Settings
Clear Notifications
Notifications
Use the toggle to switch on notifications
  • Block for 8 hours
  • Block for 12 hours
  • Block for 24 hours
  • Don't block
Gender
Select your Gender
  • Male
  • Female
  • Others
Age
Select your Age Range
  • Under 18
  • 18 to 25
  • 26 to 35
  • 36 to 45
  • 45 to 55
  • 55+