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Brits poor car maintenance "loses millions"

16:17 Wed 02nd Jun 2010 |

After a hard week of work, many motorists just don't have the time or energy to clean out their car. Although it may seem like a chore, drivers who clean their cars and properly maintain them will see the price of their vehicle stay the same in comparison to those who leave a mess, with their overall value plummeting.

"Vehicle values go down close to £90 million each year because some drivers are just too messy", claim Be Wiser Insurance.

Be Wiser Insurance have commented that a study recently conducted shows that habits such as eating and smoking in a car or van can knock 20 per cent off when it comes to sell.

"Nicotine stains, smoke smells and dog hairs are all undesirable things to potential second hand motor buyers, so keeping your vehicles out of contact with these things will stop the price of your vehicle depreciating."

It may be that some drivers cannot afford to lose this money as they are already paying high car insurance policies.

"Properly maintaining your car can also reduce your car insurance premium, as your insurer will see you are taking active steps to be safe when on the roads." said a Be Wiser Insurance spokesperson.

The company added that 68 per cent of people admitted to eating behind the wheel and over half smoked.

Experts claim that motorists take their vehicles for granted by leaing their cars under-maintained and messy.

"Search online for some great car insurance deals, and if you're keeping your car clean and up-to-scratch then you will find even cheaper deals with lower premiums."

"We do things in our cars that we would never dream of doing in the comfort of our living room".

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