Car attachment and care: what drivers really think
When a vehicle feels essential, owners willingly devote time and effort to its upkeep. A recent study commissioned by a well-known German service company surveyed car owners to understand just how central a car is to daily life and identity. The goal was simple: to measure how much value people place on their wheels and how that value translates into everyday actions and attitudes. The survey captures a snapshot of private car culture and how ownership extends beyond mere transportation into personal expression and routine habits. The findings offer a useful lens on consumer behavior that resonates with drivers in North America as well, where vehicles often serve as more than machines — they’re companions, status symbols, and practical tools rolled into one. (Cited: Statista and Vergölst collaboration)
The heart of the research focused on whether German drivers consider their car a part of themselves or simply a tool for getting around. The way people describe their vehicles revealed a strong sense of identity and ownership. The results showed that a notable portion of respondents named their car, sometimes with affectionate or humorous monikers. Names like a child or a friend would receive praise, and nicknames—whether endearing or teasing—emerged as a reflection of the emotional bond between driver and car. The openness of the responses highlighted a broader cultural pattern: vehicles are valued as more than objects; they are extensions of personality and daily life. This behavior aligns with what many families and individuals in North America observe in their own garages and driveways, where a car can symbolize freedom, reliability, and personal taste.
Car decoration — to decorate or not?
Opinions on decorating the car leaned strongly toward yes. The study showed that a majority of owners enjoy adding personal touches to their rides. Practical additions like unique floor mats appeal to practicality and style, while sun protection for the rear window adds comfort and utility on sunny days. Small interior fragrances, chosen for their scent and ambiance, appealed to 15% of respondents, and other decorative items—ranging from colorful accents to bespoke accessories—were also popular. In total, 68% of participants reported using some form of decorative element inside their car. Small talismans and personal charms, such as guardian angels or other symbolic pendants, also appeared as common accessories. These choices reflect a broader human tendency to customize spaces for mood, identity, and a sense of calm while on the road. For drivers in North America, this trend mirrors how many personalize their vehicles to reflect taste and personality, from seat covers to dashboard gadgets and scent choices that make a commute feel less like a chore and more like a personal retreat.
Decoration isn’t simply about aesthetics; it’s about creating a familiar, comforting environment. Personal touches can transform the driving experience, making daily routines feel more predictable and pleasant. That sentiment resonates with many motorists who treat their car as an extension of their home on wheels, prioritizing a space that feels right rather than merely functional.
How often do owners wash their cars?
Cleaning frequency varied, revealing different relationships with upkeep and time management. A substantial portion, 43%, said they wash their car several times a year, balancing effort with other responsibilities. Another 25% reported monthly visits to car washes, preferring professional care for a polished appearance. About 6% maintained a weekly washing habit, treating the car with regular, consistent attention. On the other end, 12% admitted to no cleaning at all, while 9% washed the car only once a year and 3% less often. These patterns highlight a spectrum from routine maintenance to passive ownership, with cleaning routines often tied to weather, climate, and personal priorities. In North America, similar distributions can be observed, where some drivers prioritize keep-it-clean rituals and others rely on periodic washes to keep vehicles presentable for daily life or resale value.
The overarching aim of the questionnaire was to gauge how much value people place on their private car and how that value translates into daily decisions. When all responses were considered together, about 77% of participants classified their car as very important or important, while 18% viewed it as average and 5% as not important at all. This pattern underscores a strong emotional and practical investment in personal mobility. It suggests that for a majority, the car is more than a tool; it is an essential companion that supports routines, errands, and the ability to move freely. In the United States and Canada, similar sentiments persist, with many households viewing the vehicle as central to work, family life, and leisure.
Surprisingly, despite the strong attachment, only 21% would be willing to forgo their own car in favor of alternatives like car-sharing. The figure hints at a preference for personal ownership and control, even when shared mobility options are available and convenient. The data reflects a balance between attachment to the private vehicle and openness to newer mobility solutions that might offer flexibility without sacrificing independence.
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An online survey conducted in March 2022 among 1,000 German car owners aged 18 to 65.
A picture: Depositphotos