APPEARANCES WHEELY DO COUNT WHEN IT COMES TO ROMANCE
It’s not just your appearance that is being judged on a first date - your car is more than likely getting the once over too, with potentially disastrous consequences.
New research from Halfords gives fresh insight into why the romantic endeavours of male drivers may have been ruined the moment their potential partner steps into the car – putting the brakes on any chance of an all-important second date before their first even gets into gear.
Most men understand that their own appearance and manners speak volumes about their suitability as a partner – with 63% of women ranking them as top priorities. However, they don’t appreciate just how much their motor may be letting them down.
Well over half (55%) of women check to see how grubby their suitor’s vehicle is and use this to help inform their decision on whether to accept or reject an offer to go out for a second time.
Halfords car cleaning expert David Howells said: Whilst a clean car does not guarantee success it is an outward reflection of its driver. By being untidy, smelly and strewn with hazards that could cause a serious wardrobe malfunction you are sending entirely the wrong message.
“It makes sense to get such basics right and minimise the chances your date will ‘crash and burn’.”
Women cited their biggest pet hate as oily dirt around the passenger door – which over a third of them (37%) feared could cause a dating disaster if it were to get on their dress or coat.
Cigarette butts and ash coupled with the aroma of stale smoke in a car also have the potential to see a first date go downhill fast according to 35% of women, whilst chocolate crumbs or sweet wrappers that could potentially stain an outfit were deemed almost as bad (34%).
Festering food was among the other ‘no-nos’ spoiling men’s chances according to 32% of women. Whilst the smell of another woman’s lingering perfume was as revolting as that of a wet dog – both of which were an instant turn off for 16%.
And, whilst a gym-toned body may improve the chances of seeing your date again, sweaty sports gear will not according to 8% of ladies.
David Howells added: “It’s generally accepted that if you haven’t heard from your date within three days, then you’re probably not going to, and for the romantics out last weekend that all important day was today (Tuesday).
“So, if your attempts to woo have been unsuccessful its probably worth looking at the state of your car when you’re asking yourself ‘Why?’ she didn’t call and making more of an effort to clean it next time.”
To see how you can keep your car looking its best and make the right first impresson visit www.halfords.com to find the latest in car cleaning products and technology.
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Media contact:
Stuart Humphreys, Automotive PR Manager, T: 01527 513410, E: stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk
James Dale, PR Coordinator, T: 01527 513315, E: james.dale@halfords.co.uk
Editor’s Notes:
Research based on a survey of 2047 respondents carried out by Atomic Research
Halfords Group plc
The Group is the UK's leading retailer of automotive, leisure and cycling products and through Halfords Autocentres also one of the UK's leading independent car servicing and repair operator. Halfords customers shop at over 460 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland and at halfords.com for pick-up at their local store or direct home delivery. Halfords Autocentres operates from around 300 sites nationally and offers motorists dealership-quality MOTs, repairs and car servicing at affordable prices.
The Halfords group strategy is based on three pillars:
· Supporting Drivers Of Every Car
· Inspiring Cyclists Of Every Age
· Equipping Families For Their Leisure Time
The Getting into Gear 2016 plan for the Retail business is based on executing in five key areas in order to deliver a significantly-enhanced customer experience:
· Service Revolution
· The H Factor
· Stores Fit To Shop
· 21stCentury Infrastructure
· Click With The Digital Future
Halfords employs approximately 12,000 colleagues and sells around 10,000 product lines in stores, increasing to around 30,000 lines online. The product offering encompasses significant ranges in car parts, cycling, in-car technology, child seats, roof boxes, outdoor leisure and camping equipment. Halfords own brands include Apollo and Carrera cycles, augmented by exclusive UK distribution rights for the premium-ranged Boardman cycles and accessories. In outdoor leisure, we sell a premium range of camping equipment including brands such as Gelert and Outwell. Halfords offers customers expert advice and a fitting service called "wefit" for car parts, child seats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a "werepair" service for cycles.