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 /CNW/ - 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.

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