The Internet Has A Lot To Say About Dirty Cars (And Why You May Want To Clean Yours)

It's not uncommon in human psychology to see a relationship between specific actions or daily habits and the causality behind those actions. Our daily habits, common actions, reactions, and behaviours shape our personalities. Even something as small as how we eat or drink can give a clue about what those personality traits are.

In the same vein, procrastination is a personality trait that makes you avoid cleaning your car. However, psychology experts say there is a deeper psychological meaning for those who tend to keep their vehicles dirtier than usual, and it's not just a case of being a professional procrastinator. It goes beyond laziness; someone who puts cleaning their car low on their priority list may be expressing much more than disinterest in chores.

According to Working With ACT, a website that focuses on mental well-being and mindfulness, keeping your car clean is not just a minor detail, it's directly related to how a person presents themselves to others. A dirty car projects a careless image to the world. Some studies show a relationship between low self-esteem, lack of organisation, low self-worth, and the tendency to keep one's car dirty. While some off-road-centric cars look menacing with a dirty exterior, most dirty vehicles on the road look awful and give a dreary vibe.

While a dirty car is a projection of yourself to the world in bold, dirty letters, psychology also offers solutions to this problem. Having a bi-weekly cleaning schedule can alleviate the issue, as your car won't have time to get excessively dirty. You could also work on underlying mental patterns or personality traits, which will automatically begin to influence small habits. Seeking professional help to address low self-esteem, disorganisation, or feelings of low self-worth can make a huge difference.

Moreover, just as a dirty car can negatively affect your personality, having a clean vehicle can have a positive impact on your mental well-being. It can help reduce stress levels, improve concentration, and make you more productive. Think of it like sleeping on a freshly made bed; you instantly feel more comfortable and refreshed.

Besides, cleaning your car isn't rocket science; there are ways to keep it squeaky clean, and there are some popular car cleaning tips you should try. If you find cleaning the car yourself a real chore, getting it washed occasionally at a car wash can also be a step in the right direction. 

What truly matters is the intention behind it. If you're cleaning your car just to avoid feeling bad, that's avoidance, but if you're doing it because it supports something meaningful to you, then it's value-based. Ideally, your intention should be value-based, aiming for a more organised and calmer environment for your drives.