A study from Aston University shows that the trunk of used cars in particular is full of bacteria. And that it gets worse over time.
Used car sales are increasing significantly. This increases the focus on thorough preparation. A new study from Aston University reveals large amounts of bacteria in car cabins. The trunk in particular can harbor over a thousand identified bacteria.
Researchers from the College of Health and Life Sciences at Aston University are behind the study, which was carried out on behalf of Scrap Car Comparison.
The purpose of the study was to uncover the level of hygiene in cars. The researchers wanted to see how good people are at keeping their cars clean. They collected samples from the interiors of several cars.
The cars in the study had varying ownership histories. This provided a broader basis for assessing the overall cleanliness. The results showed clear patterns.
The most striking finding was made in the trunk, where the researchers recorded an average of 1,425 different bacteria, indicating a high level of microbial activity.
The investigation's bacterial findings in the car
In comparison, the steering wheel was significantly cleaner. Here, the researchers found an average of only 146 bacteria. The difference between the different areas of the car was noticeable.
The study points to a general trend. Older cars tend to accumulate more dirt and bacteria over time, regardless of the owner's cleaning habits.
Jonathan Cox, a lecturer in microbiology at Aston University, has commented on the results of the analysis, describing the findings as interesting.
– The results of this study are fascinating because they show that whether we clean our cars or not, they generally get dirtier the older they are.
He elaborates on the relevance of the findings: "It's especially relevant when we think about parts of the car like the trunk or the driver's seat. Many of us have left loose food items in the trunk or dropped food on the seat and then eaten it."
Bacteria types and health risks
The research team identified several specific bacteria during the analysis. Some of the bacteria found could potentially pose a health risk to humans, underscoring the importance of good car hygiene.
Among the bacteria identified was Pseudomonas, a genus of bacteria known to contain antibiotic-resistant strains, which can complicate the treatment of infections.
Another bacteria found was Staphylococcus aureus. It is often associated with symptoms such as coughing and sneezing. In some cases, it can cause MRSA infections.
MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is a type of staph infection that is difficult to treat. It is resistant to many common types of antibiotics.
These findings highlight the need for thorough cleaning of the car interior, especially for used cars that may have had multiple owners. The focus should be on both visible dirt and invisible microorganisms.
Effective cleaning not only removes dirt and any bad odors. It also reduces the amount of bacteria and other microorganisms. This contributes to a healthier environment in the car.
As the used car market grows, the need for professional preparation increases accordingly. Cars should not only look nice for new owners. They should also be hygienically safe.
Good car care includes more than just washing the car and polishing the paint. Interior cleaning and maintenance are at least as important for both comfort and health.
However, a dirty car doesn't have to be the owner's fault. For example, one Sunday morning on Æro in the South Funen archipelago, a motorist woke up to a car covered in dirt. Read more about it here .
