Is it just a car? That’s why Americans love their cars

Nearly nine out of 10 Americans remember their first car – and 60% of them wish they could go back in time to take better care of it.

A survey of 2,000 drivers in the US has shown how attached people are to their cars and how much they miss their first car. Baby boomers (91%) and Generation X (89%) are particularly fond of their first car.

A clear link was found between nostalgia for the first car and drivers’ attitudes toward their current car. Most drivers were satisfied with their current car – 38% said they love their current car, while 58% are satisfied with their car and its utility.

Nine in ten (90%) “car lovers” can probably remember their first car, and 71% of them said they would go back in time and look back at their first car – more than any other group.

The survey, commissioned by Castrol and conducted by Talker Research, also found that “car lovers” were more likely to say the names of their cars than “car lovers” and “car haters” (49% compared to 20% and 14% respectively).

And more than four in five (85%) who have named their car have also named “every single car” they have ever owned. Just as many said their car reflected their personality to varying degrees.

Those who named their car said their car was named because of its personality (37%), make and model (29%), or performance (21%).

“Car lovers” also have their vehicle serviced more often than necessary (29%), are more likely to take care of warning light problems immediately (38%) and park in the shade when possible (27%) than those who are not as passionate as them.

These “car lovers” express their love for their car by regularly servicing it (69%), washing and waxing it (60%), or taking it for a leisurely drive (45%).

“Cars are more than just vehicles. They give people personal freedom and connect them to the world,” says Fabiana Neves, Vice President, Castrol Americas Marketing. “That’s why people care about treating their cars almost as well as they would treat themselves.”

The driver survey also found that 92% think it is important to have their car serviced regularly. However, only a fifth of drivers (18%) have their car serviced more often than recommended. Most (70%) said they have their car serviced as often as recommended.

According to the respondents, the most important maintenance work on the car is oil changes (75%), fine-tuning (40%), tire changes (35%) and transmission oil changes (32%).

One in four said they prefer to change the oil themselves – but the majority (70%) prefer to leave it to the professionals.

To keep their car running smoothly, respondents regularly check the oil level (64%), replace defective parts when necessary (59%) and have the vehicle inspected as soon as the problem causes suspicious noises (51%).

Respondents also said they determine when to change their oil based on the number of miles since the last oil change (68%), when they plan to drive long distances (23%), and how the vehicle feels and behaves while driving (20%).

“While most people understand why their car only needs basic maintenance to keep it running, there is a clear link between greater appreciation for vehicles and longer life and better performance of those vehicles,” Fabiana Neves continues. “As in any relationship, when we pay more attention and care to our vehicles, we benefit because the vehicle is reliable, fun and gives us that sense of companionship that many may associate with their first car.”

TOP 7 WAYS TO SHOW YOUR CAR SOME LOVE

Regular maintenance – 69%

Have the oil changed – 65%

Wash and grow – 60%

Take a leisurely drive – 45%

Make it detailed – 39%

Decorating – 24%

Show it to your friends – 21%

Survey methodology:

This random double opt-in survey of 2,000 American car owners was commissioned by Castrol between March 19 and 25, 2024. It was conducted by the market research company Talker researchwhose team members are members of the Market Research Society (WOMAN) and the European Society for Opinion and Market Research (ESOMAR).