If someone were to ask you, what is the most dangerous aspect of a car? You’d probably say exhaust fumes, or getting hit by one! However, new research has uncovered the dangers a dirty car interior can pose to your health. If you’re not cleaning your seats and dashboards regularly, you could be creating a breeding ground for disease causing bacteria.

Swabs were taken from sample cars at Halfords branches in the UK as part of a project they were running. Scientific analysis of the swabs revealed two kinds of bacteria that are linked to skin infections such as impetigo and food poisoning. An article in the Telegraph explained these contagious bacterial infections were found on door handles, gear sticks, dashboards and steering wheels of the cars.

The tests also showed the presence of the staphylococcus bacteria responsible for skin rashes, on door handles, radio control buttons and below the seats. The other variety of bacteria called Bacillus Cereus was mainly found on the gear shift knob, car mats and below the seats. Researchers believe that these bacteria entered the car via the shoes worn by the driver and passengers.

The telegraph article quotes Dr. Anthony Hilton, who explained that not all of the bacteria found in the tests were harmful. Dr Hilton compared eating from a car dashboard with eating from a toilet seat, explaining that a similar infection would occur from the two.

Halfords also surveyed many of the tested cars drivers and found that more than half of all those surveyed cleaned their car interiors less than once a month. The same proportion also admitted to spilling food or drink in their cars at least once a month.

With the warmer weather arriving over the summer months, Dr Hilton warned of the importance of cleaning food debris from their cars as bacteria can thrive on the tiniest crumbs! Dr Hilton suggested treating your car the same as your dining room, maintaining the same levels of hygiene in both.