- by Trish Whelan
Love me, love my car, check my tyres
14 February 2003: Men are more likely to spend money on their motors than to lavish luxury on their ladies according to the RAC. The research is British, though, and has not been replicated in Ireland.
Twice as many guys in a recent survey would sooner buy a luxury item for their car than their partner. When asked what they would buy if they had the funds for only one expensive purchase, 18 per cent said that they would splash out on a new sound system, alloys or other car accessories, while only 7 per cent said that they would treat their 'significant other'.
Forty five per cent of motorists also admitted to naming their car, 80 per cent of drivers admitted to talking to their car and a massive 78 per cent said that they loved their vehicle.
Robert Taylor, managing director, RAC Ireland, said many men might quote the old joke: 'Why do men prefer cars to women? Because they don't need to buy them flowers to turn them on’.
Sad.
Meantime, Geoff McIlwaine of Semperit Ireland is trying to get the cars and the loved ones together with a Valentines message to all Irish motorists.
“This Valentine’s Day I want to get back to basics,” he says, “… and what could be more basic than checking your loved-one’s sole contact with the road? Skip the breakfast in bed. Go straight to her heart, check her tyres instead.”
Semperit research shows that only one woman in five claims to regularly check her tyres. “A quick once-over could mean the difference between life and death,” he says. “Checking your partner’s tyres may not seem the most romantic thing to do on Valentine’s morning, but it’s a sign of true love.”
©2003 irishcar.com