You could face extra costs if you do this in your vehicle
Motorists have been warned against doing something that could cost you thousands of pounds. The bad habit may also inflict lasting damage on your vehicle.
Drivers are being advised that smoking in their car could significantly reduce its resale value. This is particularly relevant for low-mileage vehicles that might otherwise command a higher price. Research conducted by online car retailer Carwow revealed that regularly lighting up in a vehicle with 10,000 miles on the clock could result in a loss of £2,600 when it comes time to sell. Even with a mileage of 100,000, you could still be down by over £400. Siobhan Doyle, consumer writer at Carwow, said: “Cigarette smoke contains tiny particles that cling to upholstery, carpets and dashboards.
“Over time this can leave persistent odours, stains and residue that are difficult – and often expensive – to remove.” Ms Doyle motorists: “If you want to protect your car’s value, the best approach is to keep the interior smoke- and vape-free wherever possible.”
The study, which looked at average valuations on the Carwow website, found that a typical vehicle with 10,000 miles would fetch a value of £32,798. However, if the vehicle was owned by a smoker, this figure drops to £30,174.44, a decrease of £2,623.86.
For a typical vehicle showing 20,000 miles, the average valuation of £25,007 falls to £23,006.14 – a reduction of slightly more than £2,000. Drivers may also encounter additional charges if they’ve smoked in a vehicle which they then return at the end of a lease.
Should the car require comprehensive valeting to restore it, costs could range from £80 to £300 depending on the severity of the damage. Some might assume vaping in their vehicle would be less detrimental, however this can create problems as well.
Ms Doyle explained: “Vaping may seem less harmful by comparison, but its aerosols can still leave behind faint odours, sticky residue on surfaces and condensation in small spaces. While the effects may be less noticeable than cigarette smoke, they can still influence how clean or well-maintained a car feels to potential buyers.
“Interior condition plays a big role in resale value, and vehicles with odours or visible residue can be harder to sell. Buyers either avoid them entirely or factor the cost of deep cleaning and repairs into lower offers.”
