Shhh, I'm hiding in my car from the kids

Brits have taken to cleaning their cars often during Lockdown. Photo: Škoda UK

Up to 1.2 million UK motorists are using their parked cars to get some peace and quiet during the Covid-19 lockdown, according to new research from car brand Škoda.

The survey of 2000 drivers provided an insight into how Brits’ behaviours towards their cars have changed since the lockdown began and what they are missing most about driving.

With over a third (39 per cent) of UK motorists currently working from home, drivers are using their parked cars for a range of different activities.

Potentially up to 1.2 million motorists (8 per cent), are retreating to their parked car to get some time alone away from the family, whilst in London it rises to more than a fifth (23 per cent) who are finding solace in their car.

Brits are using their cars’ infotainment systems to listen to podcasts. Photo: Škoda UK

A further 7 per cent are using their vehicle’s infotainment system to listen to music, the radio, or a podcast.

Ever resourceful, over 20 per cent of Brits stated that they have found alternative uses for their cars whilst they remain stationary outside their homes, including as a place to watch TV on a mobile phone or tablet device (3 per cent), taking a nap (3 per cent) and even as an interim playground for the kids (2 per cent).

Škoda UK’s research found that whilst the living room is the most popular room at home to work in, 13 per cent of motorists are considering using their car as a makeshift office space. This is down to backache from uncomfortable seating at home (32 per cent) or that they have struggled to find a quiet place in the home to focus (26 per cent).

Vehicle owners are also taking greater care of their cars during lockdown, with 22 per cent reporting that they are washing their car more regularly, and a further one in five are cleaning the interior more often than usual.