Specialist reveals one thing you use daily that is dirtier than a toilet and harbors loads of bacteria

Time of India

28-05-2025

When most of us think about dirt and bacteria, we might picture a grimy public restroom or a filthy subway seat. But what if we told you there's a place in your car that's even dirtier than a public toilet? Yes, you read that right! It doesn't matter if your car is sparkling clean or a total mess—there's one spot that's practically a breeding ground for germs, and you're touching it every time you drive.
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According to motoring specialists Plates Express, the steering wheel is the dirtiest part of your car. It's something most of us never even think about. Sure, we might toss out empty coffee cups and vacuum the floor mats, but we rarely consider giving that wheel a good scrub. It's a surprising oversight, given how much contact it gets on a daily basis.
'You wouldn't go weeks without washing your hands, but drivers go months without wiping down the one surface they touch every single day,' James Taylor, a luxury car cleaner, told the Daily Mail.
It's a simple but jarring point. Every time you hop into the driver's seat, your hands—fresh from touching door handles, food wrappers, or your phone—are instantly transferring bacteria to the steering wheel.
What's even more concerning is that even the fanciest cars aren't immune to this issue. Taylor shared that he's cleaned luxury Bentleys that looked spotless, but when he tested the wheel with a swab, the bacteria levels were through the roof.
'People touch their face, their phone, their food — then grab the wheel,' he explained. And it's not just the hands that contribute to this dirty secret. Sneezing or coughing behind the wheel can also leave behind a host of germs, adding to the wheel's hidden collection of bacteria.
A simple fix for a major problem
The good news? It's a surprisingly easy problem to fix. Taylor recommends a simple wipe-down with an antibacterial wipe or a car interior cleaner at least once a week.
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It doesn't take long, but it can dramatically cut down on the number of germs you're exposed to every time you drive.
Yet many drivers still neglect this simple step. A survey by CarRentals.com found that 32% of drivers clean their car only once a year, and an alarming 12% never bother to clean it at all. This isn't just a matter of aesthetics—it's a real hygiene issue. It's also a matter of basic self-care. After all, we're quick to wash our hands after using the bathroom, but we often forget about the surfaces we touch every single day.
More than just a dirty wheel
And while drivers are worrying about keeping their steering wheels clean, there are plenty of other distractions that could use some attention, too. A recent Lemonade survey found that more than half of Gen Z drivers admit to eating behind the wheel, and about a third drive while tired. These habits add even more reasons to ensure the wheel is kept clean—imagine all those crumbs and coughs and phone taps mixing together right where you place your hands!
If nothing else, maybe this information will inspire you to grab a wipe and give that steering wheel a quick once-over. It's one small change that could make a big difference in your daily health.