Drivers warned using this item in your car could be 'expensive' mistake

Motorists have been issued a warning about a habit that could cost you thousands of pounds. Many drivers may be unaware they're causing damage to their vehicle which is difficult to remove.

Experts have warned that smoking inside your car could dramatically reduce its resale value. This particularly affects low-mileage vehicles that would otherwise command premium prices.

Analysis by online car marketplace Carwow revealed that regular smoking in a vehicle with just 10,000 miles could wipe £2,600 off its selling price. Even higher-mileage cars with 100,000 miles could lose more than £400 in value. Siobhan Doyle, consumer writer at Carwow, explained: "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." The study, looked at typical valuations on the Carwow platform, finding that an average vehicle with 10,000 miles would achieve a price of £32,798, but this plummets to £30,174.44 if previously owned by a smoker - a substantial loss of £2,623.86.

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For a typical vehicle with 20,000 miles showing, the average value of £25,007 falls to £23,006.14 – a drop of just over £2,000. Motorists could also be hit with additional charges if they've smoked in a leased vehicle which they then hand back

Should the car require a thorough valet to restore it, costs could range from £80 to £300 depending on how severe the damage is.

While some might assume vaping in their vehicle would be less harmful, this too can create problems.

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."

Ms Doyle advised: "If you want to protect your car's value, the best approach is to keep the interior smoke- and vape-free wherever possible."