In fact, 78% of adults' surveyed said they now spend about the same or less time and effort maintaining their relationship with their significant other compared to before the economy turned. [image-nocss]
Beyond the unions that Americans have with their significant others, consumers spend a large portion of their lives in relationships with valued objectslike the ones they have with their cars. In fact, on average, Americans spend more than 900 hours a year in their cars. Although the economic strain affects each of these relationships differently, the survey revealed that the strain Americans experience with their significant others is similarly reflected in their relationships with their vehicles.
Nearly four out of five survey respondents said that they still love driving their vehicles, and an equal number said they may keep their cars longer than originally expected given the current economic conditions; however, only one out of 10 said they now spend more time maintaining their cars compared to before the economy turned. Similarly, a mere two out of 10 said they are spending more time on their personal relationships now than before the economy turned.
Nearly 80% of survey respondents said that given the current state of the economy, they may keep their cars longer than originally expected; and overall, a relationship with a car is a long-term investment for most of those surveyed (68% plan on keeping their vehicle for more than five years). But despite the desire for longevity, 90% of adults surveyed said they spend the same or less time maintaining their cars compared to before the economy turned; however, by following a few simple tips from BP, Americans can pledge their love to their cars and vow to help them run younger for longer.
"While your significant other relies on you to love them unconditionally, a car relies on you for regular checkups and maintenance too," said relationship expert and psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig. "That means that just as you renew your 'vows' or commitment to your significant other, it also pays to renew your 'vows,' or in this case, 'valves' with your vehicle."
BP, with U.S. headquarters in Warrenville, Ill., markets more than 15 billion gallons of gasoline every year to U.S. consumers through more than 12,000 BP and ARCO branded retail outlets and supplies more than four billion gallons of fuel annually to fleets, industrial users, auto and truck manufacturers, railroads and utilities. BP is the single, global brand formed by the combination of the former British Petroleum, Amoco, Atlantic Richfield (ARCO) and Burmah Castrol.
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