Sitting in your car a lot? Here's what that really means (and no, you're not the only one).

Thanks to our brand partner, Youi

Sure, cars are basically just metal machines built to get us from A to B. But they're also quiet confidantes — our mobile safe space.

Whether you're blasting your favourite playlist on a long drive or using your car as the go-to spot for friend confessionals, it becomes a little place to escape, think or just be.

A new survey commissioned by insurance provider Youi shows 92 per cent of Aussies use their car for more than just driving, with nearly half (43 per cent) admitting they often sit in their car without going anywhere.

According to the survey, 23 per cent of women, for example, often lean into their car as a personal emotional-processing space, compared to just 15 per cent of men.

It's where important calls happen without interruption, a few minutes of meditation can be squeezed in, a good vent session unfolds or simply some much-needed quiet time is found. Women also tend to feel a real sense of pride in their car (27 per cent compared to 24 per cent of men).

Interestingly, the survey found that men are slightly more likely to say they have a strong emotional connection to their car (46 per cent compared to 44 per cent of women). Honestly, not surprising — have you ever met a guy with a Troopy? Case closed.

Turns out, how you use your car off the road says a lot about you. Here's what those everyday habits really mean.

You use your car as an escape.

If you find yourself lingering in the driveway after a long day, parking somewhere just to enjoy the view or sneaking in a quiet moment alone before starting work — you're using your car as a buffer between you and the world.

This habit isn't just about loving peace and quiet (although, yes). It means you're someone who prioritises your mental load. You value presence, calm and processing time. You like to feel ready before the next thing — not just jump straight into it.

You use your car to talk it out.

If your parked car is your default place where you take calls, talk through tough stuff or collect your thoughts after an emotional moment — you're not the only one. For many people, it's the perfect in-between zone: private, quiet and free from interruptions.

What that says about you? You're a safe space for others too. You're someone people open up to. You likely process out loud, make space for other people's emotions and use your car time to connect in ways you can't always do elsewhere.

You use your car to tune in.

Whether you're blasting a full album on the highway, catching up on a true-crime podcast before heading inside or hitting repeat on a very specific artist — your car is equal parts entertainment and emotional reset.

This habit says you're someone who uses sound to shift mood and focus. You know how to match music to moments. You're in tune (literally) with how you feel — and what'll help you feel better. You probably have playlists for everything... and a back-up playlist just in case.

You use your car to switch off.

Do you ever drive in silence? Or park somewhere just for the peace and quiet? Maybe it's the only place in your day where no one is asking for anything.

That tells us you're someone who truly gets the value of alone time. This isn't just introvert behaviour — it's just your boundaries (basically the envy of every people-pleaser out there). It means you're self-aware enough to notice when your cup's running low and wise enough to take five before pouring into anyone else.

You use your car as your emotional release.

If you've ever cried in the car or screamed into the steering wheel after a stressful day — we get it.

This habit reveals that you process emotion honestly and head-on. You don't push things down — you feel them, name them and (eventually) move through them. You're empathetic, emotionally literate and deeply in touch with your inner world. Your car? Just happens to be the safest place to do that work.

You use your car to find your calm.

For some of us, our car can magically transform into a meditation studio — before work, after work or even for a sneaky midday session (while parked, of course).

It truly is the best little pocket of peace to dedicate entirely to your wellbeing and inner calm. If you're a car meditator, you are so much more than just disciplined (though yes, you probably get your groceries at the farmers' markets every Sunday).

You're also incredibly resilient when life inevitably throws a curveball your way, able to find your centre amidst the chaos. You're deeply self-aware, someone who doesn't just talk about mental health, but actively prioritises it. And yes, you've likely read every single Joe Dispenza book.

You use your car as your survival kit.

If your car's interior boasts a rather impressive array of "essential" items — think a spare change of clothes (for that impromptu beach trip), emergency snacks (because hanger is very, very real) or even that slightly squashed roll of toilet paper. Then you, my friend, definitely fall into the resourceful category.

This behaviour says you're someone who thinks ahead.

You are a highly prepared person who is ready for, quite literally, anything. You're the type who can go on a last-minute road trip because you know you've already got half your life (and every possible "just in case") covered right there in your car. It's genius, really.

Want to know what your 'car personality' is? Take Youi's quiz to find out.

This is general advice only and has been prepared without taking into account any person's objectives, financial situations or needs. Products issued by Youi Pty Ltd. Consider our car PDS at youi.com.au when deciding if this product is right for you. PDS and TMD available at youi.com.au.

Survey results are sourced from a survey conducted by Dentsu Intelligence from 28 April 2025 to 9 May 2025, involving 2,020 individuals aged 18 years old and above, from all states and territories within Australia who identified as car owners and drivers. Some percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number. Survey results have not been independently verified by Youi and may not be representative of the general population. Individual experiences may vary. Visit Car Confessions: Surprising Aussie Driving Habits Revealed | Youi for additional survey insights.

Feature Image: Canva.

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