{"type":"document","data":{"id":"ed75d299-ee28-410b-b2d8-155541fc8c13","localeString":"en-GB","publishDate":"2026-03-13T17:27:25.975+01:00","contentType":"onecms:productPage","hasMacro":false,"flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"robotInstruction":{"noIndex":false,"noFollow":false},"description":"Many people adore their cars. They wash and maintain them like their own children. And no one is allowed to touch them. But some people take things too far."},"mainHeaderZone":{"componentType":"productHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"Many individuals treat their vehicles with immense reverence, going so far as to keep them spotless and well-maintained, much like a cherished child. Each car has its own designated space or even a dedicated garage - an area off-limits to anyone else. Yet for some, this devotion turns into an all-consuming passion ...","headerImage":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/958b0864-458c-4af1-848a-4b2e46170541/first-car-1920","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/bf3aa28fcc1f00/original/first-car-1920.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"title":"A car is called a sacred cow","subtitle":"But why?"},"backLink":{"textLink":{"url":"/en/personal/insurances","text":"Insurance"}}},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>A coworker recently shared a story about his ‘Uncle Hans.’ As a long-time chauffeur for notable Dutch personalities, Uncle Hans was accustomed to immaculate cars, which likely fueled his fixation. During the 1980s, he possessed a high-end Ford Taunus. Sharing it was never considered - no one else could get behind the wheel. He set even stricter boundaries: besides himself, only his wife was permitted inside; other guests might risk dirtying the interior. After family gatherings or celebrations, rather than offering a lift, he would politely send friends and relatives to catch the bus. </p><p>His prized car stayed in a pristine garage attached to the house but was rolled out daily, whether driven or not - except during freezing weather, when it remained indoors. The garage resembled a surgical suite, containing solely car-related items such as tools, spare parts, fluids, engine oil, and especially an abundance of cleaning products. </p><p>Uncle Hans meticulously hand-washed his car three times a week - on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Automatic car washes were strictly avoided. He cleaned every detail: dashboard wiped down, mats beaten, thorough vacuuming, and even the tires got special treatment. Using a toothbrush, he scrubbed the tread grooves to keep dirt and stones at bay.</p><p>This routine continued for years, even after health concerns prevented him from driving. Like a sacred animal let out to pasture, the car was still brought out of the garage daily to be cared for with unwavering dedication.</p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p><strong>Milo Alink | Blogger</strong> Milo is a Customer Journey Expert and blogs about topics encountered in their work.</p>"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/personal/insurances","text":"Protect your belongings with insurance via ING"}]},{"componentType":"linkList","iconTitle":{"title":"To the car blogs"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/car-insurance/car-blogs","text":"Check out the car blogs here"}]},{"componentType":"linkList","iconTitle":{"title":"Insurance"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/annual-travel-insurance","text":"Travel insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/car-insurance","text":"Car insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/home-insurance","text":"Home insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/liability-insurance","text":"Liability insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/legal-expenses-insurance","text":"Legal expenses insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/student-insurance","text":"Student insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/czdirect-health-insurance","text":"Health insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances","text":"All insurance"}]}]}}}