From its experience of selling vehicles online in 17 European countries, Autorola estimates a car driven by an active smoker can reduce used values by between £250-£500 depending on the make and model.

Peter Groftehauge, chief executive at Autorola, commented: ‘The impact of smoking can impact residuals, particularly on the larger higher specified executive cars, to the point that it may not find a buyer if it hasn’t been thoroughly valeted.

‘You are likely never to get rid of the smoking smell completely, but a comprehensive interior clean from a professional automotive cleaning specialist should make a big difference. This clean may cost you in the region of £150, but should help ensure it attracts interest from buyers in the first instance, and will ultimately help achieve a better price for the car,’ he added.

This comes at a time when the British Medical Association warns of the health dangers to children in particular when transported in a car when an adult is smoking.