Many drivers will be heading off on summer holidays this year, without making significant checks to the condition of their vehicles, new research has shown.
Conducted on behalf of Kwik Fit, the study found that 13.5 million Brits will be going on both UK and foreign holidays this summer. some 4.5 million people who will be spending their main holiday in the UK will also be going abroad this summer. Almost double that number, 8.9 million, will have their main holiday overseas, but will also be going on summer breaks in the UK.
Many of these holidaymakers will be relying on their car to get them there. Some 16 million people say they will be using their car as their main mode of travel for at least one of their summer holidays. 15 million people will be using their car to go to a UK destination and will be covering an average of 367 miles, with 7% clocking up over 1,000 miles.
The Kwik Fit research found that those heading overseas in their own car this summer, accounting for just over 4.5 million summer holiday travellers, will travel an average of 635 miles, although 8% will top 2,000 miles.
Maintenance awareness lacking for summer holidays
Friday will see the start of ‘the big getaway’, with 3.4 million drivers hitting the UK roads for their main holiday over the following fortnight, taking advantage of earlier breaks as schools close.
However, the research showed some worrying trends when it comes to vehicle maintenance prior to a long journey.
Over one third (35%) of drivers will not check their tyre pressures, while under half (45%) will check their tyre tread. With meteorologists predicting periods of more intense rainfall in summer, it is vital that drivers have sufficient grip to cope with increased levels of surface water during sudden storms.
Many drivers will also neglect to check their car’s vital fluids before their summer holiday. Kwik Fit found that 41% will set off without ensuring their screen wash is topped up, 46% will not check their oil level, 62% will ignore the coolant and 67% will not check their brake fluid.
These figures highlight the need for further driver education when it comes to vehicle maintenance, a topic that is increasingly falling on the aftermarket to conduct. Some routine maintenance, such as checking fluid levels, are so quick and simple that they can be easily overlooked.
With holiday travel only set to increase in the weeks ahead, the opportunity for workshops to highlight the need for servicing is clear.
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