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Writer's pictureAaron Alleyne-Wake

Taking Your Car On Holiday? Make Sure It's Ready First


It's estimated over 15.1 million Brits will be taking their cars on holiday over the summer, with the average driver covering 1,002 miles. This comes from data compiled following research by Kwik Fit.

The research shows that the south west of England is the most popular destination with 28% of holidaymakers heading there to lap up the British sun. Other popular areas include South Coast/Isle of Wight (17%), Wales (15%), the Lake District (15%), the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District (13%). If you ask me, you can't go wrong with any of those places, especially as some of those areas have some great roads.

That can't be a real family holiday, they're all smiling!

It's not just the UK that Brits are traveling across though, some of the more ambitious among us will travel to other parts of Europe - France, Italy, Germany, Spain and Ireland are other destinations that will gain the custom of British tourists over the summer.

It's important to make sure your car is ready and is capable to cover the long distance required. Other data from the Kwik Fit research shows that 60% of us check our tyre pressures and alarmingly only 40% check the tread of the car's tyres. Even less (28%) check the condition of the spare wheel which may be needed should a puncture happen.

Yes, the engine is still there, now what?

Only 19% makes sure they have the right insurance details and the same percentage applies for those who have recently had the car serviced or have a warning triangle in the boot. The research also shows that drivers aged 55 are more likely to carry these checks than drivers aged 18-34. The over 55s have the right idea - make sure you car is fit for purpose as just the travelling alone can be stressful enough without your wheels giving you hassle.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, says: “When we are all pushed for time and checking that we have packed the right things for our holidays, it can be understandable that our cars get neglected. However, a breakdown on holiday is one sure way to ruin the experience for all the family, so we encourage drivers to carry out some simple checks before setting off on what is likely to be their car’s longest and hottest journey of the year.”

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