Home and Away will be more than a soap opera for many Brits this summer, mate. Kwik Fit has commissioned a study of 2,000 UK adults, and this suggests that that 13.5 million people intend to travel both within the UK and abroad this summer. When taking the car in holiday, the automotive servicing and repair company advises that a few simple pre-travel checks can save money and avoid hassle.
The research indicates that 4.5 million people who will spend their main holiday in the UK also plan to travel abroad this summer. Conversely, 8.9 million people will take their main holiday overseas but will also enjoy a break within the UK.
Car travel for summer holidays
Cars will play a significant role in these summer travel plans. Approximately 16 million people will use their car as their primary mode of transport for at least one of their holidays. Fifteen million people will drive to UK destinations, covering an average of 367 miles, with 7 per cent exceeding 1,000 miles.
For those travelling overseas in their own car, accounting for over 4.5 million holidaymakers, the average distance driven will be 635 miles, with eight per cent exceeding 2,000 miles.
Travel preparations
The big getaway begins this Friday, with 3.4 million drivers setting off for their main holiday over the following fortnight. Despite these lengthy journeys, many drivers will not perform essential vehicle checks before departure. Thirty-five per cent of drivers will not check their tyre pressures, and only 45 per cent will inspect their tyre tread. With forecasts predicting periods of intense rainfall, ensuring adequate tyre grip is crucial for safety.
Additionally, many drivers will overlook essential fluid checks. The study found that 41 per cent will depart without topping up screenwash, 46 per cent will not check oil levels, 62 per cent will ignore coolant levels, and 67 per cent will not inspect brake fluid.
Overseas driving regulations
Vehicle condition is not the only area of concern. Just 37 per cent of drivers heading overseas will thoroughly review the driving regulations for their destination country. Thirty-nine per cent will conduct a brief online check, while 12 per cent will rely on ferry or tunnel booking information. Twelve per cent believe they do not need to check as they have visited the destination before or do not intend to perform any checks.
Neglecting these checks can lead to significant issues, as regulations vary across Europe. Many European cities now require cars to display an emissions sticker, with specific vehicle types banned from certain areas. These stickers must be purchased before leaving the UK, and non-compliance can result in fines, which in France can reach up to €450, though the typical fine is €68.
Post-Brexit, drivers must display a UK sticker and cover any GB emblems on number plates. Some countries also require carrying the vehicle’s V5C certificate, a first aid kit, and a hi-viz vest inside the car, not in the boot.
Importance of preparation
“Our research has shown that lots of people are combining overseas holidays with breaks in the UK this summer with many people driving significant distances, both in the UK and on foreign roads. It’s quite worrying to see just how many will be setting off without making the proper checks on their vehicle or the rules of the road in their destination,” says Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit.
“Like with many things in life, advance preparation can save a lot of hassle, and a few simple checks – especially tyres and fluids – can help prevent problems en route. And as well as car checks, making sure drivers know the latest rules for their journey is a sensible measure. The last thing drivers need is to be pulled over and fined for not displaying a sticker that costs only a few pounds or for having their hi-viz in the boot.”
