Over 13 million Brits are playing home and away this summer

New research released today reveals that many Brits will be doubling up on their summer holidays this year. The study for Kwik Fit, the UK’s leading automotive servicing and repair company, found that 13.5 million of us will be going on both UK and foreign holidays this summer.

The research showed that 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.

Whether it’s a UK break, a foreign trip, or both, many 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 holidaymakers, will travel an average of 635 miles, although 8% will top a whopping 2,000 miles.

This Friday, 26 July, sees the start of the big get away, with 3.4 million drivers hitting the road for their main holiday over the following fortnight. Despite many drivers setting out on very lengthy journeys, a significant proportion will get into their cars without making any checks before hitting the road. Over one third (35%) of drivers won’t 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. Kwik Fit found that four in ten (41%) will set off without ensuring their screenwash is topped up, 46% won’t check their oil level, 62% will ignore the coolant and 67% will not check their brake fluid.

Vehicle condition isn’t the only aspect of holiday motoring drivers are neglecting. Only just over a third (37%) of drivers heading overseas will thoroughly check the driving regulations for the country they are going to. Four in ten (39%) say they will do a quick check online, while 12% will rely on the ferry or tunnel booking information. Nearly one in eight (12%) say either they don’t need to do any checks as they have been before, or they simply won’t do any checks.

Neglecting any, or up to date, checks may be storing up trouble for drivers, as regulations change across Europe. Increasing numbers of European cities require cars to display a sticker identifying their level of emissions, with certain types of vehicle banned from entering the city (or using main routes which pass through it). In most cases the stickers are cheap to purchase but must be bought before leaving the UK and fines can be significant for any violations. For instance in France the penalty could be as high as €450, though generally the fine will be €68.

Other rules which have changed in recent years include the requirement, following Brexit, to display a UK sticker – and to cover up any GB emblem, such as on the numberplate. Drivers are also required in some countries to carry their vehicle’s V5C certificate (logbook), a first aid kit, and a hi-viz vest, which must be inside the car, not in the boot.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “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. 

“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.”

For advice on pre-travel car checks, drivers can find a wide range of information at kwik-fit.com and can also book a free vehicle health check. For the latest news and updates from Kwik Fit, customers can also follow the company on Twitter at @kwik_fit.