By Motoring Echo Editorial Team
As millions of Britons prepare to hit the road for their summer holidays, new research has revealed that a surprising number of motorists are setting off without carrying out even the most basic vehicle safety checks – with some admitting they simply hope their car will make it home.
Research commissioned by Kwik Fit, the UK’s leading automotive servicing and repair specialist, highlights a worrying level of complacency among holiday drivers. Nearly one in ten motorists (9%) admitted telling their family or partner they had thoroughly checked their vehicle before leaving, despite knowing they hadn’t.
Equally concerning, the same proportion confessed they had knowingly begun a holiday journey despite being aware of a fault with their vehicle, relying purely on luck that it would survive the trip.
Thousands of Holiday Miles Ahead
With staycations and overseas driving holidays remaining popular, many motorists face lengthy journeys this summer.
Kwik Fit’s research found that:
- UK holidaymakers travelling domestically expect to drive an average of 443 miles.
- Those taking their own vehicle abroad will typically cover 896 miles.
- Around 17% of overseas drivers expect to travel more than 2,000 miles.
Despite these substantial distances, millions admit they will skip important pre-journey inspections.
The survey revealed:
- 16% will not check tyre pressures.
- 29% will not inspect coolant levels despite another summer of extreme temperatures across the UK and Europe.
- Drivers travelling the greatest distances are among the least prepared:
- 28% won’t check tyre pressures.
- 32% won’t inspect tyre tread.
- 37% won’t check coolant before driving over 2,000 miles.
Breakdowns Continue to Ruin Holidays
The findings also show how costly this lack of preparation can become.
One in eight motorists (13%) say they have suffered a breakdown while travelling to or from a holiday destination.
Tyre-related issues remain the biggest culprit, with 12% experiencing punctures, blowouts or flat tyres during holiday journeys.
With many modern vehicles no longer carrying a spare wheel, even relatively minor tyre damage can leave drivers stranded for hours.
Tyre Checks Could Prevent Many Breakdowns
Dan Joyce, Operations Director at Kwik Fit, says many of the problems experienced during holiday travel could be avoided through simple maintenance.
He explained that tyre pressures should always be checked before a long journey, particularly when vehicles are carrying additional passengers and luggage, as manufacturers often recommend higher inflation pressures for fully loaded vehicles.
Drivers should also inspect tyre tread depth and look for uneven wear or visible damage before setting off.
Young Drivers Most Likely to Take Risks
The research uncovered a significant generational divide in attitudes towards vehicle safety.
Among drivers aged 18-34:
- 21% admitted pretending they had carried out safety checks when they had not.
- 19% knowingly started a holiday journey despite being aware of a vehicle fault.
By comparison, among drivers aged over 55:
- Only 2% admitted misleading family members about carrying out checks.
- Just 3% knowingly travelled with an existing vehicle problem.
Regional Differences Across Britain
Location also appears to influence driver behaviour.
Motorists in London and the North West were the most likely to admit claiming they had checked their vehicle when they hadn’t, with figures of 17% and 16% respectively.
At the opposite end of the scale, only 2% of drivers in both the South West and Northern Ireland admitted doing the same.
London motorists were also the most likely to knowingly begin a holiday journey with a mechanical issue, with 16% admitting they had done so, compared with just 3% of drivers in the East of England.
Technology Shouldn’t Replace Basic Maintenance
Dan Joyce believes increasing reliance on modern vehicle technology may be encouraging drivers to overlook simple manual inspections.
While today’s vehicles feature sophisticated warning systems and monitoring technology, he stresses these should complement—not replace—basic maintenance checks carried out before any long journey.
He added that spending just a few minutes checking key components provides valuable peace of mind and can help avoid unnecessary disruption during a family holiday.
Drivers concerned about the condition of their vehicle can also take advantage of Kwik Fit’s free vehicle safety check, available through its nationwide network of centres.
Motoring Echo Top Tips: Five-Minute Holiday Safety Check
Before You Leave…
✅ Check tyre pressures (adjust for a fully loaded vehicle where required).
✅ Inspect tyre tread and sidewalls for damage or uneven wear.
✅ Top up coolant, engine oil and windscreen washer fluid.
✅ Test all exterior lights, indicators and brake lights.
✅ Ensure luggage is securely loaded and does not obstruct visibility.
✅ Confirm your warning triangle, high-visibility vest and European driving equipment are packed if travelling abroad.
Motoring Echo Advice: Spending just five minutes checking your vehicle before leaving could prevent hours of delays—and potentially save your holiday.
Motoring Echo Verdict
Holiday journeys often involve some of the longest drives many motorists undertake all year, yet Kwik Fit’s research suggests too many drivers are still relying on optimism rather than preparation.
With modern vehicles increasingly carrying families, luggage and holiday equipment over hundreds—or even thousands—of miles, routine checks of tyres, coolant and fluid levels remain among the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of a breakdown.
Whether heading to Cornwall or crossing continental Europe, a few minutes spent checking your vehicle before departure could make the difference between arriving safely—or spending the first day of your holiday waiting for roadside assistance.
