Green Flag research reveals we're a nation in love with our motors- sometimes more than our partners

• New research from Green Flag reveals UK drivers report spending an average of £221 (or 17 per cent) more on their cars than their partners last year – with the average driver spending £1,514 on their vehicle and £1,293 on their partner
• A quarter of UK drivers have a name for their car – with the most popular including variations on Bessie, Betsy or Betty
• A third of UK drivers claim to love their car
• Audi drivers (who drive safely) rated most attractive – followed by BMW and Aston Martin drivers
• Green Flag has issued easy tips for taking better care of your car
• To find out more about Green Flag, visit www.greenflag.com

New research* released by breakdown cover provider Green Flag reveals UK drivers have strong bonds with their cars, to the extent that they are spending an average of £221 more on their vehicles than they are on their partners each year.

The average driver reports spending £1,514 on their cars last year, which is 17 per cent more than they spent on their significant others. Those who spent the most on their car are women (£1,569), those in the South West (£2,016) and generation Z (£2,283). By contrast, drivers that spent the least on their vehicles are those aged 55+ (£1,109) and those in Northern Ireland (£720).

The research proves the bond that Brits have with their cars, as a quarter (25 per cent) admit they have a name for their car, with the most popular including variations on Bessie, Betsy or Betty. A third (29 per cent) of UK drivers claim to love their car, whilst a quarter (24 per cent) say they couldn’t live without their car, with drivers reporting feelings of trust (42 per cent), pride (27 per cent) and joy (23 per cent) toward their vehicle.

When it comes to other drivers, Brits rate safe drivers (38 per cent) and Audi drivers (11 per cent) the most attractive, followed by BMW (10 per cent) and Aston Martin (7 per cent) drivers.

Simon Henrick, Head of News at Green Flag, commented saying: “We commissioned the research because we wanted to investigate the ways in which Brits take care of their cars, from giving their cars names to splashing out on car care and maintenance, but we didn’t expect to uncover such an emotional bond between UK drivers and their vehicles.

“It’s great to see the research showing that we’re a nation of car lovers who take great care them, to the extent that we are spending more on them than our partners.”

Green Flag have issued easy, common sense tips for taking care of your car:

Avoiding Problems

• Stick to your car’s service schedule
• Carry out basic checks by reading through your car’s handbook

On a daily basis

• Be alert for signs of change, such as the engine running less smoothly, the breaks less positive than usual, or the steering feeling vaguely odd.
• If when you start the car, the engine turns over more slowly than usual, the battery might be at the end of its life. Take it to a garage or fast fit operator; many perform battery checks for free.
• Keep an eye on the tyres. Any cuts, damage or reduction in pressure need urgent attention.
• Be aware of the fuel gauge. An empty tank or putting the wrong fuel into the car are all-too-common causes of breakdown.

Weekly

• Check tyre pressure, and if necessary adjust them to the correct level shown in the car handbook or sticker inside the fuel flap, or on the door pillar. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre and give all tyres a look over, checking for lumps, splits and cracks.
• Check and top up the windscreen washer bottle, and include an additive to tackle grease and squashed flies in summer, or ice in winter.
• Clean your car, wash the windows and wipe all the lights to keep you safe. Check for any blown bulbs.
• If your car doesn’t have a sealed-for-life battery, check the level in the cells and top up with distilled water as necessary.

Monthly

• Check the level of oil in the engine and ensure it is between maximum and minimum marks on the dipstick.
• Check for sufficient liquid in the cooling system. Top up as necessary, and include antifreeze in the mixture, in winter and summer. It helps protect against overheating, as well as frost damage.
• Give the car a good wash and polish to keep the paintwork in top condition.
• Watch for the first signs of rust forming and have it treated before it gets worse. Look for signs of water leaks inside. Check tyre tread depths and look for signs of uneven wear, hinting at possible suspension problems.

For more information about car care, visit: www.greenflag.com

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors:

*Research carried out by Censuswide on 2,038 drivers in the UK, February, 2019.

About Green Flag

With over 40 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).

Green Flag Motoring Assistance is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com