• Over half of British drivers will be using their car as part of holiday travels this summer; Green Flag gives drivers the heads up on the best time to beat the traffic
• Nearly half of motorists will be travelling over 100 miles for a holiday this summer, with a quarter looking to explore new parts of the UK
• Sunday is revealed as the best day for drivers to travel to UK holiday destinations
• Green Flag expecting 17 breakdowns per minute this week; a 20 per cent increase compared to normal

With the school holidays in full swing, it’s no surprise Brits are heading for countryside holidays and day trips to make the most of the summer.

The summer holidays will likely mean an increase of cars on the road and new research by breakdown provider Green Flag* reveals over half (52 per cent) of UK drivers are set to use a car as part of their holiday travels, with nearly two thirds (61 per cent) planning on using their own car as opposed to hitching a lift with others.

The research shows that despite some foreign travel being back on the agenda, its clear UK drivers are still embracing staycations this summer. And distance doesn’t seem to be an issue, with two out of five UK drivers (42 per cent) planning on driving over 100 miles to enjoy the sunny weather, over a quarter (26 per cent) most excited to explore new parts of the UK, and over a fifth simply staycationing because they enjoy road trips (23 per cent).

Summer holiday travel might not be so welcoming on our cars however, as Green Flag is expecting to see 17 breakdowns on average per minute between Monday 26^th July and Sunday 1^st August - a 20 per cent increase when compared to normal.

The breakdown provider has also discovered the busiest days on the road. While most drivers would choose to avoid a Saturday when driving (32 per cent), it’s actually Monday’s which are expected to be the busiest day on the roads, with almost a quarter of drivers choosing this day to drive to their holiday destinations. Sunday is revealed to be the best day to travel, with just 15 per cent planning on making a journey that day. 

Drivers can face a wide range of problems when driving in the warmer weather, from increased stress levels to extra demands on the car due to the heat. Green Flag has released tips to help keep drivers safe on the roads this summer and ensure vehicles are as prepared for the heat as drivers, including consideration of pollen forecasts and checking tyre pressures regularly.

Steve Johnson, Automotive Technical Engineer at Green Flag, commented: “The recent sunny weather has arrived at the perfect time with the lifting of restrictions and the start of summer holidays, so we expect to see people making the most of this opportunity. Whether it’s short or long distances to enjoy a well-deserved break in the sun, we want to ensure all drivers feel prepared for the challenges faced when driving in warmer weather this summer, especially following our predictions of increased volumes of expected breakdowns in the coming weeks.

“Most of the problems drivers encounter on the road can be avoided if the correct precautions and checks are made before a long journey, so we hope these tips will be a small step in helping the nation drive safely this summer.”

Green Flag’s Tips to Reduce Risk of Breakdown This Summer:

1.    Check tyres regularly – Higher temperatures this summer will leave tyres at a higher risk of blow outs, especially for those cars which are travelling afar and therefore may be carrying heavier carloads. To check the tyre pressure, look inside the user manual and you’ll see a couple of pictograms. You should inflate your tyres to the appropriate number. We advise checking the tyre pressure and carrying a spare before setting off on any journey.

2.    Cooling system - A common cause of an engine overheating is low coolant and as we look to see 16 breakdowns on average per minute over the course of the next week, it’s important drivers try to avoid this. Make sure the cooling system is filled to the correct level between the minimum and maximum marks on the coolant bottle.

3.    Check the oil – Having the correct amount of oil in an engine is vital to ensure the motor performs at its best. This is particularly true in hot weather when you want to keep the heat generated by moving parts to a minimum. Simply lift the bonnet, pull out the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert it, then pull it out again - the oil should be somewhere on the marked area. If you’re driving an electric vehicle, don’t forget to make sure the vehicle is fully charged before embarking on your journey – ensuring you’re aware of the charging points on your journey.

4.    Don’t overload your vehicle – With many Brits planning on using their car this summer for travelling to their holiday destination, cars may become overloaded with luggage and people sharing the car with you, which can result in reduced visibility and more pressure on the car. Think about the necessary items you require for your trip and where you can pack light.

5.       Be prepared – You never know what might happen while you’re on staycation, so it makes sense to have a breakdown kit in the car. A bottle of water might stop people going thirsty if you’re stranded roadside in warm weather, and it could be used to top up coolant in an emergency. Additionally, carrying reflective jackets and masks for every person in the car will help keep people safe if you have to wait for help. And a set of jump leads could get your car started if the battery does go flat.

- ENDS –

Notes to Editors

*Research conducted by Censuswide with 2003 drivers between 13.07.2021 - 15.07.2021. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles

About Green Flag

With over 50 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