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10.6 billion miles to be driven by UK drivers on domestic summer holidays
One in four concerned about risk of infection travelling by air or other methods of public transport
Only 15% of Brits will go abroad this summer
Drivers urged to look over vehicle before holiday - 3 million drivers don’t make any checks
With disruption to travel and continuing uncertainty surrounding just what will and won’t be possible over the coming months, many families are relying on their car for a summer break. New research1 from Kwik Fit revealed that only 50% of Brits are going to take a summer holiday this year, despite the Government’s announcement that it was dropping some quarantine requirements. Only 15% of UK adults are heading overseas, while 13.1 million are opting to use their vehicle to get away for a UK break this summer.
Researchers for the UK’s largest automotive servicing and repair company asked people why they were choosing to travel by car. The most common reason given by people is that they don’t want to risk infection travelling by plane or other modes of public transport, stated by more than one in four (28%) who will be using their car. 23% think current restrictions placed on air travel and public transport are too much hassle to navigate, while 15% are concerned about flights being cancelled and 14% say they need to cut costs so using their vehicle is the most economic option available.
The 13.1 million setting off on UK roads for a domestic break will cover an average of 804 miles – a combined total of 10.6 billion holiday miles. As holidaymakers prepare to load up their vehicles, Kwik Fit is urging drivers to remember their all-important checks ahead of travel. Three million of those using their car to holiday this summer admitted to never carrying out any special checks before hitting the road.
Even the most basic checks are being neglected by many – only half of the drivers planning to travel with their car this summer check tyre pressure (54%), screen wash levels (50%) or oil levels (49%) before setting off.
Other simple checks on vehicles are being missed too. Just one in four (23%) check the condition of their spare wheel, only 32% check brake fluid, 33% look at coolant levels and just 39% check their tyre tread depth.
Worryingly, in spite of the Government ending the automatic extension of MOT expiry dates, fewer than one in five drivers (19%) planning a trip with their car validate its MOT ahead of doing so. Not only is the MOT a legal requirement, the test is even more important for those drivers who don’t make their own checks as it can highlight significant safety issues.
South West England, Scotland and Wales are the top three hot spots for UK holidaymakers, with more Brits heading for these destinations as there are going on all overseas holidays combined. North West England and Yorkshire and Humber complete the top five UK destinations.
Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “Many people will have had to completely rethink their travel plans this summer and have been looking at the best way to ensure their family can still get a break. With so many homes becoming the main workplace and learning area over the past few months, it is only natural people want to get a change of scenery and routine. While we understand the need to get away, we want people to do so safely.
“It’s clear from this research that the roads are going to be extremely busy so the last thing anyone will want is the added hassle of car trouble. Carrying out a few checks on a vehicle before travelling a distance could prevent any unwanted delays on the side of the road. Our centres offer a free car health check for anyone not comfortable doing it themselves.”
To get more information on free vehicle health checks at Kwik Fit or book an appointment visit the website.
For the latest news and updates from Kwik Fit, customers can also follow the company on Twitter at @kwik_fit.
Sources
1 Research carried out by Opinium amongst 2,003 UK adults between 3rd and 6th July 2020
About Kwik Fit
Established in 1971, the Kwik Fit Group is one of the largest independent automotive parts, repair and replacement specialists in the world. Kwik Fit has over 600 service centres across the UK and more than 200 mobile tyre fitting vehicles, making it the UK’s leading tyre, exhaust, brake and MOT specialist. Details of its range of products and services can be found at kwik-fit.com
Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters. The most common tyre size in the UK is 205/55R16 but there are many variations so it’s important to check your existing tyre first before searching for tyres.
Tip: Take a photo of your existing tyre sidewall to make it easier to identify your tyre size using the guide below.
The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked 225 will measure 225mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio
The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width. The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. So an aspect ratio of 55 for example means that the profile height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter
The next two digits represent the size of the wheel rim that the tyre can be fitted to. It is also the diameter of the tyre from bead to bead. So a tyre marked 16 will fit on a 16-inch wheel rim.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.
Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.
If you are unsure what speed rating you need, be sure to check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than that recommended by your vehicle manufacturer could potentially invalidate your insurance.
Load Rating
The load index provides information on the maximum weight capability for the tyre. The load index is a numerical code that can be located just after the tyre size marking and before the speed rating.
Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.
Although not illegal, it is not advisable to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load index than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm your vehicle’s tyre speed rating and load index as well as any additional requirements.
0800 75 76 77 You can reach our customer care team 6 days a week from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Monday and Thursday, 8:30am to 6:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Saturday, and 10:00am to 4:00pm on Bank Holidays.
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We endeavour to ensure we are displaying the correct tyres for your vehicle. However, we recommend all customers check the tyre size printed on the side wall of their tyres before proceeding with a tyre purchase as occasionally discrepancies do occur. By selecting the tyre sizes above and clicking 'Continue', you are indicating that you have checked your tyre sizes.
Please select your front and rear tyre size before clicking 'Continue'.
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Please note: There is a slope that the vehicle must be driven up to reach the vehicle ramp at this centre. This may prevent us from being able to work on some high-performance vehicles, Tesla vehicles or vehicles that have been lowered. If your vehicle has low ground clearance, please contact the centre team on 01342 314 111 before booking.
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