MORE MILES BY CAR THIS CHRISTMAS
Motorists will drive almost three times* further over the Christmas period than they do normally, according to new research for Halfords Autocentres.
Driving to sales, visiting friends and relatives, attending events and taking children to play-dates and parties, means the average family car will clock up over 448 miles between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
Even on Christmas Day three in ten will drive more than 25 miles as families come together to celebrate.
A study carried out by Halfords stresses the importance of ensuring the car is ready for the extra miles ahead, although seven out of ten motorists admit to delaying vital maintenance this winter.
The research showed the average household will make:
- four trips to local stores and two to major shopping centres travelling 84 miles
- three trips to friends and relatives totalling 208 miles
- a further 70 miles will be driven attending festive gatherings such as Carol services and other community and charity events.
- the children will need ferrying another 66 miles as parents act as chauffeurs
- other trips such as fresh produce markets, dropping off cards and presents to friends living locally and to the recycling centre, 20 miles
The study of 1800 motorists found that a fifth (19%) will travel over 500 miles and six per cent will clock up over 700 miles between December 24th and the end of New Years Day.
Christmas Eve is predicted to be the busiest day on the roads with 70% saying they would venture out in their cars mainly doing last minute shopping. On Boxing Day almost six out of ten (58%) planned an outing either rushing to the sales, or spending the day with relatives. A quarter (24%) said visiting family or friends was essential at this time of year.
Rory Carlin, from Halfords Autocentre said: “As many as 20million cars may not have had even a basic inspection to check their preparedness for winter – potentially placing the safety of owners and other road users at risk at a time when we need the car to be at its most reliable.
“It is easy to underestimate the importance of a winter inspection. Mild temperatures and the reliability of modern cars means that many drivers mistakenly think mechanical checks are unnecessary. However ‘low maintenance’ does not mean ‘no maintenance’. Road conditions can be challenging and with stormy weather predicted travelling is going to be particularly difficult so why take the chance with the car.”
Not only do drivers fail to check their cars but the majority (80%) do not pack essential equipment, that could aid them if the worst happens, until after the harsher conditions arrive.
Halfords Autocentres currently offer an eleven point winter car inspection (including £10 worth of winter essentials) from £12.95.
Autocentres have also put together a free Winter Survival Guide for motorists providing advice on everything from preparing your car for winter to administering first aid. To download a copy visit: www.halfordsautocentres.com.
ENDS
Notes To Editors
*Average distance travelled by car per week 158 miles – National Travel Survey 2012
To find your nearest Halfords Autocentre, find out more about the Winter Inspection service or make a booking online visit www.halfordsautocentres.com
Media contact:
Stuart Humphreys, Automotive PR Manager
T: 01527 513410, M: 07738 751930
E: stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk
James Dale, PR Coordinator
T: 01527 513315
Notes to Editors
Winter survey: Conducted among 2000 UK drivers during October 2013.
About Halfords Autocentres
Halfords Autocentres is a leading independent MOT, car service, repair and tyre garage network. We employ highly trained ATA accredited technicians and use the latest in vehicle diagnostic equipment in over 295 sites – which is expanding monthly - to deliver dealership quality work at affordable prices.
Being independent experts means that we are able to service, repair and maintain any make or model of car in line with the manufacturer’s standards, whilst offering a local price match promise and peace of mind in the form of a minimum guarantee of 12 months or 12,000 miles on work carried out. (See website for terms and conditions)
The Halfords Autocentres name may be a recent addition to the Halfords Group, but our heritage spans more than three decades and we serve over 750,000 customers every year - with over 8 out of 10 of them being happy to recommend us to their friends.
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