Tyres are overlooked by over 50% of drivers ahead of festive getaway

Bottom of the tree: Tyres are overlooked by over half of drivers ahead of festive getaway, says motoring expert

With ‘Frantic Friday’ only a few days away, as millions start taking to the roads for the festive break, research by motoring expert The Motor Ombudsman revealed that 53% of adults across the nation would not check their tyres were safe and legal before setting off
Drivers can be landed with a fine of £2,500 and three points on their driving licence per illegal tyre – an unwanted added expense at an already often-costly time of year
Motorists are being urged to ensure that their car is fully roadworthy to avoid any unwanted stoppages and breakdowns when travelling to their holiday destination

The festive getaway traditionally ramps up the weekend before Christmas, when millions of motorists encounter ‘Frantic Friday’ and ‘Snarl-up Saturday’ on the roads. However, a poll by a motoring expert has found that over half of individuals (53%) would simply forgo checking their car’s tyres were in a safe and legal condition ahead of setting off on their journey to celebrate the festive season with friends and loved ones.

Whilst many often spend hours ensuring their gifts are carefully wrapped, decorating the tree, and shopping for the celebrations, the latest research of 2,000 UK respondents by The Motor Ombudsman revealed that, in contrast, just over four in ten (47%) would put in the time to make sure that all tyres were inflated to the correct pressures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer according to the luggage and number of people in the car, and that the tread depth of the rubber was at least the legal minimum of 1.6mm.

As well as tyres being a critical safety component with only a small contact patch separating vehicles from the road, drivers can be subject to a fine of £2,500 and three points on their driving licence per illegal tyre.

In fact, the study showed that the country’s newest drivers, i.e. 18 to 29-year-olds, are the least contentious of any group when it comes to checking that the four corners of their car are in optimum condition (at 42% of respondents), whilst those in the 45 to 59 bracket emerged as being the most attentive (51%).

Rebecca Pullan, owner of The Motor Ombudsman-accredited Carmaster Garage, said: “As well as keeping an eye out for any cuts, lumps, or bulges, which could suggest internal damage, under-inflated tyres can lead to hidden costs, such as premature and uneven wear, increased fuel consumption, and significantly raise the risk of aquaplaning. This is a dangerous combination where water builds between the tyres and the road, causing a loss of traction, steering and braking control, and heightening the chance of an accident.”

The findings of the latest research equally showed that fewer than half of those questioned in the study (47%) would pop open the bonnet to ensure that windscreen washer fluid was topped up to the right levels – as wintry weather brings more challenging conditions and spray and grime being thrown up from the road, and that the engine oil level can also be read between the right lines on the dipstick.

Rebecca added: “Inadequate or dirty oil circulating in the engine can lead to poor performance, whilst eventual starvation can lead to a full engine replacement carrying an average cost of thousands of pounds, highlighting the importance of having it changed annually and not skipping services. However, if drivers see a warning light on the dash in the interim – a symbol similar to the outline of ‘Aladdin’s lamp’, they should never ignore it, as it means that the oil level or pressure has dipped, so it’s important they take their car to a reputable garage without delay.”

With shorter hours of daylight over the festive season, and sunshine becoming more of a rarity, lights and indicators working at their very best is vital. The study however, pointed to the fact that only about a third of drivers (31%) would take a look at the front and rear to ensure everything was lighting up correctly, including fog lamps. Similarly, only around one in three (28%) would check the battery charge level before hitting the road if they owned a hybrid or electric car.

Worryingly, the poll saw nearly a fifth (16%) of survey respondents claiming they would make no checks at all ahead of setting off, and would simply ‘wing it’ – essentially hoping for the best that their journey will be free of any unforeseen hiccups.

Rebecca said: “As a long-awaited end-of-year celebration, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the festive spirit, and not give your car the due care and attention that it needs ahead of a long journey. But this is where nightmares before Christmas can begin. Just like us, cars need regular check-ups and maintenance to stay in shape, especially when undertaking long distance journeys that many are likely to be doing throughout the coming days.

“Just like us, cars need regular check-ups and maintenance to stay in shape, especially when undertaking long distance journeys that many are likely to be doing throughout the coming days.”

Rebecca Pullan

Owner at Carmaster Garage

“If you’re not sure what to look out for, use The Motor Ombudsman’s handy online Business Finder to search for a local trusted repairer, because ultimately, a professional health check can save you hours of avoidable stress and being out of pocket, especially at a time when the expense of the festive season quickly mounts up.”

To see The Motor Ombudsman’s ‘Car-istmas’ tips for the festive season, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Car-istmas.

ENDS

The research was conducted by Perspectus Global among a sample of 2,000 UK adults. The data was collected between 14.11.25 to 18.11.25. Perspectus Global abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles.

Car-istmas® is a trademark of The Motor Ombudsman Limited.