Tired of holiday traffic, last-minute shopping, and juggling family plans? You’re not the only one. Many people in the UK are sharing their frustrations with the one thing that always listens: their car.
New research from Warrantywise shows that one in five Brits (22 per cent) talks to their car to cope with Christmas stress. Drivers say they go over their to-do lists, talk themselves through busy days, and let off steam behind the wheel when the holiday pressure builds.
A poll of 2,000 UK drivers by OnePoll found that 54 per cent often thank or encourage their car. This happens most during long winter drives, icy mornings, or when stuck in heavy traffic before Christmas.
Whether it’s saying “please don’t break down now” or “thank you for getting me through that,” drivers in Britain are forming a genuine emotional connection with their cars. Even people who claim they’re not fans of the holidays acknowledge that their car feels like a trusted companion when stress rises.
For many drivers, the car is more than just a way to get around during Christmas. It’s a private space to relax, clear your head, and find some calm away from the busy season. Whether you’re escaping the house for a break, dealing with crowded car parks, or sitting in traffic with the heat on, drivers say the car is a safe, judgment-free place to let go of stress.
The research shows that drivers are most likely to talk out loud in their cars during the holidays, especially when they’re alone, stuck in traffic, or managing long lists of Christmas tasks. While talking to your car might seem odd, Warrantywise says it shows how much people depend on their vehicles in winter.
“You’ve spent weeks planning the perfect Christmas – buying presents, organising visits, getting everything just right,” said Antony Diggins, Managing Director at Warrantywise. “Then your car throws a spanner in the works with that dreaded engine warning light. It’s not just the repair bill that hurts – it’s watching weeks of planning fall apart because you can’t get anywhere. One fault and the Christmas you’ve invested so much in is suddenly at risk.”
With icy mornings, shorter days, and busy roads, driving at Christmas can feel more stressful than ever. Having a reliable car is especially important when you’re trying to keep up with social plans, family visits, and last-minute errands.
Warrantywise offers a variety of discretionary extended warranty plans. These include several options based on your car’s age and mileage, as well as Full Recovery for emergency breakdowns. These plans suit different vehicles, budgets, and needs, providing extra protection against unexpected repair costs. During every traffic light, Warrantywise’s warranty plans help keep Christmas journeys smooth and worries off the road. They cover mechanical and electrical repairs, diagnostics, and labour costs, helping to manage the higher risk of breakdowns during winter conditions.
Key Points…
- Many Brits Talk to Their Cars During Christmas Stress: A significant number of UK drivers, 22%, talk out loud to their cars to cope with holiday pressures, using the vehicle as a private space to relax and unload stress.
- Emotional Bond with Vehicles Grows During Holidays: Drivers often thank or encourage their cars, especially during winter drives or traffic jams, showing a strong emotional connection with their vehicles during the festive season.
- Cars Are Seen as Stress-Relief Spaces: For many, cars serve as safe, judgment-free zones to unwind and escape from the busy Christmas season, helping manage stress and maintain calm amid holiday chaos.
- Driving Stress Increases in Winter Conditions: Icy mornings, shorter days, and heavy traffic make driving during Christmas more challenging, underscoring the importance of a reliable vehicle for social plans and errands.
- Warrantywise Provides Extended Warranties for Winter Driving: Warrantywise offers various warranty plans covering repairs and breakdowns, helping drivers stay safe and worry-free during their busy Christmas journeys.
For more information, you can visit www.warrantywise.co.uk.
