Fed up with festive traffic, last-minute shopping and endless family logistics? You’re not alone, and it seems many British motorists are venting their frustrations to the one thing guaranteed to listen back: their car.
New research from Warrantywise has revealed that one in five Brits (22 per cent) admit to talking to their car as a way of coping with Christmas stress. Drivers say they mutter through their to-do lists, talk themselves through busy days and let off steam behind the wheel when the pressures of the festive season start to pile up.
The poll of 2,000 UK drivers, conducted by OnePoll, found that 54 per cent regularly say words of gratitude or encouragement to their vehicle. This is particularly common during long winter journeys, icy mornings or when crawling through bumper-to-bumper traffic in the run-up to Christmas.
From phrases such as “please don’t break down now” to “thank you for getting me through that”, Britain’s drivers are forming a surprisingly emotional bond with their cars. Even those who claim to be firmly in bah humbug mode admit that their vehicle becomes a trusted companion when festive stress levels rise.
For many motorists, the car is more than just a way to get from A to B at Christmas. It becomes a private space to decompress, gather thoughts and enjoy a moment of calm away from the noise and demands of the season. Whether it’s escaping the house for some peace and quiet, navigating packed supermarket car parks or sitting in traffic with the heating on full, drivers say the car offers a safe, judgement-free zone to offload stress.
The research suggests the festive period is when drivers are most likely to talk out loud in the car, particularly when driving alone, stuck in traffic or juggling long lists of Christmas jobs. And while chatting to your car might raise a few eyebrows, Warrantywise says it highlights just how much drivers rely on their vehicles during 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 packed roads ahead, Christmas driving can feel more stressful than ever. Reliability becomes crucial when drivers are balancing social commitments, family visits and last-minute errands.
Warrantywise offers a range of discretionary extended warranty plans based on your vehicle’s age and mileage, plus Full Recovery for emergency breakdown assistance. These plans are designed to suit different vehicles, budgets and driving needs, providing discretionary protection to help with unexpected repair costs at the worst possible time.
So, whether you’re full of festive cheer or muttering bah humbug at every traffic light, Warrantywise’s warranty plans are there to keep Christmas journeys moving and worries firmly off the road. Warrantywise plans include mechanical and electrical repairs, diagnostics, and labour costs, helping to address the increased risk of breakdowns during winter conditions.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Yes, I too talk to my car around the festive season when I’m out and about in sticky Tokyo traffic. But more often than not, I’m singing along with my favourite bands like The Beatles, The Eagles, Deep Purple, Earth, Wind and Fire or Led Zeppelin. What about you?