New research published on 22 December 2025 has revealed that one in five people across the UK admit to talking to their car as a way of coping with the pressures of the Christmas period.
The study, commissioned by Warrantywise, found that festive traffic, packed schedules, and last minute errands are pushing many drivers to treat their car as a sounding board during the busiest time of the year.
A survey of 2,000 UK drivers carried out by OnePoll showed that 22% talk to their car to manage stress, while 54% say they regularly offer words of gratitude or encouragement when behind the wheel.
Drivers reported muttering through to do lists, talking themselves through busy days, or simply venting frustrations while stuck in traffic in the run up to Christmas.
The behaviour was most common during long winter journeys, icy mornings, and bumper to bumper traffic, when patience is tested and time feels tight.
Phrases like “please don’t break down now” and “thank you for getting me through that” were among the most common, suggesting many drivers form an emotional bond with their vehicle during the festive season.
Even those who describe themselves as firmly in bah humbug mode admitted their car becomes a trusted companion when stress levels rise.
For many motorists, the car becomes more than transport at Christmas and instead offers a private space to decompress, collect thoughts, and find brief calm away from seasonal noise and expectation.
Drivers said moments spent sitting in supermarket car parks, crawling through traffic with the heating on, or escaping the house for a short drive can feel like rare pockets of peace.
The research found drivers were most likely to talk out loud when driving alone, stuck in traffic, or juggling long lists of Christmas tasks.
While chatting to a car may sound odd, Warrantywise says it highlights how heavily people rely on their vehicles during winter.
Antony Diggins, Managing Director at Warrantywise, said:
“You’ve spent weeks planning the perfect Christmas buying presents, organising visits, getting everything just right.
“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, the festive period is widely seen as one of the most stressful times for drivers.
Reliability becomes critical as people balance family visits, social commitments, and last minute shopping.
Warrantywise says the findings underline the importance of preparation during winter, when breakdowns are more likely and disruptions can quickly derail plans.
The company offers discretionary extended warranty plans based on vehicle age and mileage, alongside Full Recovery breakdown assistance, designed to help drivers manage unexpected repair costs.
As Christmas approaches, the research suggests that whether drivers are full of festive cheer or muttering bah humbug at the lights, many are finding comfort in the quiet companionship of their car.
