The Most and Least Prepared Drivers for Summer Road Trips
The Most and Least Prepared Drivers for Summer Road Trips
From skipped checks to missing tools, our survey reveals the truth about car care habits.Summer is peak road trip season, but many drivers hit the road without making sure their vehicle is ready for the journey or that their car insurance can cover unexpected issues. We surveyed 1,000 drivers to find out how prepared Americans really are for long drives. The results reveal gaps in basic car maintenance knowledge and risky habits that could turn a simple roadside issue into a major repair or an insurance claim. Being prepared is not just about staying safe. It also helps avoid costly surprises down the line.
Key Takeaways
- 1 in 2 Americans are not confident they could handle a basic car repair if something went wrong on a road trip.
- 45% of Gen Z can’t jump-start a car, and 51% don’t know how to change a tire.
- 44% of Toyota drivers don’t know how to change a tire.
- 1 in 4 drivers (25%) have started a road trip knowing their car wasn’t fully road-ready.
- On average, individual drivers have driven 771 miles with a warning light on before addressing it.
Basic Repairs Drivers Don’t Know How to Do
For many drivers, basic car repair skills are more myth than muscle memory. While vehicle technology has improved, the average American’s ability to handle a roadside hiccup hasn’t kept up.
Half of drivers said they wouldn’t feel confident managing a basic repair if their car broke down. Instead of risking delays, 44% admitted to continuing their drive even when they suspected something was wrong with their vehicle. That decision could make a minor problem much worse and much more expensive.
Generational and brand-based gaps in knowledge were particularly noticeable: 45% of Gen Z drivers didn’t know how to jump-start a car, and 51% couldn’t change a flat. Toyota drivers had similar issues: 44% of them also lacked the know-how to change a flat tire.
Among car brands, 93% of Kia owners couldn’t change their own oil. Hyundai drivers weren’t much better, with 87% also unable to handle an oil change on their own.
Car Maintenance Tasks Drivers Felt Most Confident Performing
- Checking tire pressure (77%)
- Refilling windshield wiper fluid (71%)
- Checking engine oil level (64%)
- Jump-starting (57%)
- Replacing windshield wiper blades (57%)
- Changing a flat tire (47%)
How Many Drivers Are Skipping Car Checks?
Even drivers who aren’t mechanically inclined can still take small steps to stay safe, but many don’t. Skipping routine checks might save time before a trip, but it can cost a lot more down the road. Overlooking things like tire pressure, fluid levels, or warning lights can increase the risk of a breakdown and lead to long-term damage that shortens the life of your vehicle.
A quarter of respondents admitted they’d started a summer road trip knowing their car wasn’t completely road-ready. Only 23% said they always check their vehicle before hitting the road.
Another 33% claimed they perform a basic maintenance check “most of the time,” while 28% have only done it occasionally. Alarmingly, 17% said they rarely or never perform these checks before a trip.
Some drivers take a reactive approach: 11% wait for a service light to appear on their dashboard before doing any car maintenance. Plus, drivers have clocked 771 miles after a service light appeared, potentially allowing small issues to turn into major repairs.
Percentage of Drivers Who Skip Basic Maintenance Before a Road Trip (by Car Brand)
- Honda (19%)
- Kia (18%)
- Hyundai (17%)
- Nissan (17%)
- Chevrolet (15%)
- Ford (14%)
- Toyota (10%)
Preventive care is one of the simplest ways to avoid unexpected repairs, and it can also help you avoid unnecessary insurance claims. Breakdowns caused by neglect, like tire blowouts or engine trouble, may lead to roadside assistance calls or even accidents. Over time, multiple claims or service requests can flag you as a higher-risk driver, which may raise your premium. Taking care of small issues early helps protect both your car and your coverage.
What Do Drivers Do During Car Breakdowns?
Having the right equipment is only half the battle. The trouble is, many drivers don’t feel confident enough to use it.
Only 18% of drivers said they’d try to fix a car issue themselves if something went wrong mid-trip. While spare tires were fairly common in respondents’ cars, not everyone had the tools they’d need to attach them. For example, just 67% had a jack, and only 28% had a basic toolkit in their vehicle.
The result: Many drivers are one flat tire away from a roadside emergency, even if the solution is sitting in their trunk.
Final Thoughts on Road Trip Readiness
Summer road trips should be all about fun and freedom. But skipping the basics of car care can turn a relaxing getaway into an expensive headache. From breakdowns to emergency calls, unprepared drivers are more likely to face problems that lead to insurance claims. These claims can sometimes affect your premium or future coverage. A few extra minutes of preparation can help make your trip safer and protect both your vehicle and your insurance record.
Methodology
We surveyed 1,000 American drivers on July 7, 2025, to explore driving maintenance habits. Car brands with 45 or more respondents are shown. Responses are self-reported.
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