A couple in a convertible (© Kar tr - stock.adobe.com)
NEW YORK — Since the coronavirus pandemic began, people have been looking for ways to reduce their stress. A new survey finds many are taking road trips as a way to get some fresh air. In a poll of 2,000 American drivers, 69 percent say taking road trips in 2020 has helped them to some degree forget about the stresses of the year.
It seems a road trip is a great way to escape, especially if you’re not fond of planes. Nearly a third (31%) say they’ve taken a road trip in 2020 just to avoid flying, no matter the distance.
The study conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Gumout, a fuel additive manufacturer, aimed to uncover how people are approaching their car maintenance despite not traveling as often as before COVID-19. The results reveal nearly a quarter (23%) are comfortable driving to further destinations.
No destination? No problem
Between safety concerns and cutbacks, public transportation has taken a major hit in usage this year. Most respondents (63%) have felt more reliant on their cars and value their independence more since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Sixty-one percent will simply get in their car and go for a drive with no specific destination in mind.
Four in five say they have confidence in maintaining their cars at home, as more than half the poll (52%) say their cars are at risk of not running properly because it’s sitting idle more frequently. Another 62 percent have some sort of concern about their car’s performance whenever they take a trip.
More than half of drivers (55%) are more worried about the health of their vehicles now than ever before. This concern has led to 57 percent of Americans spending more time taking care of their vehicles at home.
“During these unusual times, the relationship people have with their vehicles has evolved and changed. This shift has encouraged people to care a little more about properly maintaining their cars from home,” says Rusty Waples, Global Group Brand Marketing Manager for Gumout at ITW Global Brands, in a statement. “Fuel additives are a great option for drivers to be able to properly care for critical engine parts in a really easy way. In general, they can help get more miles and years out of your car, and best of all can be easily incorporated into an at-home car maintenance routine.”
“Carbon can be the enemy in your vehicle and many minor engine problems are caused by carbon deposits that build up and degrade engine performance and longevity. For car maintenance newbies and seasoned experts alike, fuel additives are super easy to use” Waples adds.
The study also revealed that three in five worry that they won’t be able to properly maintain their vehicles. Regardless of maintenance, two in three drivers (68%) feel driving for the fun of it is just plain stress relieving during these uncertain times.
“This year has been challenging and many have found hitting the road in their vehicle to be a relatively safe way to relieve some stress,” Waples says.
