New research by breakdown provider Green Flag* has revealed over half (52 per cent) of UK drivers are set to use a car as part of their holiday travels, with nearly two thirds (61 per cent) planning on using their own car as opposed to hitching a lift with others.

The research showed that despite some foreign travel being back on, its clear UK drivers are still embracing staycations this summer. Distance doesn't seem to be an issue with two out of five UK drivers (42 per cent) planning on driving over 100 miles to enjoy the sunny weather, with over a quarter (26 per cent) most excited to explore new parts of the UK, and over a fifth are stay cationing because they simply enjoy road trips (23 per cent).

The hot weather might not be so welcoming on our cars however, as Green Flag is expecting to see 16 breakdowns on average per minute between today (July 19) and Friday 23rd July - a 20 per cent increase when compared to normal.

The breakdown provider has also discovered the busiest days on the road. While most drivers would choose to avoid a Saturday when driving (32 per cent), it's actually Mondays are expected to be the busiest day on the roads, with almost a quarter of drivers choosing this day to drive to their holiday destination. Sunday is revealed to be the best day to travel, with just 15 per cent planning on making a journey that day.

Drivers can face a wide range of problems when driving in the warmer weather, from increased stress levels to extra demands on the car due to the heat. Green Flag has released tips to help keep drivers safe on the roads this summer and ensure vehicles are as prepared for the heat as drivers, including consideration of pollen forecasts and checking tyre pressures regularly.

Mark Newberry, Commercial Director at Green Flag, said: "The expected heatwave will arrive at the same time as the lifting of restrictions and summer holidays, so we expect to see people making the most of this opportunity. Whether it's short or long distances to enjoy a well-deserved break in the sun, we want to ensure all drivers feel prepared for the challenges faced when driving in warmer weather this summer, especially following our predictions of increased volumes of expected breakdowns in the coming weeks."