Exclusive research by Warrantywise reveals that over half of UK drivers (54%)* admit to saying words of encouragement or gratitude to their vehicles.

From whispered pep talks on cold mornings to relieved thank-yous after making it home safely, our relationship with our cars goes far beyond simply going from A to B.

So why do we form such strong emotional bonds with our vehicles, and how can we channel that affection into better car care?

Key facts at a glance: 
 

• 54% of British drivers say words of encouragement or gratitude to their cars.

• 25% of drivers chit chat to their cars about the weather.

• 19% of drivers say their car is part of the family.

• 49% of drivers have a nickname for their vehicle.

• The top three nicknames for cars are Babe, Betty, and Daisy.

• The average age of cars on UK roads is 10 years.

• Regular servicing and maintenance can help keep your vehicle in good condition.

The UK’s love affair with their cars.

According to our exclusive data, Britain’s drivers are far more emotionally invested in their cars than we might expect.

As well as offering words of encouragement, some drivers make small talk with their car. In fact, 25% say they’ve chatted about the weather with their vehicle. For one in five, their car is even a confidant.

And it’s not just our research that points to this emotional connection. Recent insights from Aviva found that one in eight car owners feel emotionally attached to their vehicle, while 19% say their car is part of the family.

For many of us, cars play a central role in everyday life. They get us to work, take us to see loved ones, and carry us through everything from school runs to spontaneous road trips and memorable holidays.

Our poll results suggest many UK drivers have a genuine connection with the vehicles they rely on.

Over time, shared journeys and everyday routines can turn a car from a practical possession into something far more personal.

Why do we form emotional bonds with our cars?

Psychologists have long noted that people form attachments to the objects they depend on, and cars are no exception.

For many drivers, that emotional bond starts with their very first car. Those keys can represent freedom, confidence and a new chapter in life, which helps to explain why drivers remember their first car so clearly.

Over time, a car can start to feel like more than just a machine. It’s a reflection of who we are, where we’ve been, and what we’ve achieved.

Car nicknames.

That connection goes even deeper. Aviva also revealed that 49% of motorists have a nickname for their vehicle – a small gesture that can make a car feel like part of the family. So, what are the most popular names on UK roads?

Top 10 car nicknames in the UK (according to Aviva):

• Babe.

• Betty.

• Daisy.

• Ruby.

• Pearl.

• Ghost.

• Bertie.

• Molly.

• Winnie.

• Rex.

Whether it’s a nickname or a quiet “thank you” after a long drive, these small habits show the bond many of us have with our cars.

We’re holding on to our cars for longer.

It’s not just that we love our cars – we are also keeping them for longer than ever. In fact, the average age of cars on UK roads is now around 10 years.

There are a number of reasons behind this. For many drivers, cost is a major factor – replacing a car isn’t cheap, and with the rising cost of living, it makes sense to get as much value as possible from the vehicle you already own.

But there’s also an emotional side to it. The longer we keep a car, the more memories it holds. It’s the car that got us to the first day at a new job, took us to the airport for family holidays, supported us through big life changes, and helped us with day-to-day tasks.

More than words: simple car care tips.

Regular servicing and maintenance are great ways to care for your vehicle and keep it in the best condition possible. Not only can it help improve reliability, but it can also reduce the risk of unexpected repairs.

But caring for your car isn’t just what’s under the bonnet – keeping it clean matters too. Regularly cleaning your car inside and out helps protect the paintwork, prevent corrosion, maintain resale value, and makes every drive more enjoyable.

If you’re planning to keep your car for longer, staying on top of the basics can make a real difference.

Simple car care checks you can do at home:

• Check oil levels regularly.

• Maintain correct tyre pressure – the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm.

• Top up screen wash and coolant regularly.

• Drive smoothly and avoid harsh braking.

• Keep your car clean inside and out.

• Stay on top of your servicing schedule.

These small habits will not only support your car’s longevity but also help reduce the risk of sudden breakdowns on the road. 

Show your car some love.

To many of us, our cars are more than just transport. They’re part of our routines, our memories, and the moments that matter, which helps explain why so many of us talk to them, thank them, and name them.

With UK drivers holding onto their cars for longer than ever, it’s clear that many of us aren’t ready to say goodbye.

Whether it’s the comfort of a car we know inside out or simply being head over wheels for the vehicle we already have, looking after it properly matters.

So, if you’re planning to keep your car for longer, it’s worth thinking about how you will handle repair costs if something goes wrong.

An extended warranty from a provider like Warrantywise can help with the cost of unexpected repair bills.

Depending on the plan you choose, additional benefits may also be available, such as roadside assistance, a replacement vehicle and onward travel.

To find out more about our choice of extended warranties, visit our website.

Sources

*The data cited in this article was completed from research conducted by OnePoll in 2025. The survey was based on responses from a representative sample of 2,000 UK car owners.