The French are not very concerned about the condition of their vehicles

A large number of accidents could be avoided if motorists made sure to take to the road with a vehicle in good condition. This is the conclusion of a survey commissioned by Mobil 1, the synthetic motor oil division of Exxon Mobil, as road traffic reaches new records during this holiday period. Three out of five French people fail to check the condition of their vehicle and carry out the necessary checks before setting off on vacation. However, according to the study conducted by Censuswide among 2,000 French people aged 17 and over between July 2 and 7, 2025, the French travel an average of 708 km to reach their vacation destination.

Checking vehicle safety features is essential to reduce risks and ensure a stress-free journey. For example, we know that each year, poor tire condition is responsible for 153,000 accidents in Europe, 6% of which are fatal. Worn tread, under-inflated tires, cuts in the tread: the causes of tire blowouts are numerous. While the study shows that 74% of motorists check tire pressure, only 44% of young drivers (17-24 years old). However, this category of drivers is the most affected by accidents. The phenomenon is worrying: according to the study, among drivers who do not carry out the required checks, nearly 1 in 5 people surveyed (19%) admit to not knowing what to check.

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41% of French drivers are unaware that the oil pressure warning light is a key indicator that their car's oil level needs to be checked. This figure rises to 69% among young drivers (aged 17-24). 1 in 10 motorists (10%) believe their engine oil needs to be checked when they hear a clicking, ticking, squealing, or grinding sound.

It cannot be stressed enough that before setting off, it is essential to check all vehicle levels (windshield washer fluid, coolant, oil, fuel, and battery charge for electric vehicles). It is also important to ensure that the windshield wipers, headlights, brakes, and air conditioning are working properly.

Don't forget to bring a puncture repair kit, reflective jackets, and a warning triangle to signal yourself in case of a breakdown on the side of the road, as well as a charged smartphone. This can always be used to call for assistance once the vehicle is stopped and safe.

Finally, the Mobil 1 study shows that on the eve of setting off on vacation, French drivers are more concerned about their luggage, the route, and bringing refreshments. 25% of young drivers also plan distractions for their trip, compared to only 10% of those aged 55 and over.