NEW data reveals that nearly half of all drivers will be hitting the road to stay with friends or family at some point this festive season, with 4.3 million drivers setting off on Christmas Eve alone.

The festive getaway will run through to well after the New Year, with eight per cent saying they will not be returning home until Sunday 4 January or later.

But 2.6 million drivers will be getting behind the wheel without making even basic checks on their car.

Kwik Fit, the UK automotive servicing and repair company, researched drivers' plans for the holiday period. It found that this year, the nation's drivers will be covering a total of 4.5 billion miles on festive trips, with nearly 3.5 million drivers travelling more than 350 miles.

The travelling burden is not shared equally across the generations with much of the driving being done by young drivers.

The research found that those under 34 who are hitting the road will cover an average of 188 miles on 3.6 trips, while the over 55s will typically drive 109 miles for 1.7 trips.

Kwik Fit found that the largest festive exodus will be from London.

During the holidays 79 per cent of the capital's drivers expect to make at least one overnight trip and on average will cover 223 miles.

Drivers in Scotland and the North East are least likely to be heading out for overnight stays with just over a third doing so. They will drive 107 and 98 festive miles respectively.

The research revealed worrying statistics about drivers' preparation. One in seven

drivers - some 2.6 million motorists - using their car for seasonal trips admit they won't makeany checkson their car at all.

Only just over half will check their tyre pressure, 39 per cent will check their screenwash as will those who will check lights, 38 per cent oil level, 30 per cent tyre tread and 24 per cent their coolant.

Despite the nation having already experienced significant weather disruption on the roads this winter, only 19 per cent will check their emergency kit such as blanket, phone charger, water or snow shovel.

Over eight in ten drivers will neglect to check their air conditioning. Air con isn't just for hot weather..

Dan Joyce, operations director at Kwik Fit, advises drivers to make their checks well in advance of their departure day.

He said: "The research shows millions will be hitting the roads this Christmas, but it's alarming to see how many will be doing so without making the most basic of checks. Tyres checks are critical, especially as many modern cars are not fitted with spares.

"Drivers should also inspect their emergency repair kit to make sure it's not out of date. In wintry conditions it's especially vital to ensure your car is in peak condition - nobody wants an unscheduled stop at the side of the road on their Christmas list."

The run up to Christmas is a very busy time for garages, and to help enable all staff enjoy the festive season, Kwik Fit will be closing its centres at 1pm on Christmas Eve, reopening on Saturday 27 December.

It will also close at 1pm on New Years Eve. All centres are closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day.