MANY Brits are venting their frustrations to the one thing guaranteed to listen back - their car.
New research from Warrantywise has revealed that one in five Brits (22 per cent) admit to talking to their car as a way of coping with stress.
Drivers say they mutter through their to-do lists, talk themselves through busy days and let off steam behind the wheel when the pressures start to pile up.
The poll of 2,000 UK drivers, conducted by OnePoll, found that 54 per cent regularly say words of gratitude or encouragement to their vehicle.
This is particularly common during long winter journeys, icy mornings or when crawling through bumper-to-bumper traffic.
From phrases such as "please don't break down now" to "thank you for getting me through that", Britain's drivers are forming a surprisingly emotional bond with their cars.
For many motorists, the car is more than just a way to get from A to B.
It becomes a private space to decompress, gather thoughts and enjoy a moment of calm away from the noise and demands of the season.
Whether it's escaping the house for some peace and quiet, navigating packed supermarket car parks or sitting in traffic with the heating on full, drivers say the car offers a safe, judgement-free zone to offload stress.
The research suggests the festive period is when drivers are most likely to talk out loud in the car, particularly when driving alone or stuck in traffic
And while chatting to your car might raise a few eyebrows, Warrantywise says it highlights just how much drivers rely on their vehicles during winter.
With icy mornings, shorter days and packed roads ahead, winter driving can feel more stressful than ever. Reliability becomes crucial when drivers are balancing social commitments, family visits and last-minute errands.
Warrantywise offers a range of discretionary extended warranty plans based on your vehicle's age and mileage, plus Full Recovery for emergency breakdown assistance.
These plans are designed to suit different vehicles, budgets and driving needs, providing discretionary protection to help with unexpected repair costs at the worst possible time.
Warrantywise plans include mechanical and electrical repairs, diagnostics, and labour costs, helping to address the increased risk of breakdowns during winter conditions.