75% of Irish people have changed holiday plans for Summer 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions according to research from Carzone, Ireland’s motoring marketplace and with inter county travel now back on the cards, 82% are planning to holiday in Ireland this Summer.

The surge in staycations will present many opportunities for the independent aftermarket, as vehicles will have to travel longer distances and with heavier loads than normal.

Carzone says that only 12% of those surveyed have booked a trip abroad in the hope that the travel ban will be lifted. Most will stay closer to home with 93% driving for over two hours to reach their holiday destination at home.

The carzone survey also found that a majority of motorist are aware of the need to carry out vehicle checks before long journeys. 73% said they would check tyres, 58% said they would clean the car before travel and 52% were aware of the need to check oil and filters.

This opens up possibilities for garages to offer pre-holiday vehicle checks and for additional sales for car care and accessory stockists.