High travel costs keep best friends apart

Nearly one in three Americans are experiencing “friendship FOMO,” according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 American drivers found that summer travel season is ramping up, but for millions of Americans it’s also a reminder of something they’re missing: time with their closest friends.

Results found that 32% say they miss the way they used to spend time with their closest friend, with one in eight not having seen their bestie in over a year.

The barriers are familiar: conflicting schedules (44%) and living too far apart (44%) top the list. Twenty-eight percent of respondents cited travel costs as a top barrier.

Commissioned by Jiffy Lube (https://www.jiffylube.com/) and conducted by Talker Research, the survey found that one in four reported being dissatisfied with the amount of quality, in-person time they get with their closest friends — the summer travel season may be just the occasion respondents need to get back in touch.

Sixty percent of Americans are already planning or considering a road trip this summer — and among those, more than a third (35%) are hoping to bring their best friend along.

When it comes to choosing a travel companion, one in five respondents said a best friend is their all-time favorite road trip partner — and the same percentage of respondents said having their besties along made for the best road trips.

For many Americans, road trips aren’t just vacations — they’re friendship accelerators. Among those who’ve traveled with a close friend, 69% said a road trip created more meaningful quality time than months of regular plans combined, while nearly two-thirds (65%) said those trips have been crucial to maintaining their bond.

Many can’t wait to do it again, as 73% of respondents who have road-tripped with a close friend rate it as more enjoyable than other types of trips.

“Great road trips aren’t just about the destination — they’re about the moments shared with friends along the way,” said Suzanne Clerkin, chief marketing officer of Jiffy Lube International. “As friends prepare for summer getaways, a quick, easy oil change service can help drivers hit the road with confidence — keeping the focus on the road ahead and the people beside them.”

Before they get going, the majority of respondents regularly handle car maintenance before a long trip (84%) — checking tire pressure (69%) and oil and fluid levels (69%) most commonly.

This provides peace of mind for 40% who said knowing the car has been recently serviced is the single thing that would make them feel most confident hitting the road.

These types of errands are better with a “plus one.” Fifty percent of respondents said they’ve brought a friend along for pre-trip errands or car care.

The company doesn’t just make it bearable — it makes it happen. Six in 10 drivers (55%) said they’d be more likely to handle routine maintenance before a trip if a friend came with them for the errand.

“Getting your vehicle road-trip ready can be quick, easy and part of the excitement of planning an adventure,” said Clerkin. “With a friend along for the ride, even routine vehicle maintenance feels easier — helping drivers hit the road feeling confident their vehicle is prepared for the journey ahead. Of course, before any reunion can happen, drivers should make sure their vehicles are ready for the journey.”

Reflecting on their previous road trips, more than half (56%) of those surveyed have experienced an unexpected car issue or service reminder on a road trip.

One respondent recalled getting a flat tire with no spare — until their friend stepped in, grabbed a can of “Fix-a-Flat” and got them back on the road.

But no matter the literal or figurative bumps in the road, nearly two-thirds (66%) said having a friend in the car would make it easier to handle, as they’d figure it out together rather than alone.