Back to work breakdown blues

01 December 2007
  • January 2nd is most likely day for motor breakdowns
  • Festive season sees 15% increase in reported breakdown incidents

The back to work blues could become the breakdown blues for those who find their car won't start after the Christmas break. New research reveals that January 2nd – the first day of work for many people – is the busiest day of the year for car breakdowns.

The research, by breakdown assistance provider Green Flag, shows that requests for breakdown assistance reach a peak over the December/January festive period*, increasing by 15% overall on other months. The days which fall after public holidays – January 2nd and December 27th – are when most people need help with getting their car started. The most common reason for call outs is for non-starting vehicles, mainly resulting from flat batteries.

Abi Clark, spokesperson for Green Flag comments: "Icy conditions and wet, cold weather means cars are far more likely to break down in winter. Batteries fail more often in these conditions, and the increased use of de-misters, heaters and windscreen wipers places an extra strain on them.

"In addition, people tend to use their cars less over the holiday period while they spend more time at home. To find that your car won't start on the first day of work can really upset your plans and feel like a bad beginning to the New Year."

The top ten most common causes for call outs:

  1. Non-starts
  2. Accidents
  3. Problems with the tyres
  4. Problems with the drive
  5. Electrical problems
  6. Mechanical problems
  7. Cooling system
  8. Fault with the keys
  9. Lack of fuel
  10. Problems with the exhaust.

Avoid a breakdown this winter with these tips from Green Flag:

  • Flat batteries account for almost 50% of all requests for breakdown assistance. Most garages can test your battery for you, many of them offering this service free of charge. A sluggish start is a sign that the battery is getting old and may need replacing.
  • Perform some basic checks before setting out on a journey: check your brakes, lights and windscreen wipers are all working as well as checking your tyres, water and oil. Also check your exhaust and radiator for cracks or leaks.
  • Try to keep your fuel tank at least half full: this helps to keep the petrol line from freezing and lets you keep the heater running should you break down.
  • Adapt your driving style to account for the weather. Driving slower and keeping your distance from the car in front will help prevent accidents.
  • Keep a few essentials in the car when travelling in winter and in particular at night: a fully charged mobile phone, warm clothing, a bottle of water, torch, shovel and ice scraper.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Claire Foster
RBS Insurance
Tel: 020 8285 8682
Email: claire.foster@rbs.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

*Green Flag data for the period 16 December 2006 to 7 January 2007.

Green Flag

  • Green Flag breakdown cover provides roadside rescue and recovery 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • Green Flag's incident management centre in Leeds manages around 1m breakdown incidents each year.
  • Customers have access to a national network of thousands of independent recovery agents in the UK and on mainland Europe.