• Green Flag is forecasting nearly 64,000* breakdowns to occur on UK roads this bank holiday weekend  
• Translating to nine breakdowns every minute
• Green Flag has released the most common causes of breakdowns to check for ahead of long journeys
• Find out more at www.greenflag.com

 

Ahead of the UK bank holiday weekend, and with lockdown restrictions making trips abroad difficult, much of the country will be planning a last-ditch attempt to enjoy these extra few days off work. The expected number of cars on the road will therefore be higher than usual this weekend.

As a result, breakdown expert Green Flag is predicting nearly 64,000* breakdowns to occur between Thursday 27^th August and Monday 31^st August. This translates to a staggering nine breakdowns per minute across the course of the next few days.

Mark Newberry, Commercial Director at Green Flag commented: “With lockdown restrictions changing frequently, and the majority of children starting back at school next week, many people are avoiding travelling abroad to take advantage of the long weekend. The expected number of drivers on the road is higher than ever this bank holiday, as many head on staycation trips around the country instead. We expect there will be increased traffic on the roads as Brits take advantage of of the the summer long weekend, which unfortunately comes hand in hand with a higher number of breakdowns.

“At Green Flag, we want to ensure that drivers can enjoy their bank holiday weekend by taking precautions to avoid the possibility of a breakdown. Several of the problems that motorists are likely to encounter are avoidable if drivers ensure that their vehicles are checked thoroughly before setting off on any long journeys."  

In order to help drivers reach their destinations safely, Green Flag has released the most common causes of breakdowns so you know what to check before hitting the road this bank holiday.

Green Flag’s Long Journey Driving Flags To Reduce Risk of Breakdown This Bank Holiday:

1. BATTERY - A flat or faulty battery is the number one cause of vehicle breakdowns. It’s usually signalled by either complete silence or the starter motor sounding as if it’s about to grind to a halt. This is caused by a lack of sufficient current for it to turn the engine over.
2. ALTERNATOR - The battery might power the car’s electrical components such as lights, windscreen wipers and sound system but the alternator uses energy from the engine to keep the battery charged. If it fails your battery will run out of charge, even if it’s brand new.
3. STARTER MOTOR - Typically, faults with a starter motor only present themselves when it fails to start the engine. Regular maintenance checks can help to prevent any problems with your starter motor.
4. TYRES - Never hit the road without a serviceable spare wheel or a temporary puncture repair kit in the car. While tyre failure is generally caused by debris in the road, it can often be prevented. A prime cause of tyre failure is under-inflation which causes tyres to overheat. Ensure that you check your vehicle's tyre pressure and tread condition as often as you fill the car with fuel. If one tyre regularly needs air it either has a slow puncture or a problem with the valve. You should get it inspected. Remember that when a car is fully loaded the tyre pressures may need increasing from normal, check the vehicle handbook for the correct tyre pressures.
5. ELECTRICAL - As cars get more complex, electrical problems become more common. They can lead to strange behaviour; they’re frequently difficult to diagnose and hard to fix at the road side. Sometimes they can be rectified by simply turning the car off and back on again, as you might a computer. Unusual symptoms need checking out before they cause a breakdown.

– ENDS –

Notes to Editors:

*Stats based on internal data weighted to market share.

With over 40 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).

Green Flag Motoring Assistance is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. 

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com