80,000 SUMMER BREAKDOWNS

• Highest number of vehicle breakdowns on England’s and Wales’s major road network occurs in the summer months, with an average of 26,440 per month across June, July, and August
• Breakdowns are most likely to occur on a Friday as drivers set off ahead of the weekend
• The M1 between J14 and 15 (in both directions) in Milton Keynes is England’s top breakdown hot spot, and the M4 is Wales’s

 

As the summer holidays fast approach, analysis¹ by breakdown provider Green Flag, reveals these months are set to see 80,000 vehicle breakdowns on motorways and A roads as people head off on vacation.

Analysis of data from National Highways and the Welsh Government reveals an average of 26,440 breakdowns a month on major motorways and A roads across June, July, and August last year, compared to the annual monthly average of 24,236. July and August were also peak breakdown months in 2022 and 2021.

With only a few weeks until the great summer holiday getaway begins, drivers are being advised that Fridays are consistently the day with the most vehicle breakdowns. This also means that Fridays may see the most tailbacks and delays.  Almost 53,000 (52,731) breakdowns took place on Fridays last year. By contrast, Sunday saw 22 per cent fewer breakdowns than Friday, with 41,305 taking place on English and Welsh roads.

Table 1: Most frequent month for breakdowns in England and Wales, 2023

Source: Green Flag

Table 2: Breakdown instances broken down by day of the week in England and Wales, 2023

Source: Green Flag

Across England’s and Wales’s major road networks, the M1 saw the highest number of breakdowns, with a total of 43,185, an average of five an hour, in 2023. The stretch of M1 between junction 14 and 15 (in both directions) in Milton Keynes appears to be England’s top breakdown hot spot, with a total of 3,602 breakdowns in 2023.

Junction 11 to 12 on the M62 between Warrington and Greater Manchester comes a close second with a total of 3,340 breakdowns in both directions. In Wales, the M4 is the most breakdown-prone road, with 9,154 taking place last year.

The M6 saw 41,323 breakdowns in 2023 with the section between junction 14 and 15 at Newcastle under Lyme being the top breakdown location, followed by the M25 with 26,395 breakdowns and the M4 with 18,830.

Table 3: Most frequent breakdown location, 2023

Source: Green Flag

Katie Lomas, Managing Director of Green Flag, commented: “Summer often sees people taking to major motorways and A roads as they head off on summer holidays and weekend breaks, which is likely why we see so many breakdowns on these roads over the summer months. In many cases, a few simple checks that can be carried out at home before setting out, or at a garage when filling up, could prevent a disruptive start to your summer holiday journey. In contrast, we tend to see more breakdowns closer to home in winter, as the cold, damp weather sees more cars failing to start.”

To avoid any potential disruption this summer, Green Flag has provided some quick car maintenance tips:

1.      Keep tyres inflated correctly: Low tyre pressure or pressure that is too high can cause damage and increases wear and tear to your tyres. The correct tyre pressures for your car can usually be found on a sticker on the driver’s door frame (when the door is open), inside the fuel filler flap or in the owner’s manual if no sticker is present.

2.      Check tyres for damage: An already-damaged tyre could blow out when a car is driving at speed, potentially causing a bigger issue. Ensure that any worn tyres are repaired or replaced as soon as you see any signs of damage.

3.      Keep an eye on your oil: Take a few minutes to check your oil level once a month or so. An engine that’s low on oil can be damaged irreversibly. If topping up, be careful not to over fill the oil, as this can also cause damage.

4.      Check coolant levels: Coolant prevents a car’s engine from overheating, which can cause serious engine issues, including breakdowns. Although most modern cars now include a feature that will cut-off the engine if the coolant is low, many older cars do not have this feature, so drivers need to be aware of the warning signs. The coolant level should always be between the minimum and maximum, don’t be tempted to overfill the coolant in summer, as this could cause problems.

5.      Inspect belts and hoses: Damaged belts can throw out a vehicle’s alternator, power steering and air conditioning. Drivers should regularly check for cracks, nicks and bulges in their engine, and hoses for leaks and corrosion on the joints. 

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors:

¹ Freedom of Information request submitted to National Highways and the Welsh Government on 30th May 2024

For further information please contact:

Unni Henry

PR Manager

Email: [email protected]

Notes to editors: 

About Green Flag 

With over 50 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 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