Ageing cars fuel a rise in breakdowns

• The average age of cars on Britain’s roads has risen to 9.4 years and around 20 per cent of cars of this age will suffer a breakdown each year
• One in sixteen cars will breakdown within the first year
• The number of breakdowns on England’s major motorways and A roads has increased by 20 per cent in five years
• The highest numbers of car breakdowns occurred in June, July and August last year – an average of 24,881 per month compared with a 12-month average of 22,883

 

The number of cars breaking down each year is on the rise, fuelled in part by the increasing average age of vehicles on the road.

Analysis¹ by breakdown provider Green Flag, shows the average age of cars on British roads has risen by 42 per cent over the past 20 years, from 6.6 years old in 2003 to 9.4 years in 2023. This is believed to be contributing to a rising number of breakdowns.

Green Flag’s own data shows that older cars typically breakdown more than newer models. On average one in five cars that are nine years old cars will suffer a breakdown in any given year, compared to around one in seven cars that are six years old. New cars aren’t immune from issues, one in sixteen (six per cent) new cars will suffer a breakdown in their first year, but by the time the car hits 11 years old around a quarter (25 per cent) will break down each year on average.

Table 1: Average age of cars on British roads

Data from National Highways², shows that breakdowns on England’s motorway and A-road network rose to 274,596 in 2023, up from 243,578 in 2022 and a 20 per cent increase on five years ago (229,576).

Table 2: Year and number of breakdowns recorded by National Highways, 2019-2023

National Highways^’ data also shows that breakdowns on motorways and A-roads peak over June, July and August, as drivers take to the road to head off on summer holidays. An average of 24,881 breakdowns a month took place across June, July and August in 2023, compared to the average across the whole year of 22,883.

Katie Lomas, Managing Director of Green Flag, commented: “Generally, cars are lasting longer - which is a good thing. However, cars do tend to have more breakdowns as they age and this is reflected both in our own call out rates and the rising number of breakdowns recorded by National Highways.

“With breakdowns on the rise, drivers should keep up regular maintenance to help reduce the risk of issues, however old their vehicle may be. There are plenty of basic car maintenance jobs that people can do at-home to help keep their vehicles in tip-top condition in the long term.”

With millions of Brits likely to experience a breakdown at some point in their lifetime, and with breakdowns on motorways and A roads statistically more likely over summer, Green Flag has offered tips on how to mitigate this risk.

Green Flag’s 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, resulting in 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 –

 

For further information please contact:

Unni Henry

PR Manager

Email: [email protected]

 

Fleishman Hillard

Email: [email protected] or 07808 727280

 

Notes to Editors: 

1.      Office For National Statistics, May 2024: VEH1107: Licensed vehicles at the end of the year by number of years since first use, Great Britain from 1994.

2.      FOI request sent to National Highways on 30th May 2024.

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