Breakdown warning for UK’s ageing vehicle parc, says Green Flag

Car breakdowns increased year-on-year by 12.7% in 2023 due in part to an ageing UK vehicle parc, according to Green Flag.

Data from National Highways, 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% increase on five years ago (229,576).

The stats support regular vehicle maintenance to avoid future breakdowns as a potential communication point for franchised and independent workshops alike.

The breakdown network’s own data shows that on average one in five cars that are nine years old 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 will break down each year on average.

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, said: “With breakdowns on the rise, drivers should keep up regular maintenance to help reduce the risk of issues, however old their vehicle may be.”