Easter getaway to drive spike in breakdowns

• 18 per cent spike in average call volumes for breakdown support predicted across the Bank Holiday weekend
• Drivers advised to check their car is in full working order before setting off on long journeys

Green Flag, one of the UK’s leading breakdown providers, is predicting a significant increase in call volumes this weekend as families hit the roads for the long Easter weekend.

The increase in traffic across the Bank Holiday weekend is predicted to lead to an 18 per cent spike in average call volumes for breakdown support. Common complaints from drivers are likely to include cars not starting, battery issues, flat tyres, warning lights coming on, clutch failure and steering and suspension problems.

The roads are expected to be extremely busy on Good Friday, across the weekend and into Easter Monday. Green Flag is advising drivers to check their car thoroughly before starting a long journey. This includes making sure tyres pressures are at the required levels, and oil and water have been topped up.

Damon Jowett, Director of Customer, Roadside and Network Services at Green Flag, commented: “Easter may well be the first time some people are undertaking any long-distance driving since Christmas. So as well as making sure you pack everything you need, make sure your car is ready. That means checking your tyres are at optimum levels, the oil and water is topped up and any niggles or warning levels have been looked at by a garage. The last thing anyone wants is their Easter getaway delayed or ruined by car problems, so it’s worth getting these basic checks done before you hit the road.”

Green Flag recommends drivers carry out the following checks on their vehicle before setting off:

• Walk around the car and look for signs of potential issues, including flat tyres or lights that need replacing
• Have a regular service on your vehicle to ensure your car is in the best condition
• Check your tyres, making sure they are set to the correct pressure – loaded vehicles generally need a different pressure to everyday driving. Check the sticker in the door jam or owner’s handbook for the correct pressure. Tyres do have their own built-in tread wear indicators, but this can also be checked by using a 20 pence coin; if the outer band of the coin is visible when placing the coin in the groove between the treads, it means they’ve worn too low and the tyres need replacing
• Check all fluid levels, making sure to top up if necessary and carrying water, oil and screen wash with you just in case
• Make sure you have fuel to get to your destination and back and plan your fuel stops in advance if you’re going on a longer journey that will require you to refuel your vehicle. If you’re driving an electric vehicle, make sure your car is fully charged before you head off, and try and locate charging points on the route so you’re fully prepared for your journey
• Make sure your phone battery is topped up prior to your journey and pack a portable charger. In the event of a breakdown, using an in-car phone charger without the engine running can flatten a car battery in a very short space of time
• Make sure you have breakdown cover in place to ensure you’ve covered and can get help in the event of a problem with your car

Green Flag is one of the leading breakdown providers, offering drivers 24/7 assistance from 3,000 expert technicians all over the UK. For more information visit greenflag.com or download the Green Flag app.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Simon Ansell

Green Flag PR Lead

Simon.ansell@directlinegroup.co.uk

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 UK 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