Over 17,000 breakdowns expected as UK braces itself for a scorching weekend

• Green Flag is forecasting over 17,000 breakdowns on UK roads over the weekend as hot weather hits  
• Heatwave havoc could cause six breakdowns every minute  
• Hot weather increases the chances of engines overheating, flat batteries and tyre blowouts

Breakdown specialist Green Flag is predicting over 17,000¹ breakdowns between Saturday and Sunday, equating to a staggering six breakdowns per minute over the weekend.  

Temperatures are set to soar across much of England, prompting the Met Office to issue a yellow heat alert² for the latter half of the week and into the weekend. With highs expected to exceed 30ºC and the hot spell coinciding with the weekend, millions are anticipated to take to the roads to make the most of the sunshine.

When the mercury soars, engines and tempers aren't the only things at risk of overheating. Warmer weather can strain cooling systems, flatten batteries, and even cause tyre blowouts.

 A few smart precautions can go a long way:

• Check coolant levels regularly and top them up as needed. The coolant level should be between the minimum and maximum on the coolant reservoir bottle. Overfilling can cause issues the same as it being low. If the coolant level is below the minimum get it check by a specialist as it could indicate a leak.

• Check engine oil level and top up if it is too low, again making sure the engine oil is between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick. If your vehicle does not have a dipstick, follow the manufactures guidelines and check through the infotainment system. Same as your coolant level, overfilling can cause issues.

• Inspect tyres (including the spare if you have one) for pressure and wear — overinflated or underinflated tyres can both lead to blowouts. If travelling with the vehicle loaded make sure the tyres have been set to the correct level as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, many vehicles will require different tyre pressure when the vehicle is loaded.

• Check your battery, get your battery checked by a specialist, high temperatures can accelerate battery failure.

Katie Lomas, Managing Director at Green Flag, commented: “With forecasters predicting temperatures to soar to 30, we are urging drivers to take extra precautions before embarking on their weekend getaways. The combination of heavy traffic, scorching tarmac, and overstretched engines could spell trouble for unprepared motorists.

“We are well prepared for a surge in callouts, with overheating engines, punctured tyres, and battery failures among the most common culprits. Road surfaces can also soften under intense heat, leading to rutted, uneven conditions, particularly on older or rural routes.”

 - ENDS -

Notes to Editors:

1.      Internal claims data based on the percentage increase in call outs call-outs attended during the yellow weather warning heatwave experienced from the 24th to 27^th June 2024. Stats based on internal data weighted to market share. 

2.      UK heatwave likely, with warm air boosted by weather conditions from Europe - Met Office

For further information, please contact:

Direct Line Group:

Unni Henry  

PR Manager 

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk  

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