Hop to it and spare easter breakdown misery

• Green Flag reveals the most common causes of Easter car breakdowns
• 60,000 breakdowns predicted over the weekend
• Around 16,000 flat batteries will delay the start of the weekend
• There will be one puncture every minute on Britain’s road
   

As drivers up and down the country prepare to hit the roads for the long Easter weekend, data[1] by national breakdown provider Green Flag predicts faulty batteries, tyre and clutch problems as the most common causes of the 60,000 predicted breakdowns.

Last year, a staggering 16,000 flat batteries caused drivers havoc over Easter, almost one puncture a minute took place on Britain's roads and ten people an hour ended up at the roadside due to their cars overheating. Green Flag has revealed this data with the hope of encouraging people to check their cars before they travel to give families the best chance of getting to their destination no matter what.

However, there are still some events that you will never be able to prepare for. Nine drivers every hour locked their keys in their car and one driver every 15 minutes put in the wrong fuel.

According to Green Flag, the most common causes of Easter breakdowns are:

1. Flat/faulty batteries (15,940)
   
2. Puncture (5,361)
   
3. Clutch (1,307)
   
4. Temperature – heater matrix/heater valve/radiator/radiator cap/thermostat (958)
   
5. Locking keys inside car (85)
   
6. Gearbox (801)
   
7. Damaged brakes (578)
   
8. Fuel (524)
   
9. Misfueling (380)
   
10. Oil (506)
    
    

Nick Reid, head of rescue at Green Flag, commented: "During the Easter period, families across the country will be getting in their cars to make the most of the bank holiday weekend, so it's no surprise that a high number of breakdowns occur. However, the majority of these breakdowns are avoidable if people take the time to check their cars and ensure everything is in working order.

"Before setting out on the road, check your water and oil level and make sure your tyres are at the correct pressure and there's no discernable wear on them. If it’s been a while since your vehicle’s last service or you're contemplating a long journey, have your local garage check your brakes and test your battery. It’s better to take preventative action before you set off, than add delays to your holiday with an unwanted breakdown.”

In order to give Brits travelling over the long-weekend the best chance of getting to their destination no matter what, Green Flag has also revealed hints and tips on how to avoid breakdowns.

For more information about how to make sure your car is road-ready, visit www.greenflag.com
 

ENDS

For further information please contact the Green Flag press office at Frank PR:

Chloe Jervis / Emma Watson

0207 693 6999/ greenflag@frankpr.it
 

Notes to Editors:

[1] Based on Green Flag breakdowns from 28.03.13 – 01.04.13 and weighted nationally.
 

About Green Flag

With over 40 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 Motoring Assistance is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England 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 0845 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com