Skip advert
Advertisement

Easing of lockdown causes 72% spike in car breakdowns

New Government guidance encouraging people to travel to work and allowing recreational activities leads to more breakdown patrol callouts

GEM Breakdown Cover competition

The easing of the UK lockdown has led to a 72 per cent increase in car breakdowns, new figures suggest.

Comparing the week-long period of 25 March to 1 April 2020 - when the UK’s coronavirus lockdown was first implemented - with 6 May to 13 May 2020 - after the lockdown had been eased in England - Green Flag saw a 72 per cent rise in the number of breakdowns its patrols attended.

The rise is thought to be a result of cars not having been properly maintained during lockdown. Now that motorists are permitted to use their cars for more purposes, they’re getting out on the road and encountering battery failures and other mechanical problems.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Green Flag advises drivers who aren’t using their cars to prevent battery failure by starting their engine once a week and letting it run for up to 20 minutes. Motorists should also try to move their cars at some point, as tyres can develop flat spots if a car is left sitting in the same position.

Moving the car should also help prevent corrosion between the brake discs and pads. In addition, it’s wise to turn the air con system on now and again to prevent the seals drying out and leaking.

Mark Newberry, commercial director at Green Flag, commented: “With the slight easing of lockdown in England, a pathway for a return to ‘normality’ has been laid, but with any major change, or... in this case return, preparation is key.

“With more drivers expected on the road in the coming days, we’re urging people to make sure their cars are roadworthy, checking the vital components, and ensuring they have the necessary rescue cover in place, should they have cancelled or downgraded recently.

“As well as this, we are also urging drivers to make sure they remain safe as they start to travel more, whilst following the government’s current guidelines.”

Have you taken precautions to look after your car during lockdown? Let us know in the comments...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best car wash options: what are hand, auto and jet washes doing to your car?
Best car wash options - header

Best car wash options: what are hand, auto and jet washes doing to your car?

Choosing the wrong car wash can cause thousands of pounds’ worth of damage to your car’s paintwork. Our experts tell you how to choose the best option
Tips & advice
30 Apr 2025
Ecomotive Tyrefix review
Ecomotive Tyrefix review

Ecomotive Tyrefix review

The Ecomotive Tyrefix sealant is an effective way to fix a puncture by the roadside, but it isn't as straightforward to use as cheaper aerosol rivals
Product reviews
15 Apr 2025
Best car wheel cleaners 2025
Best car wheel cleaners 2025 - header

Best car wheel cleaners 2025

Twelve grime-busting products put to the test, but there can only be one winner
Product group tests
7 Apr 2025
Best car upholstery cleaners 2025
Best car upholstery cleaners 2025 - header

Best car upholstery cleaners 2025

Which products come up trumps when you have to deal with in-car spills?
Product group tests
7 Apr 2025

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2
Ford Fiesta facelift - front cornering

Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2

VW’s sales and marketing boss considers Ford tech share “very successful” – and won’t rule out future projects
News
30 Apr 2025