New data identifies most common cause of UK breakdowns
New data has revealed the most common cause of UK breakdowns, and the day that most breakdowns occur.
According to analysis carried out by online car retailer cinch, based on National Highways data obtained through a freedom of information request, most UK breakdowns occur on 8 February, with tyres the most common cause.
It found that between November 2023 and February 2024 faulty tyres accounted for 16,943 breakdowns, or 18.6% of the total number. This compares to 15,083 the previous year and 13,680 the year before that.
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, said:
“Getting a puncture is a case of rotten luck. But you can help to avoid tyre-related breakdowns by keeping your tyres at the recommended pressure and changing them when the tread gets too low, or they get too old.”
Meanwhile, a loss of power caused 6,572 breakdowns, which is 7.2% of the total, with faulty engines responsible for 2,918 breakdowns. Other significant causes were running out of fuel (2,263 cases), and clutch or gear issues (1,985).
The research also showed that breakdowns across the UK rose by 11.3% last winter, with 90,852 cases compared to 81,617 during the previous winter.
February was the most popular month with 21,959 separate instances, and 3,332 on 8 February alone.
