Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Breakdowns expected to occur every five seconds this summer
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Breakdowns expected to occur every five seconds this summer

Date: 19 July 2017   |   Author: Daniel Puddicombe

Up to 700,000 breakdowns are set to occur during the summer holidays, with engine issues, tyre problems and flat batteries expected to be behind most of the problems.

That's according to road assistance provider Green Flag. The company added that a combination of sudden showers and sky-high temperatures are set to cause havoc on the UK's roads, with a projected 700,000 breakdowns between 22 July and 3 September - one every five seconds.

Green Flag said that 3,300 cars will break down due to a lack of fuel caused by poor journey planning and the combination of sitting in traffic jams and overworking the vehicle's air conditioning unit.

It added that 122 breakdowns a day will be caused by coolant problems, with drivers failing to check levels before they set off.

The figures are based on data taken from the summer holidays last year, with the firm saying it has released the statistics to encourage people to check their cars before they travel.

"It's been a hot and changeable summer, which means conditions have been tough for drivers - but avoiding a breakdown can often be easy, if you prepare properly," said Simon Henrick, head of news at Green Flag."Before you get in your car, check both your fuel and coolant levels, and make sure your tyres are at the correct pressure and there's no discernable wear on them. Try not to overload your car and ensure you have plenty of bottled water, in case you do break down in the heat."

He added: "When driving, try to avoid overusing the air con, especially when you're driving slowly. Driving at less than 50mph with the air con on means your engine has to work extra hard as is burning excess fuel, especially when going uphill."

The five most common summer breakdown causes:

Engine-related issues  436,000

Tyre-related issues 64,000

Flat batteries 53,700

Keys locked in the car 10,000

Coolant levels being too low 6,400



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