16 breakdowns a minute expected as heatwave continues to affect the UK

CCTV of a car with no fuel on a motorway

Breakdown cover provider Green Flag is predicting over 70,000 breakdowns will occur between Wednesday and Friday this week, as temperatures soar amidst school summer holidays – a staggering 16 breakdowns a minute.

Thursday is set to be the hottest day of the week, with 23,778 drivers failing to reach their destination – an increase of 16% on the last two weeks.

Between Wednesday and Friday, a combination of potholes in the road, engine issues and other tyre related problems, are set to cause problems for 978 drivers every hour.

Simon Henrick, Head of News at Green Flag said: “With the ongoing hot weather set to peak this week, it's important that drivers are fully aware of the effect that the heat can have on several of the car's key components, as well as the consequences it can have on the roads itself.

"At Green Flag, we want to ensure that the public can enjoy the summer holidays with their families and friends, as hassle-free as possible. Many of the problems that motorists will likely encounter are avoidable if drivers ensure that their vehicles are checked thoroughly before setting off on a long journey." 

In order to help motorists, reach their destinations safely, Green Flag has issued a number of common sense tips to stay safe in the hot weather.

Green Flag’s tips to reduce risk of breakdown in the heat:

• Make sure you have lots of coolant - A common cause of engine overheating is low coolant. To avoid this, drivers should make sure the radiator is full of coolant, and that it has the correct mix of antifreeze and water
• Make sure your coolant isn't past its sell by date - Coolant has a lifespan, and once it's over it it's not any use. Coolant that is past its sell by date will cause more harm than good. It may leave deposits in the car’s engine and radiator that can lead to poor coolant flow
• Turn off air con when driving at slower speeds - When driving at slower speeds drivers are advised to turn off the air conditioning and roll down the windows. When driving below 50MPH, engines have to work harder to pump out cool air and could run the risk of burning excess fuel
• Don't overload your vehicle - When heading out in hot weather, cars often get overloaded with luggage and other items, but to help avoid breakdowns, drivers should limit the amount they pack. Overloading the car boot means the car has to work harder and will use more fuel