Lockdown Easing Causes 72% Increase In Car Breakdowns
New government guidelines, allowing people to drive to work or some recreational activities, has caused car breakdowns to rise by 72%…
Lockdown Easing And Breakdowns
Last week, the government made significant changes to the nation’s lockdown measures. Those people who couldn’t work from home were advised to return, providing they could avoid public transport. It was also announced that people would be able to use their cars for some recreational purposes. The result has been larger and larger numbers of people taking to the roads. Having not looked after their vehicles, however, the number of breakdowns has increased by a whopping 72%. That’s according to road recovery company Green Flag. It believes the rise is due to the fact that people haven’t been carrying out maintenance on their cars whilst they’ve been sat idle on driveways or in garages. Many breakdowns are being caused by simple battery faults.
Green Flag has advised drivers that they can avoid battery failure by starting their cars at least once a week and letting it run for around 20 minutes. If possible, they should also move their cars as tyres can develop flat spots if left idle for too long. Moving a vehicle can also help prevent corrosion to brake disks and pads. Starting the air conditioning can also prevent seals from drying out or leaking.
Preparation Is Key
Mark Newberry, commercial director at Green Flag, commented on the new breakdown figures. For him, preparation is everything as we start to move out of lockdown. He said, “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”. He added, “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”.
Six Ways Of Maintaining Your Car During Lockdown – https://autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/six-ways-of-maintaining-your-car-during-lockdown/
SMMT Wants 6-Month MOT Extension Ended As Soon As Possible – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/smmt-wants-6-month-mot-extension-ended-as-soon-as-possible/
