One in five drivers have broken down in hot weather

4 min read
  • One in five drivers (20 per cent) have broken down in hot weather
  • Over a third (33 per cent) of these breakdowns were partially a result of overheating
  • More than half of drivers (54 per cent) can’t identify the engine temperature warning light
  • Hot weather increases the risk of breakdowns due to overheating, water leaks, low oil pressure, rubber belt failure, brake fade and punctures

 

With the UK enjoying an unexpected September heatwave, drivers are being urged to take precautionary measures after new research from Green Flag, one of the UK’s leading breakdown providers, found that one in five (20 per cent) have broken down in hot weather.1

Despite overheating contributing to a third (33%) of breakdowns in hot weather, more than half (54%) of drivers are unable to correctly identify the engine temperature warning light on their vehicle’s dashboard. In addition, 65 per cent of those surveyed admit to not checking their coolant levels before driving in hot weather, even though it can help minimise the chances of overheating.

Driving in warmer weather comes with risks - higher temperatures increase the probability of cars experiencing issues such as water leaks, low oil pressure, rubber belt failure, brake fade and punctures, all of which can cause the car to break down.

Overheating occurs when engines get too hot and the water in the system boils over. This can happen for various reasons, including faults with the fan, water pump or radiator.  Drivers can take a number of precautionary measures to help reduce the chances of a breakdown in hot weather, including checking their coolant and engine oil levels, turning off the air conditioning if their vehicle is beginning to overheat and avoid overloading their vehicle.

The research also found that 84 per cent of drivers make adjustments while driving in hot weather, such as parking in a shaded area or wearing sunglasses, with one in four (44 per cent) citing glare from the sun as the most difficult part of driving on hot sunny days.  

Katie Lomas, Managing Director of Green Flag, said:

“After the indifferent weather over the last few weeks, summer has returned with an expected September heatwave and it’s important that drivers take precautions to prevent any issues that may arise. This includes checking the coolant and engine oil levels to minimise the risk of the engine overheating, as well as the tyre tread and pressure, as blow outs are more common in hot weather. We would also recommend having plenty of water in the car and breaking up journeys with regular stops to avoid tiredness creeping in.”

 Green Flag’s tips to reduce risk of breakdown in hot weather:

  1. Make sure you check your liquid levels - Before making a long journey make sure you check all the levels on your car. Ensure your oil level is between the minimum and maximum, as either above or below could cause damage. Top up your screen wash with water and additive so that you can keep your windscreen clear and remove any bugs. As well as this, check that your coolant level is between the minimum and maximum as low coolant is the most common reason for engines overheating.
  2. Check your tyres – Check your tyre tread and make sure they all look ok with no bald patches, tyres with low tread can lose traction and are more susceptible to punctures. Make sure the tyres pressure is correct for the vehicle load. If a vehicle is loaded the tyre pressure may need to be set higher (please check owners handbook). The main reason for tyres blowing out is overheating and low tyre pressure.
  3. Don't overload your vehicle - When heading out in hot weather cars often get overloaded with luggage and other items. 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.

 

Green Flag is one of the leading breakdown providers, offering drivers 24/7 assistance from 3,000 expert technicians all over the UK. For more information visit greenflag.com or download the Green Flag app. More information on driving in hot weather is also available here.

ENDS

 

For further information please contact:

Alice Osborn

PR Manager

Email: alice.osborn@directlinegroup.co.uk

Notes to editors:

1 Survey conducted for Green Flag by Opinium of 2,000 UK car owners - July 2023

About Green Flag 

With over 50 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required). 

Green Flag is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.  

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com