The number of cars breaking down each year is on the rise, fuelled in part by the increasing average age of vehicles on the road.
Our data shows the average age of cars on British roads has risen by 42% over the past 20 years, from 6.6 years old in 2003 to 9.4 years in 2023.
They say that with age comes wisdom. Well, it can also come with the occasional breakdown…
| Year | 2003 | 2008 | 2013 | 2018 | 2023 |
| Average age of cars in Great Britain | 6.6 years | 6.9 years | 7.8 years | 8.1 years | 9.4 years |
Do ageing cars have more breakdowns?
On average, one in five cars that are nine years old will suffer a breakdown in any given year, compared to around one in seven cars that are six years old. By the time a car hits 11 years old, a quarter will break down each year on average.
We realise there was a fair bit of maths in that one paragraph.
Put simply, the older the car, the higher the chance of a breakdown. This is reflected in our own callout rates and the rising number of breakdowns recorded by National Highways.
New cars aren’t perfect though! One in sixteen suffer a breakdown in their first year.
Some quick tips to keep your car in good nick…
National Highways’ data also shows that breakdowns on motorways and A-roads peak as we head off onto summer road trips. An average of 24,881 breakdowns a month took place across June, July and August in 2023, up around 9% on the average across the whole year.
So, whatever the age of your vehicle, here are a few things you can do to help prevent a breakdown this summer.
- Keep up the pressure: If your tyre pressure is too high or too low, it can cause damage and increase wear and tear. The correct pressure for your car can usually be found on a sticker on the driver’s door frame, inside the fuel filler flap, or in the owner’s manual.
- Gives tyres some TLC: A tyre that’s already damaged could blow out when a car is driving at speed, potentially causing a bigger (and more dangerous) issue. Give your tyres a proper once over, and get any worn tyres repaired or replaced as soon as you see signs of damage.
- Keep an eye on your oil: Take a few minutes to check your oil level once a month or so. An engine that’s low on oil can be damaged irreversibly. If topping up, be careful not to overfill the oil, as this can also cause damage. More isn’t always more.
- Keep things cool: If your engine overheats, it can cause serious issues. Coolant helps prevent that from happening, so make sure it’s topped up. But, just like the oil, don’t be tempted to overfill the coolant in summer, as this can cause problems.
- Inspect belts and hoses: Damaged belts can throw out a vehicle’s alternator, power steering and air conditioning. Regularly check for cracks, nicks and bulges in the engine, and hoses for leaks and corrosion on the joints. If you spot any issues, get it sorted.
I have a kia venga 2016 annually serviced at a kia garage with low mileage total 30500 miles, one owner myself. Seems to have a lot of life left in the car!
Unfortunately I cannot afford an upgrade even though I would give my left arm for one,this is just how it is for one reason or another so I have to pray daily that my 2007 car keeps going strong for the sake of my job and my livelihood
Excellent advice. My car will be nine years old come 2026 so I am seriously considering changing it.
Some of us hang on to our cars because of increasing technology on newer models.
THE MAIN PROBLEMS IN TRADING YOUR OLD CAR FOR A NEW`ISH ONE ARE :- Ridiculously high cost of new or nearly new cars.
Buying a car of 12 -24 months does not guarantee its OK . It may have been sold for a reason that is not initially seen.
Pressure now on buying all electric cars.
With the car you own , at least you know how its been looked after.
Sensible advice – it only takes 5-10 minutes to check the oil, coolant and w/screen washer levels. Not more than 10 mins to check tyre pressures.
On a regular basis, my suggestion is fortnightly!
Classic cars are generally looked after better than everyday motors. I have recently seen many electric and other newish cars being transported or broken down on the motorway. Fortunately my hobby classic car is a V12 and over 35 years old. I have only once had a breakdown on the road where I have had to get it trailered home and then on to a specialist. Fortunately my classic car insurer gives me full breakdown cover as part of the annual premium and I cannot fault the attention I received on a hot summers day last year having broken down on the motorway near Reading. My main car is currently covered by yourselves however I understand next year it will be 16 years old so as you don’t cover that age of car I will have to look around for a similar breakdown cover with my insurance company unless you can still cover me.
My runabout is a 19yr old Fiat which I’ve found very reliable. It has a comprehensive service history which helps with reliability as many checks are carried out during servicing.
My Ford Fiesta is 15 years old. Have it serviced every year when the MOT is due. Been with Green flag all those years, not called them out once in 15 years. Always check tyre pressure and oil if I am going to do 100 miles plus on the motorway. Check coolant and screen washer every month.
Does this include second hand cars? We can’t all afford to drive new cars. I get my car serviced every year and always check tyres, oil and do a visible inspection before a long drive m. It’s the drivers who don’t look after their cars that are the problem.
It would be lovely to be able to upgrade my car but unfortunately I, and probably many others, do not have the funds to do so!
I had a major issue (Audi automatic gearbox overheating) earlier this year, 300 miles from home. Green Flag were excellent and got the car returned to my local garage swiftly and provided me with a hire car to drive home from rural Wales. First significant issue with my 11 year old/80k miles car. I have since looked at buying a nearly-new, low mileage car. The numbers don’t add up, if I get an equivalent car (Audi A3, high spec). I’d still be looking at £35k or more. Yes, I could buy a less expensive brand and model, older with higher mileage. But then I’m simply bringing forward any age-related issues on the other car. Family pointed out that I had to spend £3k on the mechatronic unit of my DSG gearbox, on a car worth £6k. I think that is only part of the equation, especially if you’re a cash buyer. At £35k replacement cost, that’s a lot of repairs to the current car before a “new-to-me” car would make financial sense.
We also have classic cars & motor bikes but all are maintained and well looked after. They’re probably in better condition and will last much longer than modern cars. Our everyday car is a 2017 Audi Q5 which is low mileage and is expertly maintained by professionals on a very regular basis so I have few worries about breakdowns.
All too often our friends who have purchased brand new cars have far more breakdowns than older well maintained cars!
Yes but the tyre pressure inside the door and upside down is not great to read . Also it’s very confusing as it doesn’t just give you the pressure for your car tyres size it gives you a mixture. Perhaps the manufacturer could just put the pressure for the tyres that are on that model . I Google it and it gives me the correct pressure.