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.