Older petrol and diesel cars at 'high' risk of breakdowns as longer lifespan causes havoc for drivers
June, July and August see the most vehicle breakdowns
PA
Older petrol and diesel vehicles are more likely to break down and cause delays on major motorways and A roads, according to new data.
Around one in five cars that are nine years old suffer at least one breakdown every year, compared to cars that were first registered less than six years ago.
The breakdowns come as cars last longer on UK roads, with data showing a 42 per cent increase in the average lifespan over the past 20 years.
The data flagged how the life cycle of a car has risen from 6.6 years in 2003 to 9.4 years in 2023, Green Flag discovered.
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Older cars can also be harder to sell due to higher mileage
GREEN FLAG
Katie Lomas, managing director of Green Flag, explained that while cars are lasting longer, they will break down more often as they age.
She said: “With breakdowns on the rise, drivers should keep up regular maintenance to help reduce the risk of issues, however old their vehicle may be.
“There are plenty of basic car maintenance jobs that people can do at home to help keep their vehicles in tip-top condition in the long term.”
On average, one in 16 new cars will suffer a breakdown in their first year, but by the time the car reaches 11 years old, it will break down every year.
Data from National Highways found that breakdowns on Englandmotorways and A roads rose to 274,596 in 2023, up from 243,578 in 2022.
The peak of the breakdowns took place in June, July and August, as drivers set off for the summer holidays.
The report detailed how an average of 24,881 breakdowns a month took place across June, July and August in 2023, compared to the average across the whole year of 22,883.
To avoid breaking down, Green Flag suggested making sure tyres are inflated correctly as low tyre pressure or pressure that is too high can cause damage and increases wear and tear.
On top of being at risk of breakdowns, older cars could also lose value later if drivers choose to sell them.
Vehicles with older licence plates and higher mileage numbers become harder to sell due to their increased likelihood of suffering mechanical failures, like worn-out components.
According to a new study, cars see a steep drop in value when they reach 60,000 miles compared to vehicles being sold that have 50,000 miles on the clock.
The Department for Transport estimated drivers cover between 5,000 and 7,000 miles per year with 10,000 miles per year also considered a “normal mileage”.
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Cars with more than 60,000 miles lose their value by up to 27 per cent
GREEN FLAG
But with cars now lasting longer and racking up more miles, the more problems vehicles could cause motorists.
Carwow, an online marketplace for buying and selling cars, found that valuations can drop by up to 27 per cent once they surpass the 60,000-mile mark.
The data showed how a car with only 30,000 miles could be sold for up to £25,000 but once it hits the 60,000 zone, the value drops to less than £10,000.
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