Battery failure is officially the most common cause of breakdown…
Recent research from Kwik Fit has found that the most common cause of breakdown amongst UK drivers is battery failure.
The report surveyed more than 2,000 drivers, finding that 36% have broken down in their current car. Of those that have broken down in their current car, one-quarter have had a breakdown in the past six months.
Common concerns
Despite battery failure being the most common cause of breakdown (17% reported this as the main reason), just 4% say that they’re concerned about potential battery failure.
Brake failure was the most pressing concern for drivers, despite this being the cause of just 3% of recent breakdowns, suggesting that priorities may need to be readjusted slightly!
Additionally, 31% of drivers experienced a breakdown on a work-related journey, either driving to and from their place of work or driving as part of their job.
Regional differences
The research also found that Londoners appear to have the worst luck with their vehicles, with 66% experiencing a breakdown in their current car, nearly double the national average of 36%.
Kwik Fit also says that those with the best luck (or good car care, you decide…) are drivers in Wales and the East of England, who both had the lowest rate of breakdowns in their current cars at 21%.
The effect of lockdown
The research comes as lockdown measures begin to ease, with travel for business and pleasure increasing in recent weeks. With commuting by car already increasing, travel is likely to increase further in the coming weeks and months.
With the government’s ‘work at home’ advice set to alter, as well as workers coming off furlough and returning to the workplace in some capacity, even if only for part of the week, this research is particularly timely.
Fleet drivers should heed the warning, Kwik Fit say, particularly if vehicles have been left dormant for some time, as business returns to more normal levels and things get busier.
There’s also a regional split in the cost of repairs, with London coming out as the most expensive on average at £437.60, which is more than £100 more expensive than the second most expensive region, the South-East. The least expensive region for repairs was Wales, at an average cost of £221.90.
Experts are advising all drivers and fleet owners to ensure that brakes are in good condition and, even more importantly, to check that car batteries are in good health too.
While battery failure can happen without warning, there are some signs that it may be waning, such as the vehicle taking longer to start. The easiest solution is to simply ensure that batteries are checked regularly to flag up any potential issues.
When was the last time your fleet had a health check?
