Could UK drivers’ overconfidence lead to a summer of breakdowns? 

• 63% of people claim they’re prepared for a vehicle breakdown, but 1 in 2 don’t carry any emergency supplies in their car
• Nearly 1 in 4 drivers would try and fix the problem themselves if they broke down
• With stats suggesting the nation is overconfident when it comes to breakdowns, Volkswagen Financial Services UK (VWFS) shares its tips on how to handle a breakdown safely

The UK’s love of staycations is here to stay, with 1 in 4 Brits planning extended road trips or UK holidays this summer. As long road trips can increase the risk of car problems, VWFS gives its top tips to drivers so they can be prepared if they get into trouble on the road this summer.

Despite the majority (63%) of drivers claiming they’re prepared for a breakdown, around half (48%) don’t carry any emergency provisions in their car. Research also found that almost a quarter (23%) would attempt to fix the problem themselves if they broke down.

On average, UK drivers feel comfortable jumpstarting a car (62%) and changing a tyre (59%). However, while UK drivers are confident getting stuck in with car problems, this can be dangerous and potentially make the problem worse.

Mike Todd, CEO at VWFS, said: “While it’s great that Brits feel they’re prepared for a breakdown, there’s potentially some overconfidence at play here. Drivers say they feel prepared, but around 1 in 2 aren’t travelling with any emergency provisions, and they could be in for an abrupt wake-up call in the event of a breakdown. This summer, the UK’s roads will be full of staycationers, and we want people to be aware of what they actually need to do to tackle a breakdown if it happens.”

VWFS shares its top tips, so drivers can prepare – ahead of their journey – for a potential breakdown this summer:

1.     Keep a stock of breakdown supplies

While 88% of drivers have breakdown cover, it can be a long wait for help if you aren’t prepared. Make sure you have a warm and waterproof jacket, visible clothes, like a hi-vis vest, a fully charged mobile phone, torch, first aid kit, food and water, and a warning triangle stocked in your car if ever you need them.

2.     Know your numbers

While having your breakdown provider’s number saved is a huge help, there’s other numbers that can also be handy:

·       If you’ve broken down and can’t get out safely, you should stay in the vehicle and immediately call 999

·       If you’re on the motorway, but you can leave the vehicle and get to safety, for example, if you’re on a hard shoulder, you should call National Highways on 0300 123 5000

·       Once you’ve contacted who you need to, you should then call your breakdown provider or a mechanic for help

Make sure the numbers you need are saved on your phone and written down in your car for easy access.

3.     Carry out your pre-journey checks

According to National Highways, over 40% of the breakdowns they respond to are caused by preventable issues, such as lack of fuel or poor tyre maintenance. Carrying out pre-journey checks can help to keep your vehicle moving and reduce risk of breakdown. These include:

·       Simple checks on your tyres, ensuring the recommended tread and tyre pressure

·       Planning your journey and fuel accordingly to make sure you don’t get caught out

·       Checking your oil level before you set off, so you can top up if needed to keep your engine running smoothly

·       Checking all your lights work properly, including hazards, headlights, fog, brake and reversing lights

·        Even quick vehicle maintenance checks can help to avoid a breakdown, especially if you’re going on a long journey.

4.     Don’t panic

While it might sound like an obvious tip, make sure you know what to do if you break down, and try not to panic. If you break down, calmly move your vehicle to safety if you can. That might be moving it off the road, or if on a motorway, head for a refuge area or hard shoulder. If that’s not possible, move as far left as you can.

Leave the vehicle if it’s safe to do so, stand a safe distance away from moving traffic and call for help. If you’re broken down in a live lane on the motorway, and can’t leave without stepping into traffic, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on and call the emergency services for assistance.

5.     Don’t try and fix the problem yourself

Unless you’re qualified, experienced and know exactly what the problem is and how to fix it, taking on a roadside repair by yourself can cause more issues than it solves. While most people claim to be able to change a tyre, actually doing so on the hard shoulder of a fast-moving motorway can be extremely dangerous. It’s best to get to safety and leave it to professionals, rather than putting yourself at risk by attempting to repair the problem.

Mike Todd, CEO at VWFS, said: “Our research has revealed the majority of drivers have breakdown cover, which is positive given 89% of staycationers will be travelling by car this year. However, as we move into the busy summer period, it’s vital that drivers are prepared for a breakdown and know what to do if they’re unlucky on the roads.

“By being prepared, having the right resources and educating themselves on what to do if they break down, all drivers can be empowered to take on the potential challenges of a road trip this summer with peace of mind, with the backup of their breakdown cover if necessary.”

ENDS

Note to editors:

All data, unless otherwise stated, is from Walnut Unlimited, the human understanding agency, part of the Unlimited Group.

Source: Walnut Omnibus, a nationally representative omnibus survey of 2000 adults across GB between 22^nd – 24^th March 2023.  The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

Contact:

McCann PR

Helen Line, helen.line@mccann.com

Volkswagen Financial Services are a business division of the Volkswagen AG group of companies and comprise Volkswagen Financial Services AG along with its associated companies, Volkswagen Bank GmbH, Porsche Financial Services, and the financial services companies in the USA and Canada that belong directly or indirectly to Volkswagen AG – with the exception of the financial services of the Scania brand and Porsche Holding Salzburg. The key business fields embrace dealer and customer financing, leasing, the bank and insurance business, fleet management and mobility offers. Volkswagen Financial Services have a total of 16,558 employees worldwide, Volkswagen Financial Services report total assets of around EUR 225.6 billion, an operating result of EUR 2.8 billion and a portfolio of around 21.9 million current contracts (as at: 31.12.2020).