Flat tyre: number one cause of breakdowns

An overheated engine or filling up with the wrong fuel is not responsible for the majority of telephone calls made for roadside assistance; a simple flat tyre is the most frequent culprit. That is, at least, amongst hire car drivers abroad.

Leasing company ALD Automotive has compiled a top 5 of the most frequently reported breakdown causes amongst hire car drivers abroad. According ALD, a flat tyre is top of the list because most hire cars are no longer supplied with a spare wheel. A flat battery is at number 2 and the top 3 is completed by a burnt out clutch, as a result of pulling a trailer in heavy traffic. Bringing up the rear in the study are an illuminated engine management light at number 4 and, at number 5, possibly the ultimate holiday blunder: locking yourself out.

In cooperation with Kwik-Fit, ALD organised a special holiday check this year - which proved to be necessary, because according to the leasing company only 20% of the cars left the garage without needing work of some description. Fortunately, most cases involved refilling the windscreen washer fluid or other such non-critical fluids.

Source: Autoweek