A breakdown can happen at any point in the year. You never know when your vehicle might come to a screeching halt for all manner of different mechanical issues. However, the most common reasons for needing car breakdown recovery are fairly easy to track and predict throughout the year. Seasonal weather has a significant impact on how cars operate, which is why there are trends that drivers can keep an eye out for.
This article offers insights into common car breakdown problems throughout the seasons, illustrating the connections between the weather and the effects it can have on your car.
Winter breakdown trends
Many of the most common causes of car breakdowns are connected to winter weather. Extreme cold puts a serious strain on car batteries, which is the most likely cause of a winter breakdown. Lower temperatures reduce battery capacity, making it harder for drivers to get on the road from a static position. Other issues that cars can struggle with in the winter include cooling system failure and alternator faults. Similarly, pothole-related damage from the freeze-thaw cycle can increase.
Your essential winter breakdown kit should include:
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- First aid kits
- Jump starter cables
- Good winter boots
- High-vis jackets
- Empty fuel can
- Torches and spare batteries
- Warm clothes and blankets
- Some snacks
- Phone charger
- A telescopic shovel
These are handy tools that the average driver can use to stay safe in case of an emergency during colder weather.
Summer breakdown trends
The summer months of June to August are also known for their own season breakdown causes. There are plenty of car breakdown recovery callouts during the warmer months of the year, largely due to the increase in traffic associated with summer holidays and more.
The key issues seen by drivers in summer include:
- Overheated engines due to additional strain on the car’s cooling system
- Hot roads resulting in increased tyre pressure and the increased likelihood of blowouts
- Longer, holiday-focused drives can expose underlying mechanical issues
These are important things to keep in mind when driving throughout the summer. Make sure to regularly check your tyres and guarantee your car is topped up with coolant. You could even go in for a proper check-up with a mechanic before any sort of long-term summer trip, just to make sure you aren’t met with disaster.
Season breakdown for autumn and spring
Autumn and spring are relatively mild in the UK, meaning temperatures aren’t likely to result in car breakdown recovery callouts during these seasons. It’s worth noting that there are some common days for breakdowns in any season.
- Monday mornings are a peak callout day, due to cars being sedentary all weekend
- Fridays, due to weekend traffic and the increased use of motorways
These are rules that you can keep in mind all year round, on top of the seasonal notes that we’ve focused on in this blog.
Ensure you have the right cover
If you’re concerned about any sort of breakdown, seasonal or otherwise, make sure you have the right cover policy in place. Motoring Assistance offers a range of policies to ensure you can drive with confidence all year round. For more insights, check out our motoring advice blog today!