RAC reports sharp increase in hot weather breakdowns

The RAC saw a major increase in the number of hot weather-related breakdowns yesterday (Tuesday). Faults with cooling systems were up 102%, including an 82% rise in blown cylinder head gaskets.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “The heat has taken its toll on motorists as our patrols dealt with a 92% increase in accidents yesterday as well as 237% more misfuellings, possibly as a result of people getting hot and bothered at the pumps.

“We also experienced a 66% increase in people locking their keys in the car and a massive 456% uplift in cases of running out of fuel which we can only put down to more drivers taking to the road to make the most of the weather, and possibly running the fuel gauge gauntlet as result. There was also an unusual 167% jump in vehicle fires, however the cause of this increase is as yet unknown.”

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About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to 15 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app

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