15 BREAKDOWNS PER MINUTE EXPECTED THIS WEEK AS UK SET FOR HOTTEST DAY ON RECORD

• Over 87,400 breakdowns are expected to occur on UK roads this week as the UK is set to bask in one of the hottest days on record and schools break up for the summer holidays
• Green Flag has forecast 15 breakdowns every minute between Tuesday and Friday
• Temperatures are set to soar above 30 degrees this week in some parts of the nation
• Thursday is set to be the hottest day with temperatures expected to reach record highs of 38 degrees
• Green Flag has released several common sense tips for driving in hot weather, prompting drivers to check their vehicles before embarking on any long journeys
• Find out more at www.greenflag.com

London, UK, Tuesday 23rd July, 2019 – With scorching temperatures of over 30 degrees forecast for this week and schools across the nation starting to break up for the summer holidays, breakdown provider Green Flag has predicted 87,400 breakdowns or incidents on UK roads between Tuesday 23rd and Friday 26th July.  This translates to 15 breakdowns or incidents per minute and up to a 25 per cent* increase on the average number of breakdowns or incidents.

Simon Henrick at Green Flag commented: “With the nation set to bake in hot temperatures and schools across the UK closing for summer, there will undoubtedly be increased traffic on the roads, as people take time off to enjoy the sunshine. However, it’s important to be aware of the strain that the heat can put on the car’s key components, as well as on the road itself.

“Green Flag wants to ensure motorists can enjoy the sunshine by staying safe whilst driving. However, many of the problems that drivers are likely to encounter are preventable if vehicles are inspected before a long journey.”

In order to help drivers reach their destinations safely, Green Flag has released several common sense tips to stay safe in the hot weather.

Green Flag’s Common Sense Tips To Reduce Risk of Breakdown In The Heat:

1. Make sure you have lots of coolant – A common cause of engine overheating is low coolant. To avoid this, drivers should make sure the radiator is full of coolant, and that it has the correct mix of antifreeze and water
2. Make sure your coolant isn’t past its sell by date – Coolant has a lifespan, and once it’s over it it’s not any use. Coolant that is past its sell by date will cause more harm than good. It may leave deposits in the car’s engine and radiator that can lead to poor coolant flow
3. Turn off air con when driving at slower speeds – When driving at slower speeds drivers are advised to turn off the air conditioning and roll down the windows. When driving below 50MPH, engines have to work harder to pump out cool air and could run the risk of burning excess fuel
4. Don’t overload your vehicle – When heading out in hot weather, cars often get overloaded with luggage and other items, but to help avoid breakdowns, drivers should limit the amount they pack. Overloading the car boot means the car has to work harder and will use more fuel.