Car breakdowns have risen by 5%, says AA

The number of Irish motorists whose cars break down has risen by 5% year-on-year, according to the annual review of the Automobile Association.

The number of vehicle kilometres travelled has increased by 2% this year, compared to 2014, and the AA has reported a corresponding higher volume of breakdowns this year.

“More cars on our roads normally means a higher risk of incidents, which, in this case, relates to a rise in breakdowns.

“Anyone need only travel via the M50 on any one day to know that there are a lot more people out and about,” says Conor Faughnan, AA director of consumer affairs.

“Fuel sales are normally a good proxy figure when determining the levels of activity on the roads, and mirror traffic data.

“As such, total fuel sales rose by 9% in 2013, 2.2% in 2014 and by around 2.5% so far this year.”

The country-wide analysis of 100,000 AA rescue assignments also reveals how motorists are continuing to wrangle with worn-out batteries, which have caused one in four breakdowns this year.

Some 17,000 motorists had a puncture, down just 1% from the last commissioned review.

Women had the most punctures this year, accounting for 17% of AA call-outs, compared to 12% of men. However, men have fared worse when it comes to putting the correct fuel type in their vehicle.

Malfunctioning clutches and worn-out engines have also prompted motorists to call for AA assistance over the last 12 months.