Increase in breakdowns of older cars

With more motorists hanging on to their cars longer these days, the AA is calling on drivers, particularly those formerly used to driving newer models, to stay on top of their recommended car servicing schedule and react to changes in their vehicle's performance such as reduced braking power or poor vehicle handling.

The AA attends around 140,000 breakdowns each year and their Patrols have noted an increase in breakdowns from members driving older cars over the past three years - due to the suppressed new car market and not paying enough attention to basic car maintenance.

The Association's breakdown call outs to four year old vehicles is up by 15 per cent since the end of 2007, mostly for punctures, faulty or worn out batteries, alternator, engine and clutch related defects.

Worn tyres can also be a problem on cars of this age. While the legal thread depth is 1.6mm, this is in fact too low and the AA recommend changing a tyre when the tread depth is down to 3mm.