Half term breakdown figures up by nearly 20%

ETA highlights drivers’ lack of preparation for long journeys in lead up to winter

Nearly a fifth of all drivers are at risk of breaking down as they head off on next week's half term exodus, says the ETA, (Environmental Transport Association) the ethical alternative breakdown service.   This is because they take to their cars without undertaking basic checks.

  New figures show that breakdown calls climb 18 per cent during the autumn half term compared with an average week. This disturbing trend is likely to continue says the ETA unless drivers take car maintenance and safety more seriously.

  The ETA has analysed their comprehensive breakdown statistics and they show that the autumn half term is one of the worst periods for car breakdowns as families head off on long journeys without checking their cars or taking account of the worsening weather.

  Andrew Davis, director of the ETA, explains “Drivers simply don’t carry out the necessary checks on their vehicles before embarking on a lengthy trip.  The autumn half term is often the first long drive for domestic vehicles for many months. The motorways and main roads are consequently littered with cars stuck on the hard shoulder.  What is worse is those who haven’t any breakdown cover in advance pay a premium for rescue services, from all the breakdown suppliers”

  The ETA offers tips to prepare cars for use over half term and the winter – which weather experts predict will be severe. Much of the advice will also help reduce fuel consumption, saving the motorist money and helping to save the environment.

  Lower fuel consumption means lower carbon emissions, widely accepted as one of the major causes of global warming. 

  The ETA recently launched “climate-neutral breakdown cover”, which commits to neutralising or offsetting the carbon dioxide emissions of members’ cars by funding projects, such as planting rainforests. 

  Driving an ordinary saloon car for 8,000 miles over a year produces an average of 2.3 tonnes of CO₂ - that’s equivalent to cutting down 12 mature trees a year.  The ETA will fund the planting of new trees or other similar environment-saving projects for each breakdown cover purchased.

  The ETA has an enviable record of fixing 80% of cars by the roadside with an average waiting time of just 40 minutes.  Breakdown cover starts from just £39 on line at www.eta.co.uk which also is carbon neutral(carbon emissions from breakdown vehicles offset)  ETA breakdown cover with carbon offset for a year’s driving from £89 online.

Winter Driving Tips

  Prepare your car

• Always carry a blanket, torch and spare drinks and snacks on long journeys.  Should the worse happen and you break down, you will at least be comfortable until you are rescued.

·         Maintain your car - check that your engine is properly tuned as this improves performance and limits fuel consumption.

·         Check your tyres – ensure that you have the correct tyre pressure. Every 6psi the tyre is under-inflated the fuel consumption increases by 1%. Make sure you have a spare and that it is also correctly inflated.

• Engine oil - Check the dipstick every two weeks and especially before long journeys. 

·         Top up your screen wash - water alone will not clear road grime or prevent freezing.

• Check the level of coolant and that you have enough antifreeze.  This will prevent the coolant from freezing in severe weather.

·         Check your windscreen wipers – if they are smearing they are probably worn down and need replacing

·         Check your windows and lights – ensuring that your windows are clean and your lights are working will make your journey safer.

·         Remove your roof rack if you are not planning to use it – the wind resistance dramatically increases fuel consumption.

·         Reduce weight and remove unnecessary items like golf clubs, tools etc.

• Keep a basic toolkit in your car – it should contain at least a jack and wheel removal tools.

Prepare yourself

·         A fit, rested driver is an alert driver and has better control. Wear light footwear that is less bulky to ensure a sensitive control over the accelerator and reduce emissions. You may wish to consider driving without shoes.

·         Plan your journey before you set out and check for any possible delays or roadworks by listening to radio travel bulletins.

·         Do not travel in severe weather unless it is an emergency.

During the journey

·         Drive with the windows up to reduce drag and make your fuel consumption more efficient. Try not to rush as stressed driving can be erratic and is uneconomical.

·         Refueling – avoid overfilling the tank as spilled fuel evaporates and releases harmful emissions.

·         Motorway driving - traffic slows to a near stop because of the concertina effect of one motorist breaking sharply. A delayed reaction causes everyone to back up for some miles. Try to observe the cars three or four ahead and give yourself extra distance from the one in front.

 Notes

The aim of the ETA is to be the ethical alternative to other motoring organisations by providing high quality services to everyone concerned about the impact of transport on the environment; in so doing, funds are generated for the ETA’s campaigns.  

(27/10/05)