The top six reasons for a car breakdown and how to avoid them...

Picture this: you're stranded in the middle of nowhere with a non-responsive car, waiting to be rescued. We’ve all been there, but how can we avoid it?

• 29% of all call-outs are related to vehicles not starting.*
• What should you do if you lose your car keys?
• What to do if you put the wrong fuel in your car.

As with most things in life, prevention is better than cure, and it's no different when it comes to your car. But sometimes, all our checks and care can’t stop the inevitable from happening.

So, what are the sort of things you'll need in your car in case of a breakdown?

• Mobile phone.
• Empty fuel carrier.
• Warm clothes.
• First aid kit.
• Jump leads.

We've put together a list of the top reasons for breakdown company call-outs according to Britannia Rescue:

The most common reason to call for help is because the car won’t start. In fact, 29% of all call-outs between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025 were related to vehicles not starting - commonly because of a flat battery.

A breakdown recovery agent can often get you going again, but sometimes damage to a 12-volt battery is terminal (pun intended) and you may well need a new one, which can be pricey.

A new 12-volt battery can cost up to £250, depending on the vehicle and battery type. Generally speaking, larger cars require bigger, more expensive batteries.

There are two main reasons for flat batteries:

• Leaving electrical equipment on when the car's not running.
• Leaving the car unused for long periods of time.

We have a few tips which can help keep your battery in good shape, like regularly using the car or disconnecting the battery if it's not going to be used for a while. If you're worried about your battery life, take a look - it could save you money.

Next on the list is road traffic collisions (RTC), or car accidents to you and me. According to the Department for Transport, there were over 100,000 RTCs reported in Great Britain in 2023.

If you’re involved in an accident, your first call for help should be to your car insurance provider. They’ll be able to talk to you about possible recovery of your vehicle and a courtesy car if it’s included in your policy. If they’re not able to help, then a call to your breakdown recovery company would be the next port of call.

After car accidents, the third most common reason for a car breakdown is tyre issues. They’re one of the most important safety features on your car, and when they go wrong, you’ll be glad you had breakdown cover.

When and where this happens is pretty much out of your control, but if it’s on a motorway, don’t attempt to fix it yourself – call a professional to help you out.

Much like batteries, your tyres should be checked on a regular basis. There are many ways you can look after your tyres and avoid getting on the wrong side of the law in the form of fines.

Fines can be up to £2,500 and up to three penalty points for each illegal tyre - four illegal tyres could result in a driving ban! Keep an eye on pressures and tread depth, as well as the general condition, paying particular attention to lumps and tears.

With over 11,000 call-outs from 1 August 2024 to 31 July 2025 for misfiring or under-powered engines, it's clear that regular engine maintenance is important to help you get to where you're going.

You can keep your engine in tip-top condition with these essential checks:

• Engine oil - check your oil levels regularly but remember to wait until the engine has cooled down. If the oil needs topping up, check your owner's manual to see which type you need.
• Regular servicing - check the manufacturer's recommendation for how often to get your car serviced. Using a reputable garage to regularly service your vehicle will help it run for many trouble-free miles. This is especially important if it's still in the new car warranty period.
• Air filter - remove it from time to time to check if it's clogged or damaged and needs replacing. It's pretty straightforward and easier than many drivers think - there are plenty of website that can guide you through the process.

You won't get far with a broken clutch. If the worst happens, and it breaks while you're out and about, (as it did for 3599 Brittania Rescue customers between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025) you're going to need some help.

A clutch or gearbox repair at the roadside isn't going to be possible, so you're going to need breakdown cover with vehicle recovery to a nearby garage or another destination.

There’s no two ways about it, having a new clutch fitted is quite expensive but there are a few signs you can keep an eye out for as early warnings that something might be wrong:

• Grinding noise from gearbox.
• Difficulty shifting gears.
• Soft or spongy clutch pedal.
• Higher rpms while driving.
• Burning smell from gearbox.

Next on our list is amber and red dashboard warning lights, which can often lead to engine failure.

Driving with warning lights on, especially red ones, is risky business and it’ll only be a matter of time before your car breaks down. 

Although not one of the top six reasons for Britannia Rescue call-outs, another call out reason is putting the wrong fuel in your tank or losing your keys are significant worries for many drivers.

The answer to the question “what should I do if I misfuel?” is especially important in the moments immediately after the mistake – it can reduce significant damage to your car.

If you do fill up your car with the wrong fuel type, you should:

1. Not start the engine.
2. Inform an attendant at the filling station.
3. Push your car somewhere safe.
4. Call your car insurance company.

Losing or having your car keys stolen can be stressful, but rest assured there are people who can help.

It may be your car insurance that can help with lost or stolen keys (depending on your cover level) but if you’ve accidentally locked your keys in your car, then it’s probably going to be your breakdown cover company.

So, there we have it... Britannia Rescue’s top six reasons for a call to the breakdown experts. Car trouble can happen to any of us, but let’s all do our best to try and avoid it!

* Britannia Rescue data (1 August 2024 to 31 July 2025)