SECOND CAR FAMILIES COULD BE HEADING FOR A BREAKDOWN THIS WINTER
25 October 2004 - Green Flag Motoring Assistance

Families are prone to cutting corners when it comes to ensuring theirsecond car is safe and well maintained, according to research findingsissued today.

Breakdown rescue provider Green Flag Motoring Assistance found that nearly

one-in-five drivers who had a second car admitted they gave no thought at

all to second car maintenance. Two-thirds said they spent some time on

maintaining the second car, while only one-in-six said they intended to

devote large amounts of time to prepare their car for the rigours of

winter.

Commenting on the findings, TV presenter and motoring expert Mike Brewer

said: ''It is a worry that so many second cars are being neglected,

especially as the research suggests most second cars are over four years

old, and therefore in greater need of a little TLC to keep them roadworthy,

reliable and above all, safe.''

According to the results, 60 per cent of second cars rack up on average

over 5,000 miles each year and a quarter cover more than 10,000 miles.

Despite this, drivers are reluctant to splash the cash when it comes to the

family''s workhorse, with the majority (70 per cent) only spending between

£100 and £500 per year on maintenance and more than a third (36 per cent)

risking driving with no breakdown cover. There was however some good news

for second cars, as over 80 per cent received a regular annual service.

Spokesperson for Green Flag Melanie Denny said: ''An annual service is

really the very least motorists can do to keep their vehicles on the road.

Over the summer months the family''s second car can stand idle, with the

main family car used for day trips and holidays. Now is the perfect time to

get the second car serviced ready for the additional strains daily school

runs and colder weather brings.''

In a third of cases motorists said their partners bore the brunt of most

second car driving such as school runs and shopping trips.

Melanie added: ''In-town driving and short journeys can put more strain on a

vehicle than long distance motorway cruising. Regular maintenance checks

are essential for second cars to avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown,

and to ensure the car remains safe.''

To ensure the family''s second car is in peak condition and address any

potential problems that could cause a breakdown or accident, Green Flag

also recommends a few simple checks that motorists can carry out themselves

to ensure they stay on the move this winter.

Check the car''s wiper blades are in good condition with no tears or
cracks
Make sure the screenwash, oil and water are at the recommended levels
Check the anti-freeze content in the washer reservoir and cooling system
is appropriate for the colder weather ahead
Ensure tyres are in good condition, with no bumps or cracks in them. The
minimum legal tyre tread is 1.6mm. Make sure the tyre pressure is
correct too. Your car''s manual will tell you what it should be
Faulty batteries are the number one cause of breakdowns, so have it
checked before the cold weather sets in. Many garages offer checks free
of charge
Ensure the second car''s breakdown cover is up to date and provides
adequate cover for your requirements
Ensure all the lights are all working and keep them clean for good
visibility
Keep a fully charged mobile phone with you in the car with the number of
your breakdown organisation saved in it.

For further information on safe driving, plus details of Green Flag''s range

of cover levels, visit www.greenflag.com or call 0845 246 1557.

www.greenflag.com

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