First Monday in January records highest breakdown levels in a year

The first Monday in January saw the highest level of breakdown assistance calls over a 12-month period in Ireland.

Despite Covid restrictions putting the brakes on traditional back-to-work and school January traffic flow, systems nationwide recorded the highest daily call-outs for Allianz Assistance in over a year.

January 4 was two-and-a-half times higher than the daily average during some months in 2020, Allianz says.

Flat batteries were the predominant issue for Irish motorists (at 71%) on the day, with 66 per cent of motor issues solved by roadside assistance teams.

One quarter of all call-outs required breakdown recovery, most likely attributable to reduced individual vehicle usage due to travel restrictions.

Other issues Allianz Assistance technicians were called out for included engine management at eight per cent, and wheel change, cylinders and alternators, all at seven per cent.

Speaking about the figures, Mr Roland Hesse, MD Allianz Partners said: “These figures are interesting, because, yet again, at the beginning of each year, flat batteries are the reason for the highest level of call-outs.

“This is most likely because cars are not used as much over the Christmas period. With the latest lockdown, we expect this to continue to be the primary reason for our technicians to be called out during the coming month.”