Tyre issues are the top cause of breakdowns in February and March, new research from National Highways reveals.

Problems with tyres range from punctures, emergency brake damage and driving at speed

Its analysis shows there were 5,934 tyre incidents in 2021, 7,095 in 2022 and 7,762 last year on National Highways motorways and A-roads.

Tyre issues were followed by loss of power and an empty fuel tank, making up the top three reasons why people broke down over the time period studied.

Problems with tyres range from punctures, emergency brake damage and driving at speed – which increases the risk of damage and misalignment. Wear and tear is also a factor.

The figures are revealed as National Highways launches its spring TRIP campaign to encourage drivers to plan their journey in advance, including carrying out all necessary vehicle checks as well as factoring in rest stops before they set of on any long or significant journey.

The acronym TRIP stands for: Top-up – fuel, water and oil; Rest – every two hours; Inspect – tyres and lights and Prepare – plan your journey ahead and check the traffic and weather forecasts.

The spring awareness campaign aims to reach all road users but with a specific focus on families and young drivers who are looking at an Easter getaway.

Paul Beecher, national network manager at National Highways, said: “TRIP is a long-term road safety campaign which helps drivers to prepare for long journeys especially during holiday seasons.

“The last thing any of us want is to break down with our family in the car with all the expense and worry that can cause, when a few checks before a big trip can save that hassle.

“Our advice is simple; a few basic checks before you set-off can make the world of difference. The acronym TRIP is just about trying to drive that message home.”

The National Highways figures also show that ‘loss of power’ was responsible for 2,230 breakdowns between February and March in 2021, 2,920 during the same period in 2022 and 3,052 last year.

An empty fuel tank was responsible for 918 breakdowns between February and March in 2021, 1,149 during the same period in 2022 and 1,001 breakdowns last year.

Engine failure and clutch or gear problems make up the top five causes of breakdowns during the same periods.

Other causes of breakdowns between February and March over the last three years included electrics, batteries, overheating and brakes.