Roadside assistance calls are rising this summer, especially due to tyre problems

The DGT figures reveal that we have had a summer that has been quite “eventful”. And not only because of long-distance journeys, which exceeded 90.8 million during the months of July and August, but also in terms of assistance calls for breakdowns, which have grown by 10%, in this case according to data from AXA Partners. An increase could be expected compared with the most recent years, when mobility was reduced by the pandemic. But this figure represents the highest volume of breakdown assistance recorded in summer… in the last five years!

A positive point in the insurance company’s report is that the number of assistance calls due to accidents has fallen by 7% compared with 2021, and by 21% if we compare it with 2019, before the pandemic arrived.

The rise in breakdown incidents can be partly attributed to the large number of journeys. But other factors have aggravated the situation. On the one hand, the successive heatwaves we have had during the summer, which have also affected vehicles. On the other, an ageing car fleet and with an average age that already exceeds 13 years, which contributes to the appearance of breakdowns.

Warning: incidents caused by poor tyre maintenance

However, one figure stands out alarmingly: the significant increase in tyre-related problems, which has risen by 19% compared with 2021, and by 26% if we compare it with 2019. And the most worrying thing is that, beyond punctures, blowouts have increased by 37% compared with 2020… and have doubled if we take 2019 as a reference.

At this point, it is worth remembering that when a tyre blows out there is a significant risk of an accident, due to the possible loss of control of the vehicle. To avoid this situation, the best approach is to know the reasons why a tyre can blow out, which are several. For example, driving with tyres in poor condition, whether deformed, cracked or with “bulges” caused by impacts (against a kerb or in a pothole) that can damage the internal structure. Also due to excessive speed or vehicle overloading, without adjusting the pressures. Or simply from not keeping the correct pressures.

If you are one of those who normally does not check tyre pressures, it is worth remembering that the ideal is to do so at least once a month, and to take the opportunity to also carry out a visual inspection, checking both the tread wear and the sidewalls.

Related information of interest

• Learn to identify faults in your car by reading tyre wear
• Puncture solutions you should carry in your car
• Danger! Almost half of Spanish drivers pay no attention to their tyres