Drivers in England whose car is “over six years old” have warned

Older petrol and diesel cars have been warned to be at “high risk” of breaking down. It comes as the longer lifespans of cars and engines wreak havoc on motorists and motorists up and down the country amid the cost of living crisis.

Katie Lomas, CEO of Green Flag, explained that while cars last longer, they will break down more often as they age. She said: “With breakdowns on the rise, drivers should carry out regular maintenance to help reduce the risk of problems, no matter how old their vehicle.

“There are a lot of basic car maintenance jobs that people can do at home to keep their vehicles in top condition for the long term.” On average, one in 16 new cars will break down in the first year, but by the age of 11, the car will break down every year.

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The data showed how the life cycle of a car has increased from 6.6 years in 2003 to 9.4 years in 2023, Green Flag found. In the UK, the oldest car makes and models have varied over time due to factors such as popularity and availability, and the 2023 results help highlight the enduring popularity of the Ford Focus as it comes out on top.

The most common reason to scrap a car and put it to pasture is “end of life”, Green Flag has warned. The average lifespan of a car is 10 to 12 years. As cars age, they become less reliable and more prone to problems.

When a machine reaches the end of its useful life, it’s often time to scrap it. Not to mention that it will likely fall behind current safety standards, so selling or repairing it is out of the question.