A vehicle breakdown is a mechanical or electrical failure of a motor vehicle in such a way that the underlying problem prevents the vehicle from being operated or impedes the vehicle's operation so significantly that it is very difficult, nearly impossible, or else dangerous to operate. Vehicle breakdowns have various causes. Depending on the severity, the vehicle may need to be towed to an automobile repair shop or fixed on-site by roadside assistance or a mobile mechanic. With other problems, the driver may be able to operate the vehicle seemingly normally for some time, but the vehicle will need an eventual repair. Many vehicle owners with personal economic difficulty or a busy schedule may wait longer than they should to get necessary maintenance or repairs made to their vehicles, thereby increasing their chances of a breakdown, inducing further damage to the vehicle, or else causing more danger.

Severity

There are various levels of a vehicle's disability:

Total Breakdown

Partial Breakdown

Causes

In 2014, The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) attended almost two million breakdowns in the United Kingdom. Battery problems were the most common cause of a car breakdown, accounting for more than 450,000 call-outs.

Top 10 Causes

Source:

Contributing Factors

Roadside assistance data collected, analyzed and published by AAA provides the following statistical insights into vehicle breakdowns in the United States and Canada:

Age

Maintenance

Region

Season

Coverage

When a breakdown occurs, the motorist may be able to have the tow and/or repair covered by a third party:

Factory Warranty

Extended Warranty/Service Contract

Insurance

Roadside Assistance