Car breakdowns up as wet weather sparks problems

Wet weather and our ageing cars have led to an increase in the number of breakdowns on Irish roads.

New figures from the AA show there's been an 11% increase in the number of call outs to broken-down vehicles in October, compared to September.

There was also a 27% increase in the number of call outs to motorists with engine problems.

Conor Faughnan from the AA said damp or very wet weather can affect a car's electric systems and result in failure to start.

"If you want to make sure you're not a victim of this, try to keep the car in helter, if that's possible for you," he said.

"Make sure the battery is in good condition - and get the car serviced. If it's one of those things you're been putting on the long finger, it's really not a good idea, and it does mean the car is quite likely to let you down in poor weather."