Motorists have been urged to do one thing before setting off for long Christmas journeys as the number of breakdowns on the roads is set to rise sharply.

According to a new study published by the used vehicle retail platform cinch, the number of vehicles breaking down in the days surrounding Christmas 2023 reached a five year high, with fears it may continue to increase.

Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, noted that heavy traffic and harsh weather can easily put more strain onto a vehicle during long trips to see loved ones.

He warned: "Nearly 5,000 breakdowns in just eight days highlight the amount of stress that vehicles can undergo during Christmas travel due to harsher weather conditions and the strain of long-distance journeys.

"Nobody wants disrupted travel plans or to be stranded over the festive celebrations, and so these figures underline the potential safety risks and challenges that come with travelling."

According to data obtained via a freedom of information request, 4,836 breakdowns were recorded between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day 2023.

Over the past five years, the most common day for breaking down over Christmas is December 27, with a total of 2,842 cases recorded.

Nevertheless, plenty of breakdowns were also recorded on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, and December 30 - all days surrounding either Christmas Day or New Year's Eve.

In order to reduce the risk of a serious breakdown disrupting Christmas plans, Sam urged drivers to thoroughly check their vehicle before setting off.

He advised: "While some breakdowns are unavoidable, drivers can significantly reduce their chances of a festive breakdown with a few pre-journey car checks.

"Simple steps like checking tyre pressure, battery health, and oil and coolant levels can help ensure smoother and safer Christmas travel."

In particular, motorists should regularly check that their tyres have plenty of tread and a sufficient amount of air pressure. Doing this can help to ensure plenty of grip in all weather conditions, short stopping distances, and improved fuel economy.

Opening the bonnet to check the fluid levels can also help to ensure that engine components will be properly lubricated and cooled to avoid damage.

Finally, with the help of a passenger, it is worthwhile that drivers check that electronic components such as the lights are all in working order to make sure that they remain visible to all surrounding road users.