A study by LeasePlan, a leasing company, analysed the sector in 2014, providing a series of very interesting figures for understanding how the service works.
Tyre failure, various breakdowns and road traffic accidents are the main reasons drivers use roadside assistance. Knowing why people call on a tow truck service, and even showing statistics on these services, is important for better understanding the market and its circumstances. Thanks to the LeasePlan study from almost five years ago, we know that three out of ten drivers (30%) turn to roadside assistance companies, even if only once a year.
Among the figures in the study, some relate to the season. Summer is the time when users rely on these services most, with July being the busiest month. This makes sense, given that the number of summer journeys increases because of the holidays.
Users, however, do not always turn to these services when they are on holiday. This is what can be deduced from the day of the week on which most requests are made (Monday, with 25%), which contrasts with calls at the weekend (5%).
The ageing vehicle fleet, a key factor
In 2017, 66% of cars in Spain were more than ten years old (for light and heavy lorries, the percentage reached 81%). The ageing of the vehicle fleet is a reality that influences demand for roadside assistance. According to the 2014 report, almost half of all services – 46% – are requested for vehicles more than three years old. For new cars, on the other hand, the figure falls to 22%.
Mechanical problems are common in these requests: as many as 65% of call-outs are related to a mechanical or engine-related fault. 23% are due to tyres in poor condition, while 11% follow an accident.
Tow truck service
Traveller assistance involves on-the-spot repairs (36% of the time), as well as the tow truck service (on 33% of occasions). Tow trucks usually cover an average distance of almost 30 kilometres in approximately half an hour. Almost half of the incidents leading to such a request occur in the destination town itself (48%). 38% would correspond to cases in municipalities within the user's own province, while 17% would occur outside the user's province