Nearly two million breakdowns...

Nearly two million breakdowns a year - one in every five nationwide - are caused by simple human error or flat tyres, and driving a new or unfamiliar car can increase the risk of self-inflicted breakdowns.

The AA"s statistics show forgetful motorists run down over 300,000 batteries and lock in or lose nearly a quarter of a million keys, wreaking havoc with holidays, commutes and daily routines. And over 100,000 people a year fill up with the wrong fuel - petrol in a diesel engine or vice versa - potentially spelling disaster for their engine.

Flat tyres account for one in every 12 breakdown calls - or over 700,000 tyres a year - and the North-west of England emerges as a national tyre "black spot", with motorists there 25 per cent more likely to call with a flat tyre than those in the Midlands.

The data also reveals big seasonal variations. Cold and dark conditions mean drivers are twice as likely to run down their battery in winter than in summer. But summer is high season for mishaps with keys, accounting for 20 per cent more key-related call-outs than winter.