Drivers warned of ‘flat battery misery’ after Christmas break
Around a fifth of drivers are trying to reduce their car use over the Christmas period to save money as the cost of living crisis takes on a painful impact. That’s why Halfords has warned drivers who may return to a dead battery when they get back in the car in 2023.
Freezing temperatures and reduced car use drastically increase the likelihood of a dead battery, making cars particularly vulnerable after the Christmas break.
This makes motorists across the UK even more vulnerable in January, with almost a quarter (24 per cent) planning to travel less than usual this Christmas compared to previous years and leave their cars idling in cold weather.
In fact, 19 percent of drivers leave their car completely idle over the holidays, putting them at real risk of accidental damage to their vehicle.
Halfords encourages motorists to check their car battery regularly to avoid being caught, even if they don’t use their car for conventional driving.
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“We encourage drivers to run their car engines regularly for maintenance, and to use our Halfords Motoring Club and free 10-point checks to keep their cars in good condition, even when the winter weather hits.”
The research also found that more than two-fifths don’t have a spare battery, while almost a quarter (24 percent) admit they don’t know how to change one at all.
According to the survey, 20 percent of respondents said they had never checked their car battery.
When a disaster strikes, it typically results in people being over an hour late on average for their much-anticipated plans.
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As a result of a dead battery, 14 percent of drivers were late for work and 6 percent missed or were late for an important meeting.
Shockingly, four percent said they missed a child birth or a funeral.
If someone is experiencing “battery hell,” drivers can go through a quick checklist of things to do before calling someone.
A common reason for a dead car battery is that it was drained by leaving the lights on without the engine running.
If the battery is not fully discharged, drivers may be able to charge it with a car battery charger that plugs into the mains.
However, if the battery is completely drained, simple charging is unlikely to work. The next option would be to attempt a jump start.
Drivers will need a jump starter kit or set of jumper cables and a “donor” car, but drivers should always exercise caution when doing so.
If jump starting or charging doesn’t get the car running, motorists may have a more serious problem and should seek a second opinion.
