RAC warns you could break down from common post-Christmas problem – don’t get caught out
YOU'VE just spent the Christmas break relaxing - lounging around at home in your tracksuit bottoms eating mince pies.
Finally, after a few days, you drag yourself off the couch and jump in the car - ready to stock up the pantry with slightly healthier food for 2024 or begin the dreaded return to work.
But then - your car won't start.
It's what the RAC refers to the as the "flat battery blues" - what happens when you've left your car sitting on the driveway in cold and damp weather.
This period of inactivity drains car batteries and leaves thousands at risk of a non-start on the first day back at the office.
The breakdown and driving services company expects to attend a record 12,000 breakdowns on January 2 2024.
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Based on data from previous years, it estimates that three-in-10 (28%) of these will be due to flat batteries.
There are also a raft of other issues that can affect motors during the Christmas break.
Tyre pressure, freezing fluids, damaged wipers and frozen doors are all issues which blight motorists during January.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Going back to work after a good Christmas break is bad enough, so the last thing any driver wants is a car that won’t start.
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“Fortunately, the ‘flat battery blues’ are very easy to prevent ahead of 2 January.
"We suggest drivers don’t leave their cars sitting completely idle over the holiday period and instead try to use them regularly.
"Any car that’s currently reluctant to start is a sign of weak battery, meaning it’s more at risk of failing at the start of the new year.
"And while no one wants to think about work any earlier than necessary, families with two or more vehicles should at least check their cars start on New Year’s Day if they’re planning to use both on 2 January.
“A combination of colder weather putting more strain on vehicle batteries and the greater demand on lights, heated windscreens and wipers is a recipe for a flat battery in the winter.
"The starter motor also has to work harder to turn over the engine on chilly mornings, increasing the demand on the battery.
“Drivers of electric vehicles need to take note too – like their petrol and diesel counterparts, most EVs still have 12-volt batteries meaning non-starts can be just as much of a problem if they’re not used over an extended period.
"It’s also important to keep them well-charged as it’s not good to leave high-voltage batteries below 20% in cold conditions.”
How to avoid the 'flat battery blues'
Experts at the RAC have advised that the following steps will reduce the risk of a flat battery:
Park your vehicle in a garage whenever possible
Ensure everything is switched off when you finish your journey including lights, heater, fan, heated rear windscreen and radio.
Separate sat-navs and other devices can also drain the battery if left connected – every volt is precious first thing in the morning
Check the battery connections, ensuring that they are tight and free from any corrosion.
And, don’t forget that battery acid is highly corrosive to skin and paintwork
It’s worth getting your battery tested, particularly if it is over four years old
Take your vehicle for a decent drive before you really need it to get your battery well charged, and get the engine to its proper operating temperature.
Don’t just check that it starts as this is likely to drain the battery more
If you have a fully electric vehicle, it’s important to remember these also rely on 12-volt batteries to start, so it’s advisable to drive them occasionally to keep the battery well charged.
In addition, the high-voltage battery should not be left for extended periods below a 20% state-of-charge, particularly in cold weather as this could harm its health
Other basic checks you must make on your cars this winter have been revealed by a traffic cop.
Meanwhile, a driving instructor has revealed the worst place to put your foot while driving in the winter.
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