Motorists across the UK are at risk of facing flat battery stress when starting their engines in January as a result of the cost of living crisis.
Many motorists have left their cars dormant over the festive period in order to ease the financial strain of the cost of living crisis, which greatly increases the risk of a flat battery. Your car is also at a higher risk of a flat battery in freezing temperatures.
New research from Halfords shows that more than a third (38%) of motorists are worried about costs associated with driving, as one in five people (20%) are trying to use their cars less this Christmas to save money due to the painful impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
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January is set to be the highest risk month for a flat battery, with 24% of people planning to drive less around Christmas compared to previous years, leaving their car idle in cold weather. 19% of drivers will leave their car completely dormant over the festive break, running a risk of unintentional damage to their vehicle.
Halfords is encouraging motorists to regularly check their car battery to avoid being caught out, even if not using their car for traditional journeys. The research also showed that 42% of people don't own a spare car battery, with one in four (24%) admitting they don't know how to change one.
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Richard Bruce, motoring director from Halfords, said: “Typically, we experience cars being left idle more over winter due to festive plans. This year, however, we’re seeing an even bigger increase in cars being left dormant over Christmas to help ease financial burden during these difficult times, but this does risk leaving drivers facing flat battery misery when they get back into their cars.
"We’re encouraging motorists to regularly turn on their car engines to maintain them, as well as taking advantage of our Halfords Motoring Club and free 10 point checks to keep their cars in good condition, even when the winter weather strikes.”
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