With Christmas just days away, many are preparing to travel to visit their loved ones – and a lot can happen during those long drives.
According to car experts at The AA, breakdowns are more common during the winter months, especially after the festive season when vehicles are left unused for a little longer than usual.
Fortunately, The AA has shared some tips on how to avoid these situations and is urging drivers to follow these essential measures to prevent the experience of any breakdowns in the months that lie ahead.
The breakdown causes for drivers across the country include battery issues and tyre problems due to the cold weather. Together, they cause around 41% of the incidents.
However, Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year at The AA, revealed how to stop that from happening this year.
Between December 2023 and February 2024, a fifth of the breakdowns the AA were called to were due to 12-volt battery problems. They are the leading cause of winter-related breakdowns.
This is because cold weather can drain a car’s battery, making it difficult for it to start, and sometimes it’ll make a clicking sound. If that’s the case, the battery might be failing and should be tested.
However, following this crucial tip will help avoid all that. Turning off any extra electricals, such as internal lights will help avoid draining the battery.
The AA’s website states: “The most common cause of a flat battery is leaving the lights on after turning the engine off, so don’t forget to switch everything off as you leave the car.
“Most cars have a ‘lights on’ warning sound as you open the car door.”
While that might be the most common cause for a breakdown, it is not the only one so with that the experts provided other tips to help prevent a Christmas nighttmare
10 expert tips to avoid water breakdown this year
- Check your coolant level
- Use a screen wash additive
- Check your wipers are off
- Clear snow off ASAP
- Defrost locks and handles
- Don’t leave wet clothes in your car
- Wait to open windows
- Keep your car clean
- Move off carefully
- Listen to your engine
