flat batteries on the first working day of each year

RAC warns UK drivers about post-Christmas flat batteries  - RAC reports that they deal with more flat batteries on the first working day of each year than on any other day.

Of the 12,000 breakdowns they attend on 2nd Jan 28% were for flat batteries.

"Battery issues are the number-one reason for calling out RAC patrols all year round, but the breakdown and driving services company expects to attend a record 12,000 breakdowns on Tuesday 2 January 2024.  Based on data from previous years, it estimates that three-in-10 (28%) of these will be due to flat batteries." - https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/news/motoring-news/avoid-a-flat-start-to-2024-rac-warns-drivers-to-check-their-car-batteries/

Among other things they suggest using the car regularly instead of just leaving it idle - I suggest taking advantage of the car not needing to be used and carry out a preventative low (amps) long and slow charge of the battery using an appropriate battery charger and maintainer, it's extremely easy and clean hands work.

Some other tips:

• Park in a garage where possible
• Make sure everything electrical is turned off when you park up
• Check the battery connections are tight (and free from any crud)
• Don't let the battery get too low, just because the car starts and the lights seem bright enough the charge can still be too low

https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/499006-car-battery-now-is-the-time-to-check-it/

Edited 28 December, 20232 yr by nta16