FLAT BATTERY WARNING AS BRITAIN RETURNS TO WORK
Tomorrow (2 January) has been named flat battery day by Halfords as drivers face being left stranded because their cars refuse to start after lying idle over Christmas.
Motoring organisations are predicting a record number of emergency call outs on the first official day back to work for many.
The violent storms which forced people to stay at home mean that many vehicles have been hit by torrential rain and driving winds - compounding the problem.
Halfords is warning that it could be breakdown blues for those who have failed to have their batteries checked and serviced.
Dave Poulter, Halfords Director of Trading for Auto, said: “The combination of the holiday break when vehicles are not used much and the rain, damp and frost is a recipe for battery problems. Drivers use their lights, heated windows, de-misters and the fan much more at this time of year which puts electrical systems under extra strain and if the battery is old, or in poor condition, failures are more likely. A battery failure is one of the main reasons for calling a breakdown service at this time of year.
“We know that looking after today’s hi-tech cars can be tricky which is why we our fully trained teams provide a free five point health check looking at the battery, bulbs, windscreen wiper, oil levels and screen wash to ensure the car is in top condition.
“We want our customers get off to a great start to the New Year.”
The AA was predicting one of its busiest days with 60% more call outs than normal, while the RAC and Green Flag estimated they would be 50% busier. A flat battery accounts for half of all call outs after the festive period and is the single largest cause of breakdowns.
Halfords advise that a sluggish starting engine is a sign that the battery may need replacing. If the car struggles to start switch off all the electrics and dip the clutch which can helps to take some of the load off the starter motor and, in turn, the battery.
“However the best way to avoid a breakdown is to ensure your battery is in good condition,” added Dave Poulter.
End
Media contact:
Stuart Humphreys, Automotive PR Manager
T: 01527 513410, M: 07738 751930
E: stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk
Notes to editors
About Halfords Group plc
The Group is the UK's leading retailer of automotive, leisure and cycling products and through Halfords Autocentres also one of the UK's leading independent car servicing and repair operator. Halfords customers shop at 466 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland and at halfords.com for pick-up at their local store or direct home delivery. Halfords Autocentres operates from over 295 sites nationally and offers motorists dealership-quality MOTs, repairs and car servicing at affordable prices.
Halfords employs approximately 12,000 colleagues and sells around 10,000 product lines in stores, increasing to around 30,000 lines online. The product offering encompasses significant ranges in car parts, cycles, in-car technology, child seats, roof boxes, outdoor leisure and camping equipment. Halfords own brands include Apollo and Carrera cycles, augmented by exclusive UK distribution rights for the premium-ranged Boardman cycles and accessories. In outdoor leisure, we sell a premium range of camping equipment including brands such as Outwell. Halfords offers customers expert advice and a fitting service called "wefit" for car parts, child seats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a "werepair" service for cycles.
