IT’S THE scourge of motorists everywhere: turning the key to the engine and nothing happening.
The result is flat battery and an empty wallet.
A motoring supplies firm says that many motorists are at risk as they return to work after the festive period, having left their cars on the driveway during the break.
Halfords says more than a third of motorists (38%) are worried about increasing costs, and a fifth (20%) are using their cars less.
But December was a chilly month, freezing temperatures and reduced car usage both drastically increase the likelihood of a flat battery. This leaves motorists around the UK even more vulnerable in January.
The retailer, which has a branch in Wokingham town and at Winnersh, wants motorists to regularly check their car battery to avoid being caught out, even if not using their car for traditional journeys.
When disaster strikes it typically causes people to be over an hour late (66 minutes*) on average for their much-anticipated plans. The survey also revealed the top disastrous consequences which motorists have experienced, as a result of a flat battery:
Been late for work (14%)
Missed or been late to an important meeting (6%)
Had an argument with a partner, friend or family member (5%)
Missed the birth of a child or a funeral (4%)
Missed or been late to a wedding (3%)
If motorists do fall foul of a dreaded January Flat Battery, to help motorists keep on top of this, Halfords says it offers two tier memberships which help you save overall – including checking the health of your battery and savings on a new one.
The free tier offers a 10-point motoring check for battery health, tyres, lights, oil level and also top up the screen wash. This is worth £15.
Those joining the free Halfords Motoring Club can also enjoy a range of benefits including £10 off MOTs and a £5 welcome voucher. Benefits are ready to use directly after joining.
The premium tier is £4.99 a month or £49 per year, and includes an MoT, 5% discount on purchases, a £10 welcome voucher and free battery fitting if needed. There is also an opportunity to have two 10-point checks a year, worth £30.
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.”
