RAC warns drivers of a mistake you may not know you made this Christmas – it could cost £100 if you don’t watch out now

Drivers across the country have been warned about a simple mistake they could have made with their vehicle over the Christmas holidays – which could lead to a costly repair.

According to the RAC, Monday January 6, 2025 is expected to be one of the busiest days for outages.

3

3

3

That’s because they’re expecting an influx of drivers starting the new year with an unexpectedly dead battery.

They explain that cars left unused throughout the Christmas period and left idling are likely to suffer – with households owning more than one vehicle at greater risk.

This is because many people will only use one car during the holiday season, leaving the other car’s battery more likely to fail.

Battery problems are already the number one reason for RAC patrol responses, and the colder winter months often exacerbate battery fatigue due to the increased use of heaters, lights, screens and heated seats.

The RAC advises all households, particularly those with a second car, to ensure their vehicle is used between Christmas and New Year.

Keeping your car’s battery topped up during this time is imperative, especially if you plan to make a trip on Monday, January 6, 2025.

The cost of replacing a car battery can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of battery, which can range from £50 to £150.

Additionally, higher end batteries, such as AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries or gel batteries, are more expensive, typically costing between £100 and £300.

However, RAC Patrols will fit the parts free of charge and will only charge you for the cost of the parts used, up to the value of £300.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “The first working day after Christmas is usually the busiest of the year for our patrols dealing with drivers suffering from the ‘dead battery blues’.

“The first day back at work after the Christmas break is often bad enough, but it can be completely depressing if nothing happens when you turn on the ignition.

“The cars remained unused for vacationlike a second vehicle left parked, are often breakdown statistics waiting to happen.

“Luckily, a dead battery is easily preventable if drivers give their car a good spin during their Christmas vacation.

“Electric vehicles are just as vulnerable as combustion engines because they also rely on 12-volt batteries. It is therefore important to drive them occasionally and keep them charged at more than 20% in winter conditions.

“Colder weather report slows down the chemical reaction of vehicle batteries, and they have to work harder during the winter months due to increased use of heaters, lights, heated windows and seats, and windshield wipers.

“The starter also has to work harder to turn over the engine in cold weather, so if your car is particularly slow to start, the battery could be about to die. fail.

“Drivers who have doubts about health of their battery – especially those who are older and weaker – can book a diagnostic test at their doorstep.

“Rather than trying to find a garage open during vacation During this period, drivers can book a RAC mobile mechanic to test their battery at home or work, and even install a new one in a worst-case scenario.