Drivers urged to make simple battery check before snowy weekend

DRIVERS have been urged to make a simple battery check before this weekend’s potential snow.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a Level 3 Cold Weather Alert which covers all of England from tomorrow evening through to Monday.

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With temperatures below -5 degrees in places and the chance of snow, it’s essential drivers make checks before setting out.

A part often overlooked is a car’s battery, which is hugely affected by cold weather.

Older batteries that have been sat in the cold may struggle to start your engine and leave you stranded.

Rod Dennis, RAC spokesperson, said: “With temperatures plummeting this week, many drivers might be taken aback by the cold after an exceptionally mild autumn.

“Drivers with older batteries in their cars might also wish to give their vehicle a 20-minute drive before colder conditions arrive to ensure the battery can cope with sub-zero temperatures.”

The RAC also explained what happens to your battery when the cold sets in.

It said: ‘Cold weather inhibits the chemical reaction necessary to make a battery work, which is often the reason you may have trouble starting your car on a cold winter morning!

‘Cold weather together with a lack of car usage, especially over the festive period, every year leads to high numbers of assistance call outs.’

The AA also has advice for drivers on how to get the best from your battery this winter.

It said: ‘Car batteries rarely last longer than 5 years. There are extra demands on them in the winter thanks to lights, heating and wipers.’

The AA suggests turning off electrical loads like lights, heated rear windows and wipers before trying to start the engine.

Also, it’s best to use the starter in short 5-second bursts, and if the engine doesn’t start quickly, wait 30 seconds between attempts.

Lastly, if you don’t use your car often, give it a regular overnight trickle charge.