• Green Flag expects influx of breakdowns and unwanted additional time added to end of half term trips
• 2,806 flat batteries predicted on National Battery Day 2017 (18thFebruary)
   

New research released today, ahead of National Battery Day on Saturday 18th February, reveals an influx of flat battery-related breakdowns are due to take place across the weekend, as families head out during the half term break.

On National Battery Day, Green Flag is expecting over 2,800 car batteries to run flat. Breaking down when you've got your kids in the car isn't the end to the half term that people want – which is why the breakdown cover provider is offering tips that will help drivers spot signs of a faulty battery:

1. Listen out for the noises that your battery is making - if it's turning over slower than usual it's best to get it checked
2. Look out for warning lights on the dashboard (which looks like a red battery)
    

Nick Reid, head of rescue at Green Flag, commented: "During the winter months, it's important that people take extra care on the roads to avoid any additional time being added to their trip by a breakdown.

"Flat battery breakdowns usually occur while your car is parked, so it's important to look out for the signs of a flat battery - particularly during the half term break.

"If your car is showing symptoms of a flat battery, take it to your nearest garage or fast fit centre and ask them to perform a battery test. Most will do this for free and it will tell you what state your battery is in.

"Some people think bump starting a car is the best way to combat a flat battery, however this is very dangerous and could end up costing you thousands of pounds. It's best to call your breakdown cover provider and get it seen to.

"People who purchase our Green Flag Alert Me system will have their engine and battery data continually monitored and any faulty information sent to them via the app or an SMS - it’s a helpful piece of kit to have on you as a driver."

In order to give Brits the best chance of travelling on time this National Battery Day, Green Flag has prepared some hints and tips on how to avoid and prepare for breakdowns before you set off on the road:

Walk around the car and look for any signs of potential trouble, especially tyres and lights

1. Check tyre pressures, spare included
2. Check all fluid levels and top up if necessary
3. Make sure you have breakdown cover. If you’re travelling abroad make sure your cover extends to your trip away. If it doesn’t, you may need to arrange separate cover
4. Keep a road map in the car so you’ll be able to explain where you are when you call for help. Don’t rely on the map on your phone – you won’t always have signal
5. Keep some coins in the car in case you need to call for help and there’s no mobile phone signal
6. Make sure your phone battery is topped up – think about buying an in-car charger just in case you need it
7. Have the number for your emergency breakdown provider handy – you’ll usually find it on your policy certificate so you could keep this in the glove box
8. Carry a red warning triangle at all times
9. Always keep some warm clothes, a rug and some chocolate in the car in case you get stuck in cold conditions for a long time
    

For more information about how to make sure your car is road-ready, visit www.greenflag.com.

A full set of hints and tips can be found here: http://www.greenflag.com/help/drivingguide-what-to-do-in-a-breakdown.html
 

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For further information please contact the Green Flag press office at Frank:

0207 693 6999/ [email protected]
 

Notes to Editors:
 

About Green Flag

With over 40 years experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).

Green Flag Motoring Assistance is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. 

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com