Half a million battery failures expected this winter

4 min read
 
  • 472,000 car battery failures are expected over a three-month period in November, December and January
  • This is equivalent to five failed battery call outs every minute
  • There were nearly 150,000 call outs for failed batteries in November 2024 – a jump of 26% compared to the previous month – making it the second highest month for breakdowns after January

 

As winter approaches, analysis¹ by breakdown provider Green Flag reveals that nearly half a million (472,000) car battery failures are expected across the UK over the next three months. As temperatures drop, the equivalent of five vehicle breakdowns every minute are expected to occur as a result of faulty batteries.

Battery-related breakdowns jumped by 26% in November 2024 compared with October, making November the second busiest month for failed battery call outs after January. In contrast, June recorded the fewest battery related incidents. Call outs for flat batteries tend to peak on a Monday after cars parked up over the weekend lose charge and fail to start.

Flat batteries are the most common cause of vehicle breakdowns in winter. Both low temperatures and age reduce a car battery’s performance over time and its ability to hold charge. It also takes far more power to start a cold engine, which is why a battery that seemed fine over the warmer summer months can quickly go flat when temperatures start to drop in autumn and winter. With most car batteries lasting four to five years, Green Flag is urging drivers to get their batteries checked before winter weather conditions take hold. 

Katie Lomas, Managing Director at Green Flag, says: “Winter conditions demand more from our cars, and a breakdown on a cold morning will more often than not be caused by a flat battery. Even one that performed well in warmer months can be susceptible to faltering in low temperatures. We encourage drivers to get their car batteries checked before frosty weather really takes hold and replace them if necessary – particularly if the battery is getting past the five-year mark.”

Ahead of winter kicking in, Green Flag shares battery maintenance tips to help prevent unexpected breakdowns this winter:

Battery age

If your vehicle’s battery is older than four or five years, it could be nearing the end of its life, so you might want to consider getting it checked. Most battery inspections also check the starting and charging system, which are both critical for the battery.

Look for corrosion

If your battery is accessible, switch off the car and inspect the clamps and cables for any signs of corrosion. Corrosion can restrict the flow of current, forcing the battery to work harder than necessary. If you notice corrosion on the terminals or anything unusual, seek professional assistance from a garage.

Limit the use of accessories that strain the battery

When you hop into a freezing car in the winter, it can be tempting to turn up the heat, warm the seats, and plug in your phone charger. However, these are power hungry, so if your battery is weak, start your car and let your alternator charge up the battery for a bit before you add the strain of accessories. 

Trickle chargers and battery optimisers

If you don’t drive regularly or only take short trips, consider using a trickle charger or battery optimiser. These devices help maintain battery health and prevent your car battery from losing enough charge to stop it working. 

Switch off and un-plug

It is good practice to turn off all electrical loads such as lights, wipers, music, etc when you turn off the engine. Some sat navs, phone chargers and entertainment systems can drain the battery if left connected. Anything that is left switched on or plugged in will pull power from the battery the next time you try to turn on the engine on. If your battery is weak this could cause problems.

Parking

If it’s very cold park in a garage, if possible, where it is warmer.

 

- ENDS -

 

Notes to Editors:

¹ Figures based on Green Flag internal data from 2024, weighted to market share.

 

For further information, please contact: 

Unni Henry

PR Manager

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk

 

About Green Flag

With over 50 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 is part of the Aviva Group.

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