Halfords calls 2 January ‘Flat Battery Wednesday’

Halfords has called 2 January 2019 “Flat Battery Wednesday”, as a result of many cars standing unused over the festive period. The retailer’s research finds 25 per cent of motorists have never checked their car battery, despite the recommendation of regular checks, while 30 per cent last checked theirs three months ago or longer.

More statistics include: 16 per cent of 25-34 year old drivers are unable to locate the battery in their car, while 46 per cent of motorists don’t know how to jump start their car which could result in motoring misery for many. 40 per cent admitted to sometimes avoiding driving in the winter because of fears about the weather, while 17 per cent are scared of breaking down.

The retailer states that demand for replacement car batteries doubles over the Christmas period – it has responded by providing an on-demand “while you wait” battery fitting service priced from £15, and expects customer demand to be high over the festive and New Year period.

Ella Colley, Halfords winter motoring expert says: “One of the most common causes of vehicle breakdowns over winter is due to a flat battery. To avoid the dreaded sound of a flat engine, it’s worth giving your car a quick health check or taking it to a Halfords where we can do it for you and fit a new battery too. Using your car’s heater, lights and devices like dash cams can place greater demand on your battery, and this combined with leaving your car standing idle in sub-zero temperatures could result in a less than positive start to 2019.”

Halfords offers free checks on all batteries as well as checks and top up of screen wash, checks on oil, wiper blades and bulbs, and a windscreen chip check service as part of its free winter checks service.