Cold snap leading to more AA call outs

Flat or exhausted batteries the main breakdown culprits in cold weather.

The AA is urging motorists to take the necessary winter driving precautions as the recent cold snap has seen a spike in call outs to AA patrols. Cold temperatures early in the week saw the AA respond to a broken down vehicle every three minutes, a 20 per cent increase on the average work load.

With the majority of breakdowns related to flat or exhausted batteries Noel Keogh, Head of AA Rescue, reminds us that "Batteries have to work harder in cold weather. If you have an old or faulty battery now is the time it's likely to act up so our advice is to pre-empt a potential breakdown and have it replaced."

With temperatures expected to drop below zero over the coming days the AA patrols advise motorists to give their batteries a chance by starting the car before switching on demisters, heaters, wipers, lights and radio in the mornings. 

Published on: December 14, 2011