AA expert shares five tips to prevent a flat car battery as temperatures fall

Brits are being urged to remain cautious

A total of 460,000 UK drivers have broken down due a battery fault in the past year. Chris Wood, Patrol of the Year at The AA, has offered advice to help UK drivers avoid this issue.

He has provided tips on what to do if you suspect a flat battery and how to prevent one. According to The AA, leaving car lights on is one of the main causes of flat batteries.

If lights are left on for an extended period without the engine running, the vehicle's battery can quickly discharge. Regularly driving your vehicle for long distances can help extend battery life as the vehicle's alternator will maintain or increase charge levels as you drive, reducing the risk of a breakdown.

Short trips can also affect its lifespan by preventing the battery from fully recharging. Similarly, long periods of inactivity can increase the likelihood of this happening, particularly in older or poorly maintained cars.

As Brits prepare to hit the roads this winter, they are being warned about the potential strain on car batteries caused by overuse of built-in features. The increasing use of vehicle 'mod cons' such as sat navs, infotainment systems, seat heaters and USB plugs can put extra pressure on car batteries, especially when used excessively while the engine is off.

This could result in a flat battery and subsequent breakdown. .

The AA has provided advice for drivers if their car isn't starting, suggesting that a flat battery could be the cause. Signs of a flat battery can include issues with central locking, ignition problems, or flickering or absent dashboard lights.

Before concluding that the battery is flat, drivers should ensure there's fuel in the tank and test the key fob. If the battery is indeed flat, jump-starting the vehicle is the best solution.

If this fails, the battery will need to be recharged or, in the worst case scenario, replaced entirely.