Flat Battery Tuesday 2017

The big back-to-work day on the 3rd January has been dubbed “Flat Battery Tuesday” by Halfords as a result of many cars standing unused over the festive period.

After lying idle over the Christmas break many cars will refuse to start, leaving millions of motorists stranded. Its recent Winter Motoring Report has found that a 60% of motorists haven’t had their battery checked since last winter, despite the recommendation of regular two-three monthly checks.

In fact the survey reveals that UK motorists lack serious battery knowledge. A surprising 16% of 25-34 year old drivers are unable to locate the battery in their car, while a surprising 46% of motorists don’t know how to jump start their car which could result in motoring misery for many.

As a result of the long festive break Halfords winter motoring expert Ella Colley is urging drivers to check their bulbs, blades and batteries.

Bulbs:
Ella Colley says: “A blown head, side or tail light bulb significantly increases the risk of an accident but in the hectic period before Christmas it is easy to miss this. Use the weekend to source the correct bulb and fit it.”

• Halfords’ new headlight bulb range means a brighter, whiter light output, giving motorists excellent visibility
• A staggering 89% of drivers would continue to drive with a blown bulb for up to two weeks

Blades:
Ella says: “As soon as a wiper begins to smear rather than clear your windscreen it is past its best and should be changed. Modern flat wiper blades don’t screech on the windscreen, so drivers listening for this audible warning are likely to miss the signs that their blades aren’t cutting it anymore.”

• 16% of motorists would wait for a garage to tell them a wiper blade should be replaced – despite the fact that an issue may not be picked up for many months during an annual service or MOT
• Two thirds of drivers don’t know when to change their wiper blades

Batteries:
Ella says: “If your battery takes more attempts than usual to start the car, appears sluggish or the warning light on your dashboard are illuminated, it could be a sign of imminent failure. Call in to Halfords for a free battery check; we'll let you know whether you need a new battery or simply a re-charge. You can choose from the latest technology battery chargers and jump starters at Halfords to help you get back on the road in no time.”

• Halfords has launched a battery with a lifetime guarantee. The Yuasa Black Lifetime Guarantee range is designed to last for c. 130,000 starts or the equivalent of an average car’s lifetime of 15 years, three times longer than most car batteries on the market

Ella Colley continues: “It’s not just commuters who will feel sluggish after the festive period, but their cars too. Using your car’s heater, lights and devices like sat-navs places greater demand on your battery. This combined with leaving your car standing idle in sub-zero temperatures could result in a less than positive start to 2017 - so it’s worth giving your car a quick health check this weekend or taking to a Halfords where we will do it for you.”

Research taken from Halfords’ You Gov report and Halfords’ Parent Panel.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact Halfords@z-pr.com or 020 7896 3404 

For more information visit www.halfords.com or www.halfordscompany.com