Motorists should check batteries to prevent breaking down

Today has been hailed the "busiest day for breakdowns", The Independent reports.

People attempting to drive back to work following an extended Christmas break should check their batteries in advance of their journey - that's the advice of two breakdown recovery companies.

Green Flag has highlighted that cars are far more likely to break down in the winter and as a result, they are expecting 50 per cent more calls today, due to flat batteries. The AA is anticipating 15,500 calls from stranded motorists.

In such extreme weather conditions, motorists might like to consider 4x4 hire; driving something far sturdier and more reliable, which is built to cope with the cold or wet. 

Nevertheless, motorists are being urged to carry out basic maintenance checks and to take their car for a short drive ahead of their commute.

"To find that your car won't start on the first day of work can really upset your plans and feel like a bad beginning to the New Year," said Miranda Schunke of Green Flag to BBC News.

"The advice is to carry out your checks at least a day before you travel and take the car for a short drive to make sure you don't have any unwelcome surprises first thing on Tuesday morning."