breakdownPA

Don't be one of the motorists whose car won't start on the first day back to work, one recovery firm has warned.

New research from Green Flag has found that January 2 – the first day of work for many people this year – is likely to be a notoriously busy day for car breakdowns.

The research also shows that requests for breakdown assistance reach a peak over the December/January festive period, increasing by 15 per cent overall on other months. The days which fall after public holidays are when most people need help with getting their car started.

The most common reason for call outs is for non-starting vehicles, mainly resulting from flat batteries.

Miranda Schunke, spokesperson for Green Flag said: "Icy conditions and wet, cold weather means cars are far more likely to break down in winter. Batteries fail more often in these conditions, and the increased use of de-misters, heaters and windscreen wipers places an extra strain on them.

"In addition, people tend to use their cars less over the holiday period while they spend more time at home.

"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."