The hidden winter car problem leaving drivers stuck in the cold
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Cold temperatures quietly trigger a surge in car breakdowns every winter, catching thousands of drivers out when they least expect it
When winter arrives, car breakdowns rise sharply, and figures from The AA show just how dramatic the seasonal spike can be.
January and February are consistently the busiest months for roadside rescues, with the AA attending more than 270,000 breakdowns in January and around 255,000 in February in a typical year.
Cold weather puts extra strain on vehicles, particularly on components that already operate close to their limits, which is why winter remains the most challenging season for drivers.
Flat batteries are the single biggest cause of winter breakdowns. Low temperatures reduce a battery’s efficiency, while engines require more power to start in the cold, making older or weakened batteries far more likely to fail.
The AA also reports a rise in non-starting engines and tyre-related issues during winter months, as colder air reduces tyre pressure and poor road conditions increase the risk of damage.
Despite this, many drivers still don’t carry out basic checks ahead of winter, with AA research showing only a minority regularly test their battery before temperatures drop.
Breaking down in winter is not just inconvenient but can be dangerous, particularly in poor visibility or freezing conditions.
If a vehicle fails, the priority is to get somewhere safe, using indicators and hazard lights to warn other drivers.
Contacting roadside assistance as soon as possible is crucial, and providing a clear location can significantly reduce waiting times, especially in rural areas.
The AA has a new app-based system, which makes it quicker and easier to call for help, using your phone's GPS to give patrols a perfect location.
Preparation can make a major difference if you're unlucky enough to break down. Keeping a charged phone, warm clothing, a torch and basic emergency supplies in the car can help drivers stay safe and comfortable if they are stranded for an extended period.
Simple preventative steps can also dramatically lower the risk of a breakdown in the first place, including checking battery health, maintaining correct tyre pressures, topping up fluids such as coolant and screen wash, and ensuring the vehicle is properly serviced before winter sets in.
To see The AA's app in action, and to browse personalised prices for breakdown cover, click here.
If you’ve ever broken down and had no idea how to explain where you are, the AA app quietly fixes that. It can share your exact GPS location with a patrol so they know where to head without a long phone call. The rest of the app is straightforward, with traffic updates 🚦, fuel and charger info ⛽, and service reminders 🔧. Membership starts from £5.49 a month, though the exact price varies depending on your details.
Check your personalised quote here,
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