Kent drivers warned of 'Manic Monday' spike in car breakdowns
Motorists advised to prepare vehicles after festive period
Motorists across Kent are being urged to prepare their vehicles ahead of the first working Monday of the new year, dubbed "Manic Monday," which is predicted to be one of the worst days for car breakdowns.
The AA has warned that January 5th is likely to see a surge in call-outs as drivers face common car problems like flat batteries, cars failing to start, and flat tyres.
Last year, breakdown requests on ‘Manic Monday’ were 27% higher than a typical day, with vehicles left idle over Christmas contributing significantly to the issue.
Seth Tipper, a Tunbridge Wells mechanic, shared advice on how drivers can avoid a frustrating start to the workweek. “The culprit for breakdowns after Christmas is often flat batteries,” Seth said. “Batteries don’t like cold weather, and when cars remain stationary for a week or two during winter, they’re prone to dying.”
South-eastern roads are expected to be busy, with the AA estimating over 22 million car journeys across the country on Monday.
Steps to avoid breakdowns
Mechanic Seth Tipper suggests simple actions drivers can take:
- Start your car every few days during winter to ensure the battery remains charged and the vehicle stays operational.
- Check oil and coolant levels before heading out - pop the bonnet, wipe the oil dipstick clean, reinsert it, and confirm the oil is at an appropriate level. Similarly, check the coolant level inside its cylinder to make sure fluid levels are between the marked minimum and maximum.
- Equip your car for emergencies: Invest in jumper cables or a battery jump pack. A jump pack, priced around £30, can be charged indoors and used to power a flat battery if your car fails to start.
"Taking these simple steps over the weekend or on Monday morning will give you peace of mind and ensure your car is ready for the road," Mr Tipper added.
Shaun Jones, AA expert, reiterated the importance of planning ahead: “The mad rush in the morning makes forgetting to check your car easy. Heading back to work can be stressful enough—spending a few minutes to ensure your vehicle is ready can ease frustration and avoid breakdowns."
Motorists are advised to use the weekend to prepare for Monday and avoid delays. “Checking your car’s battery and tyres will help ensure you’re not stuck on the roadside when heading back to work after the festivities,” Jones said.
The AA listed flat batteries and flat tyres as the most common issues for vehicles left idle during winter.