Cold Snap Could Leave Your Van Stranded: How to Avoid Flat Battery Breakdowns
The recent cold snap isn’t just making the roads frosty - it’s also putting van and car batteries under serious strain. Vehicles that have been left idle during the festive period are at increased risk of failure, and breakdown organisations warn that drivers could see a surge in flat batteries.
Data from the RAC shows that battery faults remain the single biggest cause of roadside callouts, with a noticeable spike when temperatures drop. In fact, cold weather reduces battery efficiency, making older units particularly vulnerable. Even vehicles that were fine over the festive break can struggle to start when temperatures fall.
Nick Mullender, Mobile Servicing and Repairs Team Leader at the RAC, explains:
“The combination of long periods where vehicles aren’t used and low temperatures is a perfect recipe for the ‘flat battery blues’. It’s not just petrol or diesel vans. Electric vehicles are also affected because they rely on a 12-volt battery to start.”
For van owners and fleet drivers, there are simple steps to reduce the risk of being stranded:
- Keep vehicles under cover where possible
- Switch off all electrical systems at the end of each journey
- Avoid leaving accessories plugged in overnight (dashcams, chargers, etc.)
- Give the engine a proper run instead of just short starts, especially after long periods of inactivity
- Monitor battery age - units older than four years are most vulnerable
For electric van owners, Mullender also recommends keeping the high-voltage battery above 20% during winter.
If a flat battery does occur, many breakdown services, including the RAC, offer mobile replacement at home, so you don’t have to wait for a tow or recovery.
With winter conditions set to continue, taking a few proactive steps now can help avoid an unexpected delay on your journeys and keep your van running smoothly all season.