Freezing weather on the night of Sunday and Monday has resulted in a high number of calls to roadside assistance services, particularly to Touring.
"We’ve witnessed a 50 to 60% increase in calls," reported the spokesperson, Danny Smagghe, adding that most issues related to flat batteries. The VAB emergency switchboard, meanwhile, has received 40% more calls this morning than on the first Monday after the Christmas holidays in 2023.
Cold weather spells a busy morning for roadside assistance entities. "During the winter holidays, cars have been idle for long periods, which can drain the battery," Smagghe explained.
VAB also mainly noticed issues with engines, specifically starting and battery problems. "We also see some flat tyres, but the battery and starting problems still account for more than 70% of all problems at the moment," said VAB spokesperson, Mich Vergauwen. VAB expects the same battery problems in the coming days.
"We’re also noticing an increasing number of older cars on the roads, with the cold affecting the battery," noted a Touring representative. "A frosty night can be the breaking point. Our roadside operatives try to jump-start the battery, or replace it with a new one."
Touring advises motorists to park their vehicle in a garage, and if that’s not feasible, to shelter it from the wind or the side of a building. Covering the bonnet with a blanket or turning off power-draining functions like seat heaters, air-conditioning, radio, and GPS, can also help.
Finally, switching the headlights on and off can sometimes resolve the issue, added Smagghe.
