Drivers warned of tell-tale sign that could leave you stranded over Christmas

A driving expert has urged Brits to listen out for a certain noise that could cause breakdowns (Image: Getty)

An automotive expert has urged all drivers to avoid a common festive driving habit that could ruin their vehicle's battery in the new year.

With Christmas causing many motorists to travel across the country to spend time with loved ones, the low temperatures many cars are being made to travel in can cause issues with the battery.

Ben Pitcher from the diesel particulate filter cleaning service DPF Experts highlighted that batteries exposed to harsh weather typically have less energy to power the engine, with drivers at a higher risk of issues.

He explained: "Cold temperatures can drain the energy from a car battery, meaning there's less power available to start the engine.

"This is a common cause of winter breakdowns, especially as drivers tend to rely more heavily on their vehicle's lights, heaters, and other electrical systems in colder weather."

While car batteries typically last up to 10 years, they can often be affected by cold weather (Image: Getty)

In addition to the colder climates meaning the battery has less energy to offer, winter is also a time when drivers are more likely to use the heater and lights to stay comfortable and safe.

Whilst using these features is often unavoidable, DPF Experts urged motorists to make sure that they are all switched off before they try to start up the engine in order to put less strain on the battery.

Gently pressing the clutch as they turn the key can also encourage make the engine easier to start if the battery has a low charge.

If a battery is flat, drivers will need to use a dedicated charger or jump start the engine (Image: Getty)

Ben highlighted that drivers can often hear if their vehicle's battery is low when it is attempting to the start the engine, which should be seen as a sign that they should take action as soon as possible.

He added: "Signs that your battery might be on its way out include slow engine turnover, grinding or clicking noises when starting, or dimming headlights. Acting early on these warning signs can save you from being stranded."

If a driver does hear that their battery is struggling, they should try to take it on a lengthy run, giving the alternator enough time to charge up the battery - particularly if the vehicle is typically only used for short journeys.

Drivers who do find that their vehicle has a flat battery will need to do two things in order to get it running again. If they have a few hours spare, motorists can connect the battery to a charger, which is available from most automotive accessory shops from around £25. 

Alternatively, drivers may need to jump-start their car by connecting the battery to another vehicle.

When doing this, it is important that motorists line the two vehicles up closely and remove any dangling items of clothing, such as necklaces and ties, which could get in the way. 

Drivers should then connect the red lead to both positive terminals, starting with the one on the working battery, before adding the black cable to the working battery's negative terminal.

The other end of the black lead should be connected to an earthing point, such as unpainted metal on the faulty vehicle that is well away from the battery. After three minutes, the driver should start the working vehicle before firing up the car with the flat battery, leaving them to idle for a few minutes before disconnecting the leads.