ADVICE ON AVOIDING TROUBLE IN THE COLD WEATHER SNAP
20 November 2005 - Green Flag

With temperatures expected to plummet to single figures in most parts ofthe country this weekend, motorists are being advised to drive with extracare on icy roads and take steps to avoid car trouble.

Roadside rescue service, Green Flag Motoring Assistance, is issuing advice
to the millions of motorists on the roads this weekend, which weather
forecasters predict will get down to minus one degree, creating dangerous
road conditions in many parts.

A main cause of vehicle breakdowns, according to Green Flag, is due to
problems with electrics, in particular, problems with the car''s battery..

Nigel Charlesworth, Green Flag spokesperson, explains: ''Non-starts due to
battery problems account for almost 50 per cent of all requests for
breakdown assistance. With some simple maintenance and preventative action
as soon as the battery starts to fail, many of these breakdowns could be
avoided.

'' In fact, many garages provide a free check of the battery charge and can
offer advice on the options available.''

The motoring assistance provider expects to attend some 13,000 breakdown
incidents this weekend, a predicted rise of more than 10 per cent per cent
on the previous weekend.*

According to the Met Office, the worst hit areas this weekend are expected
to be in the Scottish highlands, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Perth and Kinross
and Scottish Borders.

Motorists in these areas are being advised to avoid unnecessary journeys
and take extra care on the roads as blizzards wreak havoc across the north.

To minimise the risk of breaking down in adverse weather, Green Flag
advises motorists to spend a few minutes checking the following before
setting off:

· Check their region''s weather forecast before setting off and
throughout the journey.
· Remove ice to ensure you have good all-round visibility
· Ensure tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and have adequate
tread depth
· Check the oil and water levels and top up if necessary
· Ensure wiper blades are in good condition and top up screen washer
bottles
· Make sure all lights are clean and in good working order to ensure
optimum visibility
· Carry a fully-charged mobile phone in the car with the number of your
breakdown organisation stored in it in case of emergencies.
· Keep a few essentials in the car such as a blanket, some water and
some food in case you find yourself stranded.

Nigel Charlesworth added: ''When sudden bad weather strikes, calls to Green
Flag can double in minutes. Hopefully, if motorists follow our advice, they
and avoid any mishaps, but should they need us, we will be on call 24 hours
a day, seven days a week to help.''

For more information on the breakdown options available from Green Flag,
visit www.greenflag.com or call 0845 246 1557

www.greenflag.com

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