Winter in Kent always seems to test everyone’s patience. The roads get slick, the mornings are dark, and somehow, that’s when your car decides it’s had enough. You turn the key and nothing happens, just that sad little click.
It happens to more drivers than you’d think, and honestly, most of the time it’s avoidable. At Reds Recovery Services, we’re out all winter helping people in exactly that situation. So, we thought we’d share a few of the main reasons cars break down once the cold hits, and what you can do to keep yours running.
1. Dead or Weak Battery
This is the big one. Cold weather is rough on car batteries. You go out early, frost all over the windows, try to start the car, and it just cranks slower and slower. By the third try, it’s done.
Truth is, batteries don’t like the cold. They lose charge faster and take more effort to start the engine. If yours is a few years old, winter can easily finish it off.
Quick tips:
- Get your battery tested before the cold sets in.
- Start the car every few days if you don’t drive much.
- Try not to blast heaters, lights, and wipers all at once before the engine’s running.
If it’s already dead, don’t sit there freezing. Give us a ring at 01634 926 801 and we’ll come get you sorted.
2. Tyre Problems
Cold air means lower pressure. That’s why you often wake up and notice your tyres look a bit flatter. Add in wet, icy roads and those worn-out tyres you’ve been ignoring suddenly become a real problem.
We get loads of calls from people who hit potholes hidden under puddles or ice and end up with a flat. Happens all the time around Kent this time of year.
What to do:
- Check your pressures weekly, not just once a month.
- Keep tread depth above 3mm in winter.
- If you do long drives, winter tyres are worth it.
And if you’re already stuck with a burst or flat, don’t risk changing it on a busy road. Just call us. We’ll recover your car safely.
3. Frozen Fuel or Diesel Problems
Diesel drivers will know this one. When it’s freezing, diesel fuel can thicken up, which is called “waxing.” That blocks the filter and stops the car from starting. Petrol cars can struggle too if moisture freezes in the fuel lines.
How to prevent it:
- Keep the tank at least half full to reduce condensation.
- Use a proper winter-grade diesel additive.
- Try parking somewhere out of the wind if you can.
If your car just refuses to start on a frosty morning, it might not be dead, just too cold. Reds Recovery can get you off the roadside and over to a garage that’ll sort it out.
4. Electrical Issues and Alternator Faults
Cold weather pushes everything electrical to the limit. You’ve got lights on full beam, heaters, wipers, and demisters all running at once. The alternator is doing overtime, and if it’s already weak, that’s when it gives up.
You’ll usually get a few warnings first. Dashboard lights flickering, squealing belts, or maybe that red battery light. Ignore it, and your car will eventually just cut out mid-drive.
How to avoid it:
- Keep an eye on those warning lights.
- Don’t overload everything the second you start the car.
- If it feels sluggish or dim, get it checked before you’re stranded.
If the worst happens, call Reds Recovery Services. We’ve picked up plenty of cars that quit halfway through the morning commute. We’ll get you back home or to your garage without the stress.
5. Thick Oil and Cold Starts
This one’s sneaky. In freezing temperatures, engine oil thickens up. When you start the car, it struggles to move around the engine properly, which makes starting harder and can cause extra wear.
It’s even worse if you’re using the wrong oil type or haven’t changed it in a while.
Simple fix:
- Use winter-grade oil, your local mechanic will know which one.
- Don’t rev hard when it’s freezing, let it idle for a minute.
- Keep up with oil changes so it flows properly.
If you do end up with a non-starter, don’t keep trying over and over. That just drains the battery even more. Give us a call and we’ll come get you.
Extra Tip: Be Prepared for Cold Weather
Keep a few basics in the boot during winter, it makes life so much easier when things go wrong.
Here’s what we always recommend:
- Blanket or thick coat
- Torch
- De-icer
- Water and snacks
- Power bank or charger
- Hi-vis vest
- Gloves and scraper
You’ll thank yourself the first time you’re stuck waiting in the cold.
If You Do Break Down, We’re Ready
Even if you do everything right, sometimes things still go wrong. That’s just winter for you. But knowing who to call makes a big difference.
Reds Recovery Services is based right here in Kent, and we’re out every day helping people who’ve broken down, from Medway to Gravesend, Sittingbourne, Maidstone, and everywhere in between.
We use modern Iveco Daily 7.5-ton flatbeds that can handle all types of cars and vans. Our drivers are friendly, professional, and used to dealing with bad weather. When you call, you’ll get a clear price and an honest ETA.
So if your car won’t start or gives up on a freezing morning, call 01634 926 801 or head to https://redsrecovery.co.uk. We’ll get you moving again fast.