Motorists who have not been behind the wheel of their car since the UK was put into lockdown could suffer a false start when they next drive, a breakdown rescue provider has warned.
The two weeks since Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered the nation to only travel when absolutely necessary is enough time for car batteries to go flat.
The RAC warns that if your car fails to turn on, you either have to try jump start it or call for breakdown assistance.
Department for Transport figures show that road traffic has fallen by around two-thirds in the past three weeks, indicating that many cars are no longer being used regularly, Birmingham Live reports.
RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: "Many people will find their cars have flat batteries as a result of them being left idle for two weeks.
"This is an unfortunate consequence of the 'stay at home' advice and something we're dealing with on a daily basis."
Starting a car occasionally "isn't likely to help", Mr Williams explained, as that does not allow enough time to recharge batteries.
"In fact this may end up draining a weak battery."
Households with two cars are advised to alternate between them for their essential journeys in a bid to keep both batteries charged.
Another option is to invest in a trickle charger which tops up batteries even when a car is not being used for long periods.
Mr Williams added: "If your car doesn't start after a period of not being used and it's needed for an essential journey, please call us.
"We're still attending customers, whether that's people doing their food shopping or going to work because they have to, or emergency service vehicles, delivery lorries and other critical service vehicles."
