You return from vacation, pick up your bags, go to the car park, and head home. Once you have turned the key/pushed the START button, nothing happens. Your vehicle won’t start.
After a long flight, a flat battery is a nuisance, especially if you had a long trip to begin with. When a car has been left in Heathrow for days or weeks, it’s good to know what to do if the battery is dead flat, and how to minimise the risk before you get on the road.
The positive side of this is that a flat battery does not necessarily mean that something serious has happened to your car. If your vehicle break down can be prevented and you receive some help, you can probably get back on the road without much trouble.
Why Can a Car Battery Go Flat While You Are On Holiday?
Even when not used, a car battery can discharge. The risk is dependent upon the condition of the battery, the electrical systems of the vehicle and the length of time the vehicle is parked.
There are a number of reasons for the issue.
- Older battery
Older batteries tend to have less charge in them as compared to healthy newer batteries. If the battery has been having trouble starting the car, let it sit for a week or two to reveal any problems.
- Running electrical
Interior lights, headlights or accessories that are left on can drain the battery. Additionally, a small amount of power is used in some vehicles when they are turned off, to keep electronic systems active.
- Cold weather
A battery also does not have the capacity to provide sufficient power to start an engine in cold weather. This can accentuate an already existing battery issue especially when winter driving.
- Long driving-free periods
Normal electrical use will deplete the charge of the battery, especially if the battery is already low.
If your car battery has been dead following a vacation, then what are you supposed to do?
If you go back to your car and it still won’t start, don’t try to start the vehicle over and over again. Follow the steps outlined below to find out what to do next.
1. Check the Symptoms
When trying to start the vehicle, watch for flickering dashboard lights, clicking noises or a failure to start. These may well mean a weak or flat battery but other faults can have the same symptoms.
Make sure the vehicle is in the proper starting position, and that the keychain remote is functioning. See the vehicle handbook if you are not sure what the warning lights mean.
2. Call the Parking Provider.
If you have a booking in an airport car park, communicate with the car park staff or by calling the car park provider with information from the booking confirmation.
Describe that your car won’t start, and inquire what help is there. Not all parking operators offer jump-start or battery charging or even roadside recovery.
In the absence of services provided in the car park, you may have to contact your breakdown service.
3. Set up Suitable Battery Assistance
A breakdown expert will be able to inspect the situation and decide if the battery requires a jump start, charge, or replacement.
Never try to jump-start the car if you don’t know how to do it safely. There are battery jump-start points and battery requirements for some newer vehicles. Ensure that electrical components are not damaged by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not jump-start a battery if the battery is swollen, damaged or leaking. Seek professional assistance.
5. Inspect the Check Engine Light.
If the vehicle does start after assistance, this doesn’t necessarily signify it’s a solved problem. If a battery is weak, it might discharge again, and a charging-system problem may also be the cause.
Inquire if the battery and charging system should be tested prior to departure.
Learn how to avoid car battery drain during vacations.
Some preflight inspections before you head to the airport can help avoid getting a car back that won’t start.
- Check the battery’s condition. Have the battery tested before your trip if it has been slow to start or it is old.
- Turn off electric appliances. Make sure lights, accessories, and other equipment are turned off before leaving the vehicle.
- Look for any existing issues. If the battery indicator is showing a warning sign or you are having trouble starting the car, have it serviced before you go anywhere.
- Think about the length of time you will be gone. If the battery is weak, a car that has been left for several weeks may require greater preparation than a car that is left for a weekend.
- Read the directions in your car’s handbook. There are some cars with instructions for long periods of inactivity. Do not disconnect the battery without consulting the manufacturer’s recommendations.
For frequent longer commuters, parking can be arranged ahead of time to help prepare for the time during which the car is left unattended. For long holidays, our guide to Heathrow Park and Ride tells you what to take into account if you are making arrangements to park your car.
What if Your Car Will Not Start After a Long Parking Stay?
Several weeks of parking time may result in a flat battery; this is one possible explanation. It can be due to the age of the battery, or it could be because the electrical system is drawing power from the battery or due to the charging system itself.
Arrange a professional assessment if the vehicle does not start after an appropriate jump-start attempt or if the problem returns soon afterwards.
When on the road, it’s also advisable to have contact information with your breakdown company on hand. It can save you time on return to Heathrow if you need assistance getting home, as you know who to call.
If your flight is delayed and you are going to pick up your car later than you intended, see the parking company’s directions. Our guide to airport parking after hours will tell you why it is crucial to know what to expect when you arrive at the airport after your parking time is up.
Experience a more pleasant airport journey back home from Heathrow.
Plan a holiday and a flat battery can still occur. You can take steps to minimise the risk, such as checking your battery before setting out on your trip, switching off electrical equipment and following your vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
If your vehicle doesn’t start when you return, call the parking company to see what they can do to help, then call professionals if needed. Do not assume that the battery problem is the only issue until the vehicle has been checked.
Looking to book your next holiday from Heathrow?
Easily compare the airport Park and Ride options before your trip to ease your journey to and from Heathrow. Check on parking, bookings, vehicle preparation for unattended parking.
