Motorists are being advised to start their cars over the Christmas break

Motorists are being advised to start their cars over the Christmas break, to prevent the battery from going flat.

AA Ireland says drivers can avoid a dead battery by remembering to switch off all headlights, interior lights, heaters and the radio when leaving your car.

People are also being reminded to keep a pair of jump leads in the boot, in case of an emergency.

Director of Consumer Affairs at AA Ireland Conor Faughnan, says flat batteries are a common problem they see in the New Year.