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The number of cars needing new batteries has doubled during lockdown, with the fact that many drivers are only using their cars for short trips taking the blame.

In the four weeks leading up to 1 May 2020 - approximately the whole of the month of April - garage chain Kwik Fit fitted new batteries to precisely 100 per cent more vehicles than it did in the same period last year.

These levels of battery replacement are similar to those seen during January in the last five years, a month where batteries are adversely affected by cold winter weather.

April 2020’s rise in battery failures has been attributed to the fact that many drivers are currently only using their cars for short essential journeys, where the engine isn’t running for long enough to recharge the battery sufficiently.

Although this has mainly been an issue with older vehicles, some newer cars have also been affected. Kwik Fit reports a 10 per cent year-on-year increase over the same period in the number of fleet vehicles - including company cars - needing new batteries.

How to look after your car battery during lockdown

Kwik Fit advises drivers who are not using their car at all to start its engine once or twice a week and let it run for roughly 15 minutes. It’s best to do this during the warmest part of the day.

It’s also advisable to check your battery terminals for any signs of corrosion. You may be able to use a trickle charger to top up your battery, but you must read the instructions in your car’s handbook before doing so.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “Most of us associate battery failure with the winter months and having to call out a breakdown service to get us started after Christmas holidays.

“The lock down has had a dramatic effect on motoring and has been positive in helping control the spread of the virus, but this is one area which is storing up potential problems for motorists.

“We certainly don’t encourage anyone to use their car unnecessarily, but we hope that our advice will help some people avoid a nasty surprise when they next need their car.”

Check out the latest new cars due in 2020...

The Aston Martin Vantage has lost its roof and none of its potency in Roadster guise.

BMW’s first all-electric SUV is the iX3 and it promises 273 miles of range from a 282bhp motor.

Mercedes claims its new electric luxury passenger van can cover 250 miles on a single charge. And, with a rapid-charging function, the EQV can reach 62 miles of range in just 15 minutes.

Toyota will be expecting much praise for this inspired hot hatch developed by the team responsible for the manufacturer’s World Rally Championship cars. With a three-door body, a bespoke suspension set-up, clever four-wheel-drive system and a 257bhp 1.6-l

Mercedes’ most luxurious SUV uses a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 and 48-volt hybrid system, with lots of customisation options

The S-Class luxury limo will be available with a familiar exterior design, but lots of new on-board tech - including a Tesla-style screen on the centre console.

Yes, there’s still the famous ash-wood frame, but the Plus Four is built on a new bonded-aluminium platform and is powered by a BMW-sourced, 255bhp four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine.

Like night follows day, the new BMW 3 Series will be followed by a searing hot M3 version. We’re expecting 510bhp from the twin-turbo straight-six.

With new hybrid engine tech and a host of safety features, the tardis-like Honda Jazz just got a bit smarter.

Rugged 4x4 looks, matched with the latest EV technology, Jeep will be hoping for big things from its all-wheel drive Renegade PHEV

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