Drivers urged to avoid leaving crucial item in car for next three months

Drivers have been warned to avoid leaving an essential in their car for the next three months. Drivers, road users and motorists have been urged not to leave an item in their motors while abandoning it parked up, as we head through winter.

The Starlink satellite internet installer Spacelink Installations has warned drivers to ensure electronic devices, such as smartphones, are not left inside. Leaving the items during cold temperatures may lead to serious damage to the battery.

Cold temperature inside the vehicle will slow down chemical reactions taking place in the battery and reduce its ability to transfer power, they warn. Sean Carrol, a technology expert from Spacelink Installations, said: "Just as you’d wrap up yourself, invest in a sturdy, insulating phone case for your iPhone to help it withstand winter’s bite.

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"A thicker case not only keeps the cold out but adds a layer of protection if you accidentally slip on icy paths." The winter period typically lasts until the end of February, with spring then beginning from March onwards, bringing with it rising temperatures.

This afternoon will be cloudy for many, with patchy rain in Northern Ireland, Wales and England. Bright spells, and drier, in south-east England. Patchy cloud and wintry showers for northern Scotland, the BBC has said. Tonight, outbreaks of rain Wales and most of south England. Northern Ireland will be partly cloudy and dry. Northern England and Scotland will be clear; wintry showers on far northern Scottish coasts.

Expect it to be cloudy with rain for south England, Wales by evening, this turning to snow in central-northern England, Northern Ireland, perhaps south Scotland by the evening. Bright spells and showers far north. The outlook for the week from the BBC adds: "Snow clearing the north and east on Tuesday morning but north-eastern coasts will see further snow showers and strong winds."