Breakdown Accident Recovery

A row of parked cars completely covered in snow, with windshields, roofs, and bonnets blanketed in white. The surrounding street and pavement are also snow-covered, creating a quiet, wintry scene

Back-to-Work Monday

Back-to-Work Monday” Set to Be One of the Busiest for Breakdowns Back on the Road After the Holidays? Here’s What to Check Before You Drive At least 14,000 callouts are expected on Monday as the UK’s leading breakdown service, Tugu, prepares to tackle flat batteries, frozen engines, and other common faults that strike when vehicles…

Back-to-Work Monday” Set to Be One of the Busiest for Breakdowns

Back on the Road After the Holidays? Here’s What to Check Before You Drive

At least 14,000 callouts are expected on Monday as the UK’s leading breakdown service, Tugu, prepares to tackle flat batteries, frozen engines, and other common faults that strike when vehicles are restarted after the festive break.

Monday 5 January 2026, the main return-to-work day, is forecast to be one of the busiest of the year for breakdowns, as drivers attempt to start vehicles left unused over the holidays. A severe cold snap is expected, with the Met Office issuing snow and ice warnings across large parts of the UK.

Tugu is gearing up for more than 14,000 callouts on what’s often dubbed ‘Miserable Monday’ a seasonal spike it’s well prepared for, with extra patrols deployed nationwide. The expected workload is 50% higher than a typical Monday and significantly busier than the 8,000 average daily breakdowns recorded between 20–30 December.

Batteries and tyres

On the same date last year (Tuesday 2 January 2025), Tugu responded to over 5,000 vehicles that failed to start due to flat batteries. While starting issues typically account for 1 in 5 breakdowns, that figure is expected to rise to 1 in 3 on the first working day of 2026, with freezing temperatures forecast across much of the country.

Flat tyres and punctures also surge at this time of year last January saw a 37% increase compared to the daily average, as parked vehicles suffered pressure loss and unnoticed damage.

A recent Tugu survey of over 11,000 drivers found that half (50%) plan to drive up to 50 miles on New Year’s Eve or Hogmanay, with 43% expecting to cover similar distances on New Year’s Day. Northern Irish drivers top the charts, while those in London and the South East are least likely to travel far.

A woman stands beside her parked red car in a snowy landscape, holding an open umbrella for shelter. Snowflakes fall gently around her, and the car is lightly dusted with snow, suggesting cold winter conditions.

Tugu often sees a spike in callouts during the first weeks of January many of which could be avoided with a few simple checks:

  • Battery health: Cold weather and inactivity drain power. If your engine struggles to start or electrics seem weak, get the battery tested or replaced.
  • Tyre pressure and condition: Tyres lose pressure when stationary. Check for flat spots, cracks, or low tread.
  • Fuel levels: Top up before your first trip specially if the vehicle’s been idle for weeks.
  • Lights and indicators: Ensure all bulbs are working, especially in darker winter conditions.
  • Wipers and screenwash: Refill screenwash and replace worn blades to maintain visibility in rain or frost.

Taking a few minutes to check your vehicle now can save hours waiting for recovery later. If you do need help, Tugu is ready to get you moving again.

Monday 5 January 2026 is expected to be one of the busiest days of the year for breakdowns. Tugu is preparing for over 14,000 callouts, with flat batteries and underinflated tyres leading the list

Many households have more than one vehicle, but over the festive break, only one tends to get used. The main commuter car often sits idle, and issues go unnoticed until it’s time to return to work.

Tugu Assist

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