Classic cars are particularly vulnerable to battery problems during the cold winter months, it was suggested today (March 3rd).

CTEK believes that one in four owners of vintage cars could find that their vehicles will not start when they attempt to take their first drive of 2010 as spring arrives.

As a result, the battery care and maintenance firm has urged owners to clean the terminal posts, connections and the top of their batteries with water and baking soda.

In addition, it recommends using grease on the contact terminals, plus maintaining a constant charge in order to avoid a flat battery, Easier.com reports.

Jarl Uggla, chief executive of CTEK, told the news provider: "It can be a massive disappointment when you come to start your car after a few months without use to find that the battery has failed and your car will not start.

"Not only is this frustrating but can often mean that drivers have to pay out for a new battery."

Last week, a report in the Birmingham Post suggested that classic car owners are increasingly buying electric cars to provide variation in their driving experiences.

Written by Tom Burke