Long weekends can be a trap for motorists

22 September 2009

Motorists heading away for the September long weekend could be left feeling flat if past experience is anything to go by.

The RAC has done an analysis of its Roadside Patrol callouts from the September long weekend in 2008 to help predict what problems are most likely to leave motorists stranded this year.

Failed batteries and flat batteries dominate the list along with the perennial problem of motorists locking keys inside their car.

RAC Head of Member Advocacy Matt Brown said most of the problems on the list could have been detected by a regular vehicle service.

“The problem with break-downs on the long weekend is that usually people are a long way from home,” Mr Brown said.

“Added to that is the fact many people are travelling late in the evening to get to their holiday destination. Being stranded on the roadside late at night isn’t the best way to start a relaxing break.

“And if the problem can’t be fixed, you could be faced with additional towing costs.

“Too many families put a lot of effort into planning what to do once they get to their destination but forget to think about preparing for the trip itself.

“If your vehicle is due for a service you shouldn’t be putting off until after the holiday period. Most of these problems can be detected and avoided by a standard service.”

Mr Brown also urged motorists to check the tread and pressure of their tyres and to make sure their spare tyre was properly inflated.

Suspected (fuel pump problem)	23	1.14%
No fault found	25	1.24%
Lock out- Keys in boot	27	1.34%
Battery connections	30	1.49%
Out of fuel(petrol)	34	1.69%
Immobiliser	36	1.78%
Wiring & connections	37	1.83%
Starter motor- solenoid	45	2.23%
Alternator	52	2.58%
Flat battery- discharged	54	2.68%
Flat battery-acc on	59	2.93%
Flat Battery	103	5.11%
Flat Battery- Not Driven	117	5.80%
Wheel change/punctures	122	6.05%
Flat battery- lights on	124	6.15%
Lock out	206	10.21%
Failed battery	263	13.04%

Download the release (pdf)