Be prepared this long weekend: RAC

24 September 2010

As Western Australians hit the road for the holiday long weekend, it may be an idea to take a spare set of car keys.

The RAC says one person every 20 minutes will lock their keys in their car this long weekend.

A breakdown of callout figures for the RAC’s Roadside Patrols for the 2009 Queens Birthday long weekend indicates that lockouts and failed batteries will be the major problems for motorists this weekend.

RAC Head of Member Advocacy Matt Brown said the inconvenience is even greater for motorists stuck far from home.

“With more vehicles on the road we do see an increase in callouts,” Mr Brown said.

“It’s extraordinary how many people lock their keys in their car.

“It usually takes less than three minutes for one of our patrols to open the vehicle. But it can be an unwanted delay and an inconvenience.

“Batteries are the other big concern with one failing every 15 minutes, based on last year’s long weekend figures.

“When you add in flat batteries from drivers leaving their lights on, that figure becomes a callout every 10 minutes.

“Flat tyres are also a problem with one callout every 30 minutes. It’s essential that motorists check the pressure of their spare tyre before heading off on long trips.”

Mr Brown said motorists should also check their lights and indicators, tyre pressure and oil and coolant levels before leaving home.

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