New data has revealed RAC Roadside Assistance patrols rescued 217,750 stranded motorists last year, with the most call outs performed in July.
RAC Roadside Assistance Patrol Mark Dring said patrols attended 633 calls for help every day last July which was 37 more than the 2019 daily average.
“This could be a result of your car’s electrical components having to work harder during colder temperatures, which puts a strain on your battery,” Mr Dring said.
“In 2019, over half of all call outs related to battery issues, 40 per cent were calls to cars that wouldn’t start and 20 per cent were for tyre or wheel problems.
“To reduce the chance of battery failure, we recommend using a smart charger to help maintain and extend the life of your battery.
“An older battery is less likely to withstand extreme weather conditions, so if you find your battery keeps losing its spark even with regular charging, it’s probably time to replace it.
“It’s also important to ensure your tyres are up to scratch, especially during winter when roads are wet and can become slippery.
“Check the tyre pressure and carry out a visual inspection, looking out for any signs of damage or excessive, uneven wear. Remember, the minimum legal tread limit in Australia is 1.5mm.”
Canning Vale topped the list of the most common suburbs for breakdowns last year, followed by Perth CBD, Morley, Dianella and Joondalup.
“While car troubles are often unpredictable, regular servicing and simple at home car maintenance is the best way to avoid a breakdown situation,” Mr Dring said.
“If you’re unsure exactly what you’re looking at, or you’ve postponed repairs or servicing over the last few months, seek advice from a trusted mechanic.”
RAC’s new financial year health checklist:
- Charge your battery, or if needed, have it replaced.
- Check your tyre pressure and look out for wear and tear.
- Do all the normal fluid level checks: oil, transmission fluid, washer fluid, power steering, brake fluid and clutch fluid if applicable.
- Check the operation of your lights and ensure lamps are clean.
- To improve visibility, replace damaged windscreen wiper rubbers and ensure your heater and demisters are working properly.
- Check your logbook to ensure you’re up to date with servicing.
Top reasons for RAC Roadside Assistance call outs in 2019:
- New or flat battery
- Car won’t start
- Tyre or wheel issues
- Engine trouble
- Lock out
Top suburbs for RAC Roadside Assistance call outs in 2019:
- Canning Vale
- Perth CBD
- Morley
- Dianella
- Joondalup
- Thornlie
- Baldivis
- Scarborough
- Fremantle
- Como
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Media contact: Mikayla Wearne, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
