Car battery failure a real concern for Australian motorists

NEW findings from NRMA have noted that nearly half of the 850,000 reported breakdowns in the last year were related to battery failure.

From March 2020 to February 2021, 46 per cent of the 848,650 breakdowns recorded found that batteries dominated the reasons for calling an NRMA patrol on the side of the road.

Other major breakdown causes during this time frame also included: Wheels and tyres (14 per cent), electrical (8 per cent), cooling system (4 per cent) and fuel injection (3 per cent).

Other incidents attended by NRMA over the same time frame include 1,874 children and pets having to be rescued from inside locked cars and 326 immobile wheelchairs and mobility scooters having to be repaired.

“The NRMA is in its 101 year of operation and we are more committed than ever to helping our members,” NRMA patrol team leader Kosta Karavanas said.

“Nowhere is that more prevalent than when we were called out to rescue almost 1,900 children and pets – these calls go to the top of our list, regardless of whether you are a member.”

With winter on its way, drivers are urged to ensure they are keeping on top of regular servicing, to ensure they don’t become another breakdown statistic.

“We see massive spikes in demand when it’s very hot, cold or wet and getting to people quickly and getting them back on the road is critical to their safety and to help ease congestion on our roads,” Mr Karavanas said.