RACV record surge in flat battery call-outs as more cars left at home
The RACV is being called out to more flat batteries than usual, as cars sit idle while Victorians are stuck at home. This is how you can keep your car moving smoothly during the pandemic.
Victoria
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Flat car batteries and other mechanical issues have surged during coronavirus restrictions, with the RACV reporting an increase in call-outs as vehicles are left idle.
In metropolitan Melbourne, there has been 9 per cent increase for jump starts or replacement batteries between July 7 to August 19 compared to the same period in 2019.
These call-outs typically spike during colder months but are believed to have surged even more this year because of restrictions keeping people at home.
Car batteries become far more likely to lose their charge the less frequently the car is driven.
The RACV’s Senior Vehicle Engineer Nicholas Platt said there was also a 7 per cent increase recorded in call-outs across all of Victoria.
“This is a timely reminder that car batteries are impacted when a car sits immobile for long periods,” he said.
“As a general rule, it’s best to take the car out for a run every two to three weeks.
“If your car has a newer battery, a month between drives should be fine, but a car with an older battery, let’s say three years, needs starting and running at least once a week.”
Mr Platt said long drives were not necessary to restore charge.
”A 10-minute run to the supermarket and back should suffice,” he said.
“Items such as brake rotors and pads and tyres will also benefit from a drive that’s long enough to warm everything up to operating temperature.
“Bear in mind also that batteries have a finite life.
“This is usually about three years but will vary depending on the type of car and how it’s driven.
Mr Platt said it was vital motorists remember to follow government directions on movement while looking after their car.
Traffic levels have plummeted across Melbourne under Stage 4 restrictions but authorities have warned of signs of “COVID fatigue” while urging the public to do the right thing.
Weekday trips across Melbourne remain low but state government movement data collected on weekends have shown spikes on public transport and roads during good weather.
Department of Transport figures recorded increased movement between August 15 to 16 when compared with the previous weekend.
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