ISSUE 65 FEBRUARY 2024
THE VOICE OF THE NEW ZEALAND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
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Bad batteries: top cause of callouts AS WE CONTINUE INTO HIGH SUMMER AND THE ROAD-TRIP SEASON, AMI HAS LOOKED AT THE MOST COMMON REASONS DRIVERS CALL FOR A ROADSIDE RESCUE, WITH BATTERIES CLEARLY THE TOP CAUSE OF CALLOUTS
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etween January and September last year, AMI Roadside Rescue received over 36,000 callouts from customers caught on the side of the road, or simply stuck at home, with battery issues being
to blame for nearly half of all of breakdowns,” says Dean MacGregor, Executive General Manager, AMI Roadside Rescue. He also highlighted that in 2022 they responded to nearly 54,000 callouts in total.
“Other common callout reasons included needing a tow, damage to tyres, mechanical concerns, keys locked in the car or keys not working, and electrical systems on the blink. “But we’ve also had customers getting stuck in mud or grass, using the wrong fuel, and having the misfortune of two flat tyres at the same time or not having a spare at all.” With late summer still in full season, many New Zealanders continue to take the opportunity for a well-earned break and are planning a road trip somewhere in the country — and nothing stops a road trip faster than a car breakdown and not being able to get out on the road. “As your battery ages, the chance of failure increases with every passing year, so as part of your road-trip planning, make sure your car is also up to the challenge. Consider getting your car battery checked, ensure you have a spare tyre, and if the car has been playing up in any way, now’s a good time to get a professional to take a look”, says Dean. “It’s no surprise there are more callouts in regions where there are more cars on the road, so Auckland takes the top spot for the numbers of callouts by a country mile, followed by Christchurch, Wellington, and Hamilton.
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