Punctures are no longer the most common cause of roadside assistance. This winter, companies are expecting starting problems, including from motorists.
Roadside assistance for cars during the winter period is often necessary. But it is no longer flat tires that plague drivers. At least not most of the time.
Instead, it's the batteries that are doing the talking. Especially in the cold winter months, when cars are exposed to severe frost, many drivers experience problems starting their cars.
A new study from NAF, the Norwegian counterpart to FDM, shows that starting problems top the list of reasons for roadside assistance.
– Not being able to start the car happens both in summer and winter, and is the most frequent reason for the rescuers to go out. There can be many reasons why the car won't start, and our rescuers will always try to solve the problem on the spot so you can drive on, says Ungunn Handagard from NAF.
Previously, flat tires were the most common reason for calling roadside assistance. But now battery problems are the primary cause.
This applies to both cars with combustion engines and electric cars. The 12-volt batteries of electric cars are particularly vulnerable in the winter cold. This is mainly due to the shorter trips where the batteries do not have time to be properly charged.
– When you charge an electric car, the starter battery is also charged. But if you drive a lot of short trips when it's cold, it can become worn out.
This also applies to cars with combustion engines. Therefore, it is worth maintaining the battery, explains Handagard.
Although flat tires are no longer the most common reason for roadside assistance, they are still a problem that causes inconvenience to drivers. Many modern cars are not equipped with a spare tire, making drivers dependent on roadside assistance in the event of a flat tire.
– Many people are also unsure of what to do if they get a flat tire. Modern cars often don't have a spare tire, but only a repair kit with foam.
– It may not be suitable for sealing the damage if you have stepped on a curb or similar. If you get such damage, the car often has to be taken to a workshop with it, says Handagard.
Besides starting problems and flat tires, there are other typical reasons why drivers need roadside assistance in winter. Problems with wheels and suspension, failures in electrical systems, and cars stuck in snow or short of the road are also quite common.
The most common reasons for roadside assistance this winter:
- Startup problems and battery issues
- Puncture
- Wheels and suspension
- Electrical system fault
- Stuck in snow or downhill
