Flat batteries are still the number one cause of breakdowns on Irish roads according to the AA Ireland Annual Breakdown Review.
Some 30 per cent of the 140,000 callouts attended by AA Rescue Services between October 2009 and September 2010 were a result of flat batteries, the AA can reveal.
Of these 40,000 battery-related callouts, most were a result of faulty or old batteries that were in need of replacement.
Among the other causes were headlights being left on, faulty door switches, use of electronics with the engine off, cars being left idle, colder temperatures and alternator problems. A large number of flat battery problems are self-inflicted, eg caused by leaving lights on.
Punctures are the second most common cause, accounting for 12 per cent of all AA Rescue callouts. After flat batteries and punctures, engine, clutch, and alternator related faults are the most common.
It appears that women are much more likely to call for help with a wheel change than men – they account for 15 per cent of callouts to women but 9.5 per cent of callouts to men.
