Heatwaves Increase Roadside Assistance Requests by 50%

As summer approaches, the risks associated with road travel increase significantly, particularly during extreme heat events. Understanding these risks and how to mitigate them is crucial for ensuring a safe journey. Let’s explore the alarming statistics surrounding summer travel and the essential precautions drivers can take to avoid mishaps.

Surge in Road Incidents During Summer Heat

Road incidents see a dramatic increase during summer months, with reports indicating a rise of up to 30% in accidents compared to the rest of the year. On particularly hot days, this increase can reach as high as 50%, according to data from Autoclub Mutua, an organization specializing in roadside assistance.

In Spain, where temperatures frequently soar above 40 degrees Celsius, the importance of vehicle maintenance and preparedness cannot be overstated. Every summer, a significant number of breakdowns occur, leading to a spike in assistance requests.

Over the past decade, the number of roadside assistance cases managed during the summer months has more than doubled. For instance, Autoclub Mutua reported handling approximately 182,000 cases in 2014, escalating to over 373,000 in the previous year alone.

Common Causes of Roadside Incidents

Understanding why these incidents happen is critical for prevention. An analysis of summer assistance requests reveals that:

• 40% are due to mechanical failures, particularly issues related to:
• Cooling system failures (radiators, hoses, water pumps)
• Fuel system problems (fuel pumps, injectors)
• Transmission issues
• Brake system failures
• Shock absorber malfunctions
• Oil leaks
• 34% arise from electrical failures, primarily involving battery issues.
• 16% are related to tire problems, including punctures.
• 8% are categorized as miscellaneous accidents.

Rising Assistance for Electric Vehicles

The automotive landscape is changing with the increasing adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles. These cars come equipped with multiple battery systems, which can degrade under extreme heat conditions. Javier Sabio from Autoclub Mutua notes that:

“In high temperatures, leaving an electric vehicle parked in the sun can lead to a loss of up to 20 km of range per day.” This degradation affects battery life and can lead to more frequent assistance requests due to battery failures.

Increase in Nighttime Roadside Assistance

Another trend observed during the summer months is the significant increase in nighttime assistance requests. In 2024, Autoclub Mutua reported a 30% rise in incidents occurring between midnight and 7 a.m. This increase coincides with a rise in tropical nights, where nighttime temperatures remain above 20 degrees Celsius.

“Unlike other times of the year, summer incidents often occur away from home while families are loaded with luggage, creating additional stress during their vacations,” explains Sabio. The organization aims to restore normalcy for clients as quickly as possible to ensure they can continue their summer plans.

Data Trends in Roadside Assistance

In 2024, Autoclub Mutua managed 36% of its annual assistance cases during the summer months of June through September. Between May and July, just before and into the summer peak, assistance calls surged by 25.4%. Notably, the busiest day was August 19, which saw over 6,000 assistance requests, coinciding with the hottest August on record.

Essential Recommendations for Drivers

To minimize the risk of breakdowns during summer, Autoclub Mutua advises drivers to adhere to the following recommendations:

• Monitor engine temperature: Overheating is a major risk, especially during heatwaves. If the temperature gauge approaches the red zone, turn off the air conditioning and open the windows.
• Check the cooling system: Ensure the coolant levels are adequate and that the system is functioning properly to avoid overheating.
• Inspect tire pressure: High temperatures can increase tire pressure significantly, leading to blowouts. It's essential to check for wear and tear as well.
• Evaluate battery condition: High heat can accelerate battery degradation. Ensure it’s in good condition to avoid unexpected failures.
• Monitor oil levels: Low oil levels can lead to engine damage, particularly in hot weather.
• Check brake fluid: Ensure brake fluid levels are adequate as high temperatures can impact braking efficiency.
• Ventilate the vehicle: Open windows before starting the air conditioning to equalize temperatures inside and outside.
• Avoid driving during peak heat: If possible, plan trips during cooler parts of the day.
• Stay hydrated: Keep water on hand, especially during long trips with children or elderly passengers.
• Park in the shade: Whenever possible, park in shaded areas to prevent interior damage and overheating.

Additional Tips for Electric Vehicle Owners

Many of the aforementioned recommendations also apply to electric vehicles, particularly concerning battery care. Drivers should:

• Regularly check battery health, as heat can accelerate deterioration.
• Charge vehicles in shaded or covered areas to mitigate overheating.
• Prefer slow charging methods to reduce heat generation during the process.

Andrea, youngest driver in Spain, drives a Disfrimur truck

Electric Trucks on Long Routes in Spain: Progress and Challenges

Windrose launches new electric truck in Spain

Choosing the right drivers and trucks is key for logistics efficiency

If you want to know other articles similar to Heatwaves Increase Roadside Assistance Requests by 50% you can visit the category DTC TRUCKS.