MOTORISTS are being urged to pay closer attention to the condition of their car batteries, after the number of motorists left stranded by associated faults climbed rapidly towards the end of last year.
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Battery-related incidents triggered more than 30 per cent of Royal Automotive Club of Tasmania roadside callouts in the last three months of 2013 - a jump of about 5 per cent from the previous quarter.
Between October and December, 6081 Tasmanian drivers were left stranded due to faulty batteries. There were 1283 battery-related callouts in the state's North.
Many of these incidents could have been avoided, RACT Motoring Services manager Peter Gillon said yesterday.
"Drivers need to heed the telltale signs indicating it's time to replace their battery," he said.
"If the battery is turning over and starting quickly, it has lots of charge left in in. If it's slowing and labouring to get started, things aren't as they should be."
It is recommended that batteries are replaced every two to three years.
Mr Gillon said flat batteries could create significant issues.
"The implications of a flat battery can really ruin someone's day," he said.
"Nobody wants to get caught out at the beach or down the peninsula in the middle of nowhere."
Mr Gillon said people should ensure their mechanic inspects the battery every time they have their car serviced.
"If in doubt, get it checked out," he said.
