Just like the battery in your mobile phone or laptop, lead-acid car batteries have a limited life span and will eventually lose their ability to hold sufficient charge to start your car. On average you can expect a lead-acid battery to last approx 4 years, but this time-frame will vary depending on a number of variables – such as hot or cold climates, journey lengths and the performance of your car’s electrical charging system.

Regardless of what conditions your car is subjected to, here are some tips you can consider to help get the very best out of your battery and of course if you ever need Roadside Assistance to get your out of your Battery breakdown.  Roadside Response is available to anyone, anytime!

Tip 1 | Avoid frequent short trips

Your car’s battery is given a workout every time you start your car but is then recharged by the engine during the journey. So if you are only driving a short distance it will be impossible for the battery to regain the amount of power lost – and if you repeat the process daily the battery voltage will reduce steadily until it can no longer start the car.

Maintain your car’s battery power by driving it frequently and for longer periods of time – and if you don’t use your car very often, consider investing in a battery charger to help maintain the correct voltage.

Tip 2 | Keep your battery securely fastened

Vibration caused whilst driving can reduce the life of your car battery, so it is vital that you always use an approved battery clamp to ensure it is properly held down at all times. If not securely fastened, excessive vibration could damage your battery’s internal components – creating short circuits and reducing battery life.

But don’t make the mistake of over-tightening the battery clamp nuts either – this can damage the battery! Instead, simply tighten the nuts until you feel resistance, and then continue for only an additional half turn.

Tip 3 | Minimise power use when the engine is switched off

Car batteries are happiest when they are kept close to maximum charge – so keeping your headlights, radio or interior lights on while the engine isn’t running should be avoided. Before exiting the vehicle, always ensure that all accessories are turned off and double-check that the lights are off as you walk away, including the interior lights.

Tip 4 | Check the condition and voltage of your battery

A lead-acid battery’s life will shorten dramatically the longer it is left partially or fully discharged, so checking the voltage with a voltmeter once a month is a great way to keep an eye on your battery’s health. A healthy, fully charged lead-acid battery should have a voltage of around 12.7 volts or above.  Should the voltage drop below 12.5 volts, we’d recommend recharging the battery as soon as possible. It is also important to remember that a lead-acid car battery is considered to be half charged at 12.4 volts, and completely flat/dead at 12.0 volts – so don’t get complacent.

Ensure the top of your battery is clean, dry, and free of dirt and grime. The battery terminals will also corrode over time, and keeping them clean from buildup is a great way to extend the life of your car battery. Scrub the terminals with an old toothbrush dipped in a baking soda and water mixture. Then, using a spray bottle with cold water, rinse the mixture off and follow up with a thorough drying with a clean cloth.

Despite these tips being great ways to love your battery, there will come a time when you need to replace it – it has simply come to the end of its life.  Modern car batteries don’t give any signals they are on there way out anymore, they just fail!  Roadside Response attends to hundreds of roadside assistance call out which are related to dead or flat batteries – it’s our number 1 breakdown reason.  That’s why we take the hassle out of a car battery, truck battery or bike battey replacement by ensuring our Roadside Assistance and Battery Replacement service providers carry a wide range of batteries onboard ready for professional roadside replacement.  We even provide extended warranties on all batteries installed by our Battery Response network of ‘we come to you’ battery fitment experts for that added peace of mind.

We want you back on the road quickly because life keeps on moving and so should you and now you can with our no membership Battery Response service available to every Aussie motorist!

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NRMA Premium Plus cover is $359 a year, RACV Total Care $236 per year per vehicle.  This probably seems value for money of the face of it; especially when you breakdown and need their services to get you out of trouble.  The problem is that the odds are you aren’t going to need them as often as you might think.

Recent industry data suggests that consumers with a vehicle under 10 years of age will require Roadside Assistance just once every four years.  I guess this makes sense, when you think about the reliability of modern vehicles and how more and more people are opting for newer keys that in years gone by.  Now lets look at your Roadside Assistance investment again.  If you don’t breakdown until your 4th year of membership, you have have paid over $1,200 for that one call out.  Further more this same industry data suggests that over half of the breakdowns are caused by flat or failed batteries and you have to purchase the replacement battery on top of your member fee.  It’s not included free-of-charge.

It’s no wonder then, than for some motorists, a change of thinking and an eye of saving money, is driving people toward On Demand Roadside Assistance.  On Demand means you don’t pay a monthly or annual membership for Roadside Assistance cover.  You simply call up and pay the service fee, if and when you need it.

Roadside Response is Australia’s fast growing On Demand Roadside Assistance provider for this reason.  Nationwide Coverage for Every Australia, anywhere, anytime for anyone.

Our Roadside Response services cover all the major Roadside Assistance services

• Mechanical Breakdowns
• Battery Replacement
• Jumpstarts
• Replacement Fuel
• Locksmith Services
• Puncture Repairs and Flat Tyres
• Towing

All available from as little as $99 a call out.  Consider the membership alternative – that represents pretty good value for money. Whats more the services can be booked directly from a roadside assistance app – so you don’t need to queue on the phone waiting for service.

Roadside Response is nationwide and trusted by thousands of Australian motorists and fleet providers to keep them on the go.  Stop paying out fees just because you MIGHT need them in the future, just pay when you need help – it just make more sense doesn’t it. So, how much are you paying for Roadside Assistance?

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Car Battery issues are the number one cause of breakdowns for Aussie Motorists.  In-fact nearly 1 in 3 breakdowns are car battery related. Modern car batteries, generally give little warning of pending failure.  The traditional signals of ‘slow cranking’ or ‘lights dimming’ on start up, are no longer reliable indicators of car battery failure.

Roadside Response is the number 1 provider of car battery and roadside assistance services.  Our vast network of car battery experts means we can be with you in a flash, in the event your car battery fails.  Flat car batteries are no issue with our jump-start, battery boost service.  24 hours, 7 days, nationwide.  Roadside Response helps thousands of Aussie Motorists with battery breakdown issues.

Why choose a Car Battery from us?

It’s true, there are various companies large and small offering roadside battery replacement.  Few are Roadside Assistance and Battery Experts.  How do you know its your Car Battery that has failed?  What if its an electrical charging system or starter motor issue.  Can they provide 3 years warranty on a battery they install?  Do they provide 6 months road assist cover on every new car battery?  These are just some of the reasons, more people choose Roadside Response.

Price is also a key buying factor, but cheapest is rarely best.  Whilst we pride ourselves on ensuring our products and services are the cheapest in the industry, we also understand that ensuring you have the right technology battery for your car is paramount to ensure you get the best performance and longest life from your battery.

Start Stop Car Batteries

More and more modern cars are equipped with start|stop technology to boost fuel efficiency and to meet environmental standards.  But why is this important when choosing a car battery?

Get the right technology battery for your vehicle

Lets start be firstly understanding what we mean by start|stop technology.  Cars fitted with start|stop technologies, cut the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop, at a junction or traffic lights for example.  It starts again, when you press the accelerator to move off.  This is what we mean by start|stop cars.  No imagine the amount of stress this puts on a car battery.  Older cars needed to start the average care battery maybe 4-5 times a day.  Now modern cars need a car battery to start it 40-50 times a day.  So its stands to reasons you need a special type of car battery for these modern cars.

Roadside Response carry the full range of Start|Stop Batteries as well as standard car batteries to suit every make and model.  Free Fitting, Free Delivery and 3 years product warranty.  Plus we offer 6 months free road assist on selected batteries to give you that added piece of mind.  That’s why we lead the way in roadside car battery replacement.

Car Batteries to suit all makes and models

Roadside Response only use the very best brands of car batteries, from manufacturers such as Century, Supercharge, Neuton Power and AC Delco, by doing so we are able to offer extended warranty and piece of mind guarantees to our customers.  It means we always have the right battery to suit the OEM needs of your vehicle.  We not locked into one battery brand, which means you always get the best price and value.

We have Calcium/Calcium, Enhanced Flooded, AGM and every type in between.  But you don’t need to worry about that, Roadside Response always install the right technology battery for your car.  Whatever car battery you need, we have it on-board.

What if I just want a Jump-start?

Many providers wont perform a jump-start for you because they simply want to sell batteries.  We are a roadside assistance and battery replacement specialist, therefore we perform whatever is required to get your vehicle back on the road.  Firstly, we perform an electronic battery test to understand the state of your battery, (remember you may not need a battery at all) if a jump-start is possible and that is your preferred option, a jump-start is what you get.  Our jumpstart services are available nationwide 24/7.

Please don’t risk letting a passerby jumpstart your car.  We know its tempting but the potential cost to you of a incorrect jump-start can run into the thousands of dollars.  Every day we receive calls from distraught customers who have damaged there cars engine management system or have warning lights and messages appearing on the dash, as a result of an incorrectly performed jumpstart.  Leave it to the experts to jump start your car.

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Roadside Assistance occurs when you least expect.  From a Flat Tyre to Keys Locked inside your car, it can be stressful and it can be time consuming.  Whatever your Roadside Assistance need, we can help take the stress out of your breakdown situation.

At Roadside Response, we don’t require you to pay to be a member and we don’t charge roadside joining fees.  Every Australian Motorist can call upon Roadside Response for its Roadside Assistance needs.  You simply pay for the assistance when you need it.  Its like ‘pay as you go’ but for Roadside Assistance.

Flat Tyre | Roadside Response

Stuck with a Flat Tyre.  No problem simply call Roadside Response or use our online booking app to get you back on the road.  Change your flat tyre with your emergency spare?  Repair the Puncture at the roadside.  Roadside Assistance is just moments away.

Don’t put yourself and risk trying to change the tyre yourself! (Did you know many companies won’t allow you to perform a tyre change on a company car?)  Don’t ruin those new clothes! Don’t get trapped in the rain!  When you need a tyre changed.  Call the experts today, our Tyre Response providers are specially trained to ensure your spare tyre is professionally and securely installed; so your can continue on with your journey, with the piece of mind that professional installation provides.

We can be there within the hour to change a tyre, deliver fuel, retrieve Keys locked inside your car.  We even do Car Batteries and Jumpstarts as well.  Our Response Centre is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and deals with thousands of breakdown incidents every week.

Your #1 on demand roadside assistance provider is ready and waiting for you.  Call 1300 468 931 today or use our smart response booking system which automatically detects your location and provides you with a fixed priced quote on the spot!

Get your Flat Tyre Quote 

Roadside Response, because life  keeps on moving and so should you.

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As a family owned business we understand the importance of our young generation to be involved in team sports and we we’re only to happy to help support this club and its playing group.  We hope that our support, in some small way, helps to make these young soccer stars, pathway in soccer that little bit easier.

Its kinda of what we do, helping people whether its on the Roadside or on the Soccer pitch Roadside Response is here to provide assistance!

Our ‘Pay as you Go’ Roadside Assistance program continues to grow and we thank everyone who has called on our services for your continued support.  This is our way of giving that little bit back to the community.  If you ever need quality Roadside Assistance or Battery Replacement, call the experts at Roadside Response anywhere, anytime.  We’re here to help you get back on the road, fast and hassle free.  Our service covers the Mornington Peninsula and all of greater Melbourne area so don’t delay, call us today.

We look forward to sharing with you some more experiences of these upcoming Mornington soccer players throughout the 2018 season.  Good Luck!

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Roadside Assistance | On Demand for every Aussie Motorist

Roadside Assistance Breakdowns| What to expect when you need Roadside Response

Roadside Assistance Breakdowns are unavoidable; they happen at the worst possible time. Lucky there’s help on hand! If you’ve locked your keys in the car, your fuel tank has hit empty, or you’ve run into unexpected trouble on the road there’s a quick, easy way to get roadside assistance.  Roadside Response revolutionary way to obtain emergency Roadside Assistance breakdowns, means you don’t need to have membership with us.  Every Australian can get Roadside Assistance whenever that breakdown occurs.  There are no joining fees and no black out period

 

Fast Reliable Roadside Assistance Breakdowns

When you call Roadside Response for your roadside assistance breakdowns, you will be greeted by one of our friendly Roadside Assistance experts and asked for your location.  We will diagnose your problem, and dispatch a local service provider to you.  To get you back on the road.  We understand that life keeps on moving and so should you!

 

Battery Problems?

If it’s your battery causing you grief Roadside Response can jump start your vehicle or deliver and install one of our Premium Batteries which come with up to 3 years warranty. We also have ‘Stop/Start’ batteries to suit modern vehicle technologies.  We supply the batteries other providers don’t!

Out of Fuel?

Run out of fuel, our experts carry enough spare petrol or diesel fuel to give you a top up and make sure you arrive at the next service station; so you can continue on your way.  Running on ’empty’ is no longer a problem with our Fuel Response service.

Flat Tyre?

Our professional technicians can change tyres in a flash or in many cases perform a puncture repair at the roadside.  Changing your own car tire can put you at risk of personal injury.  It’s raining and you don’t want to get dirty.  Your Tyre is simply too heavy for you to lift?  These are all genuine reasons why Roadside Response perform tyre changes and puncture repairs everyday!

Locksmith Services

Locked your keys in the car? No problem, we can access most standard vehicles to retrieve them or organise for collection of your spare set of keys.  Our Roadside Rescue services are available in greater metropolitan areas of Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne & Sydney.

Mechanical Problems?

Yes you’ve guessed it, our Roadside Assistance experts can assist with a range of mechanical and electrical issues which can cause a breakdown.  Many modern cars require specialised diagnostic and repairs which can only be performed safely at a mechanical repair shop.  Our national network of towing and vehicle recovery providers, can transport your vehicle to a repairer of your choice.

 

Nationwide means Anywhere, Anytime!

Roadside Response is ready to hit the road and help you with your Roadside Rescue. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  We’re working when other independent providers are ‘asleep’.  We are passionate about helping drivers in distress!  Don’t be fooled by local providers promises of cheap roadside assistance.  Our specialists, offering Roadside Assistance breakdowns will be there for you, when and where you need us!

 

Anyone can call upon Roadside Response! No Membership needed!

Roadside Response is an ‘On Demand’ Roadside Assistance breakdown provider.  This means there are no monthly subscription fees, and no heavy roadside joining fees, charged by the big providers.  All you need is a credit card to pay for the service.  

You can even use our  ResponseApp to book your service online.  No waiting for your call to be answered, just fast, reliable and cheap, assistance at the touch of a button.

Remember, if you find yourself in a one of those sticky situations on your next road trip, call Roadside Response for roadside assistance, a jump start, a new battery or even a fuel top up!

 

Get a Quote 1300 468931

or visit www.roadsideresponse.com.au

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Run out of Fuel?

Run out of Fuel is one of the main causes people require roadside assistance.  Roadside Response attended over 3,000 cases last year, with drivers needing fuel.  So if you run out of fuel, please don’t worry, your not alone.

If you have run out of fuel and need Petrol or Diesel, Roadside Response can help!  Here is what you need to do.  Simply call Roadside Response and we can dispatch a local technician to come to you and provide enough fuel for you to get back on the road again.  You don’t need to be a member and there are no waiting fees.  Assistance is immediate and we cover Australiawide. So if you run out of  fuel, call Roadside Response 24/7 on 1300 468931.

What happens if you put the wrong fuel in your car?

Theoretically, putting the wrong fuel in your car should be pretty difficult to do. And yet, latest industry figures suggest it’s a common problem in Australia, one that has been exacerbated in recent years by the fact that diesel nozzles now share the same pump space with unleaded ones.

Have you put petrol into a diesel car by mistake?  Don’t start the engine!

Mis-fueling a diesel car with petrol is easier to do, with the advent in diesel engine technologies delivering quieter engines, its easier to mistake one for its petrol counterpart and because the petrol nozzle will actually fit inside the filler for a modern diesel.

If you do put unleaded petrol in a diesel engine, don’t start the engine.  You’re at risk of doing serious and possibly terminal damage to your car. Yes, it’s that bad. Once you mix petrol with the diesel that’s already in your tank you’re basically creating a solvent, which will start playing hell with your car’s fuel system immediately, and can lead to you needing a new engine, filters, fuel pump, injectors, and a whole new fuel tank.

The good news is that there are wrong-fuel solutions, and that the most important thing to do is to recognise your mistake before you get back in the car. As long as you don’t turn the key, or press the start button, the damage can be kept to a minimum.

You’re going to call Roadside Response for professional help, because you’re going to need a fuel drain, to get that errant petrol the hell out of there. This will likely call for a tow truck to take your car to a garage (as fuel cannot be removed from a vehicle at the Roadside – due to safety legislation). This is the best-case scenario, and hopefully your blushes can be saved with minimal expense.

If you do drive away from the servo with the wrong fuel on board, you’ll notice the problem pretty quickly as your engine will make some truly horrible sounds, and if you keep going you’ll probably grind to a halt not far down the road.

Putting Diesel into a Petrol engine

What makes this tricky to do is that the diesel nozzle simply won’t fit into the filler gap of a petrol-engined vehicle, without some force – however a third of mis-fuel still fit into this category.

If you do somehow manage to shoehorn diesel into a petrol car, don’t panic, because this is less catastrophic than the other option discussed above, but it’s still vital not to start the engine. Diesel will cause serious damage to a petrol engine if you allow it to circulate, particularly if your car is of the direct-injection variety. Fuel injectors that are designed to use unleaded will not take kindly to diesel.

Once again, you should make the call to Roadside Response and arrange for your tank to be completely drained.

Obviously the most likely time to make a mistake like this is when you’re driving a car you’re not used to; either a hire car or self move hire van or one you’ve borrowed from a friend, but it should still be a difficult mistake to make.

Don’t just look at the colours on the pumps, read the words on them, and make sure you’re aware of what kind of car you’re driving before you go to fill up. If you’re still confused, at all, don’t just guess. Ask the service-station attendant for help.  You can also find out information on fueling your car or truck from vehicle’s user manual.  This is usually in the glove box.

When in doubt, there’s almost always a little warning sign on the inside of the filler cap that says “Diesel only”, “Unleaded only” or even “Premium unleaded only”.

Remember these simple tips to minimise damage to your vehicle:

• Don’t start the engine
• Remain calm
• Call Roadside Response on 1300 468 931
• Advise the service station attendant
• Remain with your vehicle, if it is safe to do so

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