"It's important to make sure to check your car frequently" - Requests for road service increase d...
1During the Obon period, many people use their cars for travel or to return home, but accidents also increase. We spoke to a road service representative about measures to prevent accidents before they occur.
The JAF Kochi Branch also sees an increase in road service requests during the Obon period. According to JAF, the number of road service requests provided in Kochi Prefecture in 2024 was over 13,700, with August and December being particularly busy, with over 1,300 requests each.
The most common problem is battery-related (470 cases, including dead batteries), followed by tire-related (291 cases, including burst tires). We spoke to Kataoka Koshiro, a member of the JAF Kochi Branch's road service team, to find out what exactly causes these problems.
(Kataoka Koshiro, JAF Kochi Branch Road Service Team)
"In August, electricity consumption increases due to factors like using the air conditioner in the heat and using windshield wipers in the rain, putting a strain on the battery and leading to battery problems."
He says that it's important to check your battery regularly to prevent problems.
(Kataoka Koshiro, JAF Kochi Branch Road Service Team)
"When you get out of your car, make sure you turn off the lights and other lights. The battery generally lasts 2-3 years, so if you've been using your car for a long time, please have it checked once."
The second most common "tire-related" issues are "flat tires" and "bursts" caused by insufficient air pressure or aging. Checking your car before driving can help prevent bursts, he says.
(Kataoka Koshiro, JAF Kochi Branch Road Service Team)
"Please adjust your tire pressure and check that the tread is still intact and that there are no cracks or other damage."
He urges drivers to be especially careful when their car has not been driven for a long time, as the rubber tends to harden. The proper tire pressure varies depending on the vehicle model. It's often displayed on the inside of the driver's door, and he recommends checking it at a gas station or other facility once a month.
(Kataoka Koshiro, JAF Kochi Branch Road Service Team)
"This is a time when we expect to see an increase in long-distance driving, especially for those returning home from their hometowns, so please take frequent breaks and drive safely."
Temperatures will rise during the Obon holiday, so it's important to take precautions against heatstroke. In midsummer, temperatures inside a car can reach dangerous levels within a short time after the engine is turned off, potentially leading to heatstroke and dehydration. Never leave children, elderly people, or pets in the car.