Photo/Illutration A mechanic replaces an alternator in Tokyo’s Itabashi Ward on Aug. 8. (Junichi Kamiyama)

Not only people, but the intense summer heat is taking a toll on automobiles as well, with repair requests pouring in but a shortage of mechanics is leading to delays in getting cars back on the road.

Many breakdowns are due to malfunctioning batteries, alternators and air conditioners, believed to be caused by the heat.

Some drivers are unable to get their vehicles repaired right away.

A 53-year-old construction worker in Tokyo’s Itabashi Ward discovered on an extremely hot day in early August that his work vehicle, a Toyota Hiace Wagon, had suddenly broken down.

The engine area became hot and the alternator, which produces electricity to charge the battery, failed.

His used car is a gasoline-fueled vehicle with more than 270,000 kilometers on the odometer.

The man thought about buying a new vehicle, but it is difficult to do so currently as the long-running shortage of semiconductors continues to affect the supply of new cars.

He asked a gas station that repairs cars for service. But a mechanic was not available, and he could not get it repaired.

Seibii, a venture company that provides on-site repair services, said that around 900 repairs were made in July, up 30 percent from the same month a year ago.

Vehicle generator-related repairs in July was 2.46 times the figure of the same month a year ago, battery repairs increased by 46 percent and air-conditioner compressor repairs rose by 77 percent.

A large number of repairs requests are continuing in August, doubling the pace of the same month a year earlier.

On Aug. 14 and 15 during the Bon holiday season, the venture company reported that phones were ringing nonstop and chat messages were pouring in throughout the days and it was unable to respond to many of them.

In many cases, automobile parts were damaged due to the high temperatures and humidity.

The company also received inquiries saying, “My car that I haven’t driven in a long time is not starting” as more people go on outings in the first restriction-free summer since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the shortage of technicians and mechanics at dealerships and repair shops is serious.

Dealers affiliated with major automakers and small auto repair shops have their hands full with their customers’ requests. They said they may not be able to respond to service requests that suddenly come in. 

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