Kata and Karon beaches are famous for surfing, family holidays, and the long winding coastal roads. Driving from Patong to Karon or Kata to Chalong involves significant hill climbing. This coastline is beautiful but brutal on vehicles. EV Phuket serves the entire Kata-Karon bay area.
The “Coastal Road” Battery Killer
The road from Karon Circle to Patong is steep and curvy. The road from Kata to Chalong (over the hill) is even steeper. Why batteries die here:
- Vibration: The roads are often bumpy or under construction. Constant vibration can damage the internal plates of cheap batteries.
- Heat: Coastal humidity + Uphill driving engine heat = Battery fluid evaporation.
- Alternator Strain: If your battery is weak, your alternator has to work harder on these hills. If the alternator fails, the car stops dead in the middle of a blind curve. Safety First: If your battery light comes on while driving these hills, pull over at a viewpoint (like Karon Viewpoint) immediately. Do not try to “make it” to the next town.
Hotel Rescue: “Check-out Disaster”
Scenario: It’s 11:00 AM. Check-out time. You loaded your bags into the rental car at Centara Grand or Beyond Resort. You turn the key… nothing. The hotel staff are busy. You have a flight at 2:00 PM. Our Express Service:
- Tell us your Hotel Name and Room Number.
- We can usually enter the hotel lobby drop-off area.
- We change the battery in 15 minutes.
- You make your flight.
Surfer’s Problem: Smart Keys & Water
Kata is a surf town. We see this often: “I hid my smart key in the wheel well.” Or “I put my key in a waterproof bag that leaked.” If your smart key gets wet or depleted, the car might not recognize it. You might think the car battery is dead, but it’s just the key. Pro Tip: Try holding the key fob directly against the “Start” button. If it still doesn’t start, then call us. It’s likely the car battery.
Price List: Kata / Karon
Standard prices apply. No beach surcharge.
| Car Model | Recommended Battery | Price (THB) | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki Swift / Celerio | Amaron 42B20L | 1,800 | 1 Year |
| Toyota Altis | 3K DIN50 | 2,200 | 1 Year |
| Mitsubishi Pajero | GS Battery Q85 | 2,450 | 1 Year |
| Ford Ranger | Varta DIN75 | 3,200 | 1 Year |
| Camry Hybrid | Panasonic DIN55 (Aux) | 2,600 | 1 Year |
| Motorbike (Click/PCX) | YTZ5S / YTZ7S | 500-900 | 6 Months |
Local Tips: Where to eat while waiting?
If you are stuck in Kata:
- Kata Night Market: If it’s evening, grab some street food here.
- The Boathouse: High-end, but great view if you are stuck near Kata Noi.
- Starbucks Kata Beach: Reliable AC and Wi-Fi.
The “Surf Key” Dilemma
Surfers in Kata often hide their smart keys or use waterproof pouches. Saltwater Intrusion: Even a tiny drop of saltwater inside your key fob can corrode the chip. If your car says “Key Not Detected” after a surf session:
- Don’t Panic.
- Emergency Start: Hold the key logo directly against the Start button and push.
- Battery: If that fails, it’s the car battery. Call us. Prevention: We sell replacement batteries for Smart Keys (CR2032 / CR2025). Ask our technician to check your key battery voltage when we swap your car battery.
Karon Temple Market Chaos (Tue/Fri)
Twice a week, the Karon Temple Market creates traffic hell. Parking Trap: You park inside the temple grounds. You leave your lights on because it’s dusk. You come back after 2 hours of shopping. Dead Battery in a Crowd: The market is packed. A tow truck cannot enter. Our Solution: Our Service Motorbike is the only vehicle that can navigate the temple market crowds. We can reach you right in front of the Pad Thai stall.
FAQ: Kata & Karon
Q: Do you service Kata Noi? A: Yes. The road to Kata Noi is a dead end, but we go there.
Q: I’m stuck at the Big Buddha (road from Chalong/Kata). Can you come? A: Yes. The road to Big Buddha is very steep. Please secure your car with the handbrake AND a rock under the wheel before we arrive.
Q: My scooter (scooty) died. Do you fix bikes? A: We primarily do cars. But if we are in the area, we can sell you a bike battery. We do not do on-site bike repair (like tire puncture) though.
Surf House Kata: The “Flow” Solution
If you are stuck near Kata Beach. Instead of standing in the heat, go to Surf House Kata. You can watch people flowboarding (or try it yourself) while we work on your car in the parking lot behind it. Why: It has big fans, cold drinks, and a view of the beach. By the time you finish your drink, your car will be ready.
Emergency Contacts
- Karon Police Station: 076-396-393
- Tourist Police: 1155
- Chalong Hospital (nearest): 076-384-342
- EV Phuket (Southern Unit): 098-168-9907
Contact Us
Phone: 098-168-9907 WhatsApp: +66981689907 Line ID: @evphuket Keep surfing, we’ll keep you starting.