Roadside Assistance for Weekend Muscle

[RAW454]

So I know a fair whack of guys reading this may scoff at the subject line, falling into the category of either "I have more mechanical knowledge than those roadside guys, so I'll fix anything" or "I built it from scratch so it wouldn't break - How dare you, insolent peasant!!" :p

But for the rest that have a 40yo car with sketchy background details (if any) and just basic mechanical skills... has anyone investigated roadside assistance options?

Probably more for towing than anything else. But even flat batteries etc can happen to the best of us. Ditto other minor glitches with most tools back at home.

For example, I'm heading a couple of hours north to the 1/4mile on Saturday, but if something happens on the commute or a the event, I'm stuffed - Hours from home, no towcar etc. So would just have to bite the $$$ 'long distance tilt-tray' bullet. But if there was a mob who did 'limited use / enthusiast' programs (like they do with insurance) then it may be worth a crack.

Anyone looked into this? Ta!

[chevguy]

So I know a fair whack of guys reading this may scoff at the subject line, falling into the category of either "I have more mechanical knowledge than those roadside guys, so I'll fix anything" or "I built it from scratch so it wouldn't break - How dare you, insolent peasant!!" :p

But for the rest that have a 40yo car with sketchy background details (if any) and just basic mechanical skills... has anyone investigated roadside assistance options?

Probably more for towing than anything else. But even flat batteries etc can happen to the best of us. Ditto other minor glitches with most tools back at home.

For example, I'm heading a couple of hours north to the 1/4mile on Saturday, but if something happens on the commute or a the event, I'm stuffed - Hours from home, no towcar etc. So would just have to bite the $$$ 'long distance tilt-tray' bullet. But if there was a mob who did 'limited use / enthusiast' programs (like they do with insurance) then it may be worth a crack.

Anyone looked into this? Ta!

I am with racq here in qld,when my jag broke down 2hrs from home they happily picked it up an brought it home no charge,been with them for years now,well worth the $180 odd bucks a year.

[69camaro]

That's an interesting one Deano. I've fixed cars on the side of the road before and i've even had to use the 'phone a friend' option. Touch wood, i've never had to call the towie though.
As for your trip to the drags, I'd be taking tools and atleast some basic spares like hoses and belts and a macgyver kit of hose clamps, cable ties, gaffa tape and did I mention cable ties.... Funny thing about an event like this is you'll probably find if something did go bang on the track you would have 10 blokes offering to help out in whatever way they could. I've seen people offer spares off a broken car just to keep a complete stranger in the racing for the day :cool: .
If you are worried though, could always get a mate to follow you up with a trailer just in case. The $70 to hire a trailer for the day may pay dividends.

[AUSCAMARO]

Here's my old RAC Van doing a breakdown on an 'older' vehicle...

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs191.snc1/6416_123320145488_777875488_2082514_7236316_n.jpg

There are some companies that may not cover vehicles over a certain age, but most of the mainstream RAC's NRMA's etc shouldn't be a problem. Make sure you get the top cover though Deano so you get the extended towage and not just a tow to the nearest approved repairer.

As chevguy said, for the money you cannot go wrong. It's chump change when you consider that your paying for a qualified mechanic or auto electrician to come and assist you on the side of the road rain, hail or shine anytime day or night and in the unlikely event that they cannot get you going again then they will arrange a proffesional towing service to come and retrieve you and your vehicle and take you home.

Can't get that and then have someone to you within the hour if you even called your mates!!

I did the breakdown lurk for 7 years and it was one of the best jobs I've ever had. I miss not having the van as it came in so handy. Had everything I needed even to do a rebuild almost...

The trailer option is a good one also.

Mitch

[Twisted67]

Go The Trailer Optoin Deano,thats Not Even A Carton Of Beam Cans For Ya Troubles!!!!

Paul

[RAW454]

Yeah, I agree that for an 'event' the triler backup is handy, and heaps of enthusiasts to help out, but I guess I was just wondering if there was some cheaper options around for us limited use crew.

Like even the other week at Sandown I left the lights on (coz had been through Eastlink tunnel) and if one of the several onlookers hadn't pointed it out I MAY have run the battery down. (Unlikely as always walk away from it having an admiring perve, but you never know...) Have also run out of fuel 3 times in 4 months as the gauge has a mind of its own (Carry a small jerry now).

Even so, $180pa is not an easy pill for me to swallow... Just makes me think "If I don't break down, I coulda used that amount of cash to have bought those front shocks / twin fans / trick speakers / interior hardware / braided fuel line / billet pulley / new leads / window felts / brakes pads / gauges / dyno tune / etc /etc / etc that I'm wanting".

Just a gamble I guess. FYI - RACV is $170 for top cover http://www.racv.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/Internet/Primary/roadside+assistance/car/comparison+of+packages Race events are not covered of course.

These guys a bit cheaper, but maybe not as good service? http://www.247roadservices.com.au/products.htm

[AUSCAMARO]

Read the Terms and Conditions of the 24/7 mob as there are a few limitations and conditions that could become a pain.

When you consider that RACV are charging $170/annum have a think about what the hourly rate would be if YOU took your car to YOUR mechanic. Most charge $85plus/hour and they don't come to you.
Think about the other benefits such as a tow also. I know it cost me $150cash for the Camaro to get towed home after it's panel/paint work so for a 40klm tow your paying that much imagine what it may cost if you getting a 2 hour 200klm tow!

They don't need to know that you have been racing neither. Push it back to the pits and wipe the rubber and ET off. You were just there spectating or pitting for a mate??

The guys at RACV if anything like most I know are gear heads anyway and won't be bothered if you were running down the strip or not...

Mitch

[TUFF68]

That's an interesting one Deano. I've fixed cars on the side of the road before and i've even had to use the 'phone a friend' option. Touch wood, i've never had to call the towie though.
As for your trip to the drags, I'd be taking tools and atleast some basic spares like hoses and belts and a macgyver kit of hose clamps, cable ties, gaffa tape and did I mention cable ties.... Funny thing about an event like this is you'll probably find if something did go bang on the track you would have 10 blokes offering to help out in whatever way they could. I've seen people offer spares off a broken car just to keep a complete stranger in the racing for the day :cool: .
If you are worried though, could always get a mate to follow you up with a trailer just in case. The $70 to hire a trailer for the day may pay dividends.

Thats good advice about taking basic tools and spares. Me, i'm a lucky one, my 'phone a friend' option is my brother-in-law to come and get me with the car trailer :p Have'nt had to use this option yet though, touch wood