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When it comes to owning a vehicle, whether it’s a trusty old car or a shiny new one, breakdowns can happen when you least expect them. That’s where roadside assistance comes into play. It’s your safety net on the road, providing help when you need it most. In this blog article, we’ll delve into the world of roadside assistance, its value, and the various options available to you. We’ll also discuss why Jap Division Motor Sports in Clayton should be your go-to choice for all your automotive needs.

The Importance of Roadside Assistance

Cars are complicated machines, comprising thousands of components that need to work seamlessly for your vehicle to run smoothly. Unfortunately, any of these components can fail without notice, leaving you stranded by the roadside. This is where roadside assistance proves its worth.

According to statistics, over 90% of cars on Australian roads are more than two years old, with 25% being more than a decade old. These older vehicles are more prone to breakdowns. However, even newer cars can encounter issues. That’s why having roadside assistance, whether through membership-based plans or pay-as-you-need services, is essential. It provides peace of mind, knowing that you’re covered for any emergency.

Roadside Assistance Options

Roadside assistance plans come in various shapes and sizes to cater to all types of drivers. The two primary categories are:

1. Membership-Based Coverage

Historically, membership-based plans have been the go-to choice for many vehicle owners in Australia and around the world. These plans offer a range of services, and the basic premise is that they will attend to your vehicle when you encounter an issue. If it’s a simple problem, they may be able to fix it on the spot. If it’s more complex or requires parts, they’ll arrange for a tow.

2. Pay-As-You-Need Services

Pay-As-You-Need services, on the other hand, operate on a different model. They usually cover most of the services provided by membership-based plans but may not be available 24/7. These services are more like a mobile workshop, capable of handling on-site repairs and servicing. They can be especially convenient when you need immediate assistance.

Why Choose Roadside Assistance

Now that we’ve discussed the options let’s explore why you should consider having roadside assistance in the first place:

1. Distance of Your Commute

Think about your daily commute. Is it a long one, or does it take you out of a metropolitan area? Whether you’re close to home or far away, breakdowns can happen anywhere. Having a professional on hand can be a lifesaver.

2. Weather Conditions

Driving in inclement or dangerous weather can be challenging. Being stranded on the side of the road is no fun. Roadside assistance ensures you have someone to rely on when weather conditions take a turn for the worse.

3. Age of Your Vehicle

Even if you have a new car, it may not always be covered under a manufacturer’s assistance program. These programs typically have limitations in terms of time or mileage. Roadside assistance becomes a valuable investment, especially if you drive an older vehicle.

4. Maintenance History

If you own a second-hand car with an unknown service history or a history of maintenance problems, you’re at greater risk of encountering mechanical issues. Roadside assistance acts as an insurance policy for unexpected breakdowns.

5. Lack of Mechanical Knowledge

Not everyone is mechanically inclined or knows how to change a tire or jump-start a battery. Roadside assistance is a must for those who might find themselves in such situations.

6. Convenience

Whether it’s the middle of the night or you’re stranded on a dark, rainy road, convenience is paramount. Roadside assistance provides peace of mind and quick help when you need it most.

Membership-Based Plans vs. Pay-As-You-Need

Now that we understand the importance of roadside assistance, let’s take a closer look at what you get with a typical membership-based plan. Research indicates that Australians require roadside assistance roughly once every three years, with towing needed only once in ten years. Yet, many spend at least $100 per year on membership fees.

So, what’s included in a membership plan? These plans typically offer bundled services with the basic premise of attending to your vehicle. If the issue is minor, they might resolve it on the spot. If it’s more complex or requires parts, they’ll arrange a tow.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s included in some membership-based plans:

• NRMA (NSW and ACT): Their Classic Care plan covers roadside assistance, battery service, flat tires, emergency fuel, help with locked keys, and 20km towing in a metro area for $165 per year. For $383 per year, it includes 50km metro towing (100km in the country), caravan and trailer assistance, taxi after towing, pet assistance, and breakdown assistance cover.
• RAC (WA): Basic cover costs $106 per year, providing roadside assistance and 10km towing. Their top cover is $305, adding 200km towing, taxi up to $100, locksmith up to $200, trailer/caravan towing up to $50 fuel per year, and vehicle recovery.
• RAA (South Australia): Their Premium cover offers up to 5 nights’ accommodation if you’re more than 100km from home for $192 a year.
• RACT (Tasmania): Ultimate cover includes bicycle assistance and medical assistance if you’re more than 50km from home for $179.
• AANT (Northern Territory): Provides passenger transport up to $550 after vehicle recovery.
• RACV (Victoria): Their top cover package includes scooter and wheelchair assistance for $225 per annum.

While membership plans offer a range of services and even additional perks like entertainment discounts, movie tickets, and holiday planning, they may not always be the most cost-effective option.

Basic Roadside Assistance Services

Let’s break down the basic services commonly offered by both membership-based and Pay-As-You-Need roadside assistance providers:

1. Towing Service

If your vehicle can’t be made drivable again on the spot, towing service comes into play. Depending on your provider and level of cover, your vehicle will be towed to a mechanic or service center, usually up to a limited number of kilometers. Extra costs may apply if you need to be towed further.

2. Battery Jump-Start Service

This service jump-starts a flat battery. However, you may find that you need a new battery, which can usually be provided by the roadside assistance provider at an additional cost.

3. Flat Tires

A service professional will replace your flat tire with your spare. Keep in mind that most companies don’t typically cover flat tires for motorcycles or other two or three-wheel vehicles.

4. Lockout Service

Locked your keys in the car or can’t get in for some other reason? A lockout service comes to the rescue. If they can’t get in, a locksmith may need to be called, and some programs cover this cost while others don’t.

5. Fuel Service

For those unfortunate moments when you run out of fuel, the service will provide you with enough to reach the nearest service station. The amount depends on your level