A situation when the car stalls in the middle of a busy highway or refuses to start on a frosty morning can knock even an experienced driver out of the rut. At such times, it is critical to have a clear plan of action and contacts of trusted services that can quickly solve the problem. Help on the RAT road It has established itself as a reliable service offering comprehensive solutions for motorists in a difficult situation. Understanding the algorithm of interaction with the dispatching service and knowing your rights allows you to minimize stress and financial losses.
Many drivers perceive evacuation or technical assistance as a last resort, but a timely call for a specialist is often cheaper than an attempt to self-repair in the field. Modern services such as RATHuse specialized equipment that allows you to carefully transport vehicles of any complexity. It is important to realize that the proper organization of the process of saving a car begins long before the call center.
In this article, we will discuss all aspects of interaction with the road rescue service. You will learn in which cases a free call is guaranteed, how to correctly formulate a request to the dispatcher and what to expect from the arrival of the brigade. Proper use of service resources is a skill that should be in the arsenal of every responsible car owner.
What is included in the list of technical assistance services
Service technical assistance on the road It is not just a simple tow to the nearest service. Standard package of services from professional operators, including the team RATHIt covers a wide range of car resuscitation work. The main advantage of such services is mobility: the crew brings with them the necessary equipment, fuel or spare parts, eliminating the malfunction right at the scene.
One of the most requested services is lighting. Drivers face battery discharge all year round: in winter due to low temperatures, and in summer due to forgotten on dimensions. Masters use professional starters or boosters that allow the engine to start without the risk of damaging the electronics of a modern car with power surges.
The list of mandatory services also includes fuel delivery. If the tank is empty away from the gas station, the specialist will deliver the desired volume of gasoline or diesel. It is important to remember: for diesel cars in winter, a special defrosting additive may be required, the presence of which should be clarified when ordering. In addition, services provide assistance in the case of puncture of the wheel, replacing the damaged tire with a spare.
Do not forget about situations such as locks jamming or loss of keys. Qualified specialists are able to open the door without damaging the seals and glass, using a special pneumatic tool. This is much safer and more aesthetic than attempts to open the car at hand, which often lead to expensive body repairs.
Procedure for calling a tow truck
When it becomes obvious that it will not be possible to cope with the breakdown on your own, you need to call a tow truck. Evacuation of the vehicle - the process is technically complex, requiring coordination of actions of the driver and operator of the loading equipment. The first step is to call the service manager. RATH. At this point, it is important to remain calm and clearly answer the operator's questions.
The controller must be informed of the exact location. If you are on the track, look for mileage on road columns or use geolocation in your smartphone. Describe the nature of the malfunction: the engine does not start, the chassis is damaged or an accident has occurred. The type of breakdown depends on which tow truck will be sent: with partial loading, fully platform or manipulator.
☑️ Data for dispatcher
After the application is made, the operator will name the approximate time of arrival and the cost of services (if they are not covered by insurance). While waiting for the brigade, it is necessary to ensure safety: put up an emergency sign, wear a reflective vest and, if possible, be in a safe place, away from the flow of traffic. Locking of the steering or the gearbox must be removed by the time the tow truck arrives to speed up the loading process.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to climb under the car to inspect the chassis on the highway. It's deadly. Wait for professionals with the necessary lighting and fencing equipment.
Tariffs and conditions of free evacuation
The question of the cost of tow truck services and technical assistance is often the subject of controversy. Charging in service RATHLike other operators, it depends on several factors: the type of vehicle, the distance of transportation, the time of day and the complexity of work. There is usually a basic rate for the call and delivery of equipment, as well as an hourly payment or payment per kilometer of travel.
Many drivers do not know what they can expect. free-to-escape. This right is often granted by insurance companies under CASCO policies or extended CSAGO packages. Free services may also be included in the loyalty programs of car dealers or banks that issue co-branded credit cards. Before ordering a paid service, be sure to check your documents.
Below is an approximate table of the cost depending on the type of work and distance (prices can vary depending on the region and specific terms of the contract):
| Type of service | Base cost (fill) | Cost of kilometres | Night fare (22:00-08:00) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger car (up to 2 t) | 3000 rubles. | 50 rubles/km | +20% to the tariff |
| Off-road vehicle/minivan | 4000 rubles. | 60 rubles/km | +20% to the tariff |
| Lighting/ Transportation of fuels | 2000 rubles. | Not applicable | +30% to the tariff |
| Opening locks | 2500 rubles. | Not applicable | +30% to the tariff |
It is worth noting that payment is often made in cash or by transfer to a card immediately after the service is provided. If you plan to take advantage of the insured event, you must receive from the contractor a full package of documents: the act of work performed, checks and photos. Without the papers. insurance They may refuse to compensate for the costs.
Keep all checks and photo reports from the crash site. Even if you have insurance, the lack of documents from the evacuation service can cause a refusal to pay.
Specifics of evacuation of cars with automatic transmission
Owners of cars with gearbox (AV) should be especially careful when evacuating. Unlike mechanics, where the shafts are unlocked in neutral gear, in the automatic lubrication of the nodes occurs only when the engine is running. Partial loading (when the front or rear wheels roll on the ground) can cause fatal transmission damage.
For such vehicles, the only safe way is to load them on the tow truck platform. All wheels must be removed from the ground. If it is technically impossible to drive the car onto the platform (for example, brakes or steering are blocked), the overload method or special carts under the wheels are used. RATH Other professional services strictly follow these rules so as not to be held responsible for the breakdown.
⚠️ Attention: The requirement of full loading for cars with automatic transmission is not a whim of the tow trucker, but a technical necessity. Ignoring this rule will result in expensive gearbox repairs that won't cover the warranty.
When ordering a tow truck for a machine on an automatic machine, be sure to emphasize this fact to the dispatcher. This will allow you to immediately send the equipment of the appropriate load capacity and configuration. An attempt to save on the type of tow truck can result in the loss of the entire amount of the cost of repairing the transmission.
Legal and security aspects
Interaction with evacuation services is regulated by the contract of rendering services and traffic rules. The driver must give way to special equipment with an orange or yellow flashing beacon on. When loading a car on the highway, it is necessary to strictly comply with the traffic rules regarding stop and parking.
An important legal point is delivery. Before the car leaves, carefully examine it with the driver of the tow truck. Fill in the act all the scratches, dents and chips. This will protect you from claims that damages have appeared during transportation. Take a picture of the loading process.
What to do if the tow truck damaged the car?
If new damages were caused during the evacuation, it is necessary to immediately draw up a certificate with the driver, take photos and video recording. Without the signed act on the spot to prove the guilt of the evacuation service in court will be almost impossible. Also, take the contact of witnesses.
Beware of illegal tow trucks who can offer their services immediately after an accident or breakdown. Often, such "assistants" do not have licenses, inflate prices many times and do not provide documents for insurance. Only work with trusted services such as RATHor those recommended by your insurance company.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is the average wait for a tow truck?
Arrival time depends on the workload, weather conditions and the remoteness of your location. In the city, the average interval is 30-60 minutes. On the track, the time can increase to 1.5-2 hours. The dispatcher always calls an approximate time when placing an order.
Can I drive in the tow truck with the car?
The rules for the carriage of passengers in the tow truck cabin depend on the company’s internal policy and the availability of seats. By law, the transportation of people in the body or on the platform is prohibited. If there is no space in the cabin, the driver will have to get to the destination on his own or by associated transport.
What to do if the car has blocked traffic?
In this case, the priority is to clear the carriageway. Inform the dispatcher about creating a congestion - machines with faster loading or priority may be sent. Don’t get into conflict with other people, but focus on safety.
Main conclusion: Pre-save the number of the service of technical assistance in the phone and check the conditions of insurance. This will save time and money at a critical time.