Hamad from Road Help, one of Canberra’s most recommended roadside assistance services. Photo: Supplied.
Canberra is a city that has come to rely heavily on cars – according to a survey of household travel in the ACT and Queanbeyan region, around 95% of households have at least one car, and each day just under a million car journeys are made across our city. So, with our cars playing such an important role in our day-to-day lives, we need to be able to trust roadside assistance services to help us in our time of need.
A roadside assistance service will be on call at all hours of the day to help you with almost any vehicle emergency, such as wrong fuel recovery, engine breakdown, tyre changes, even keys locked inside the car. But what makes a roadside assistance service great, as opposed to just good, and how can you decide who to call when you’re in need of some professional help?
In this article, we’ll give you a list of a few criteria to look for in a great roadside assistance service, as well as a handy guide to some of Canberra’s favourite services so that you know who to go to in the event of a roadside emergency.
What makes a great roadside assistance & wrong fuel recovery service?
Whether you’re in need of a tyre change or a battery replacement, the last thing anyone wants is an unreliable and ineffective roadside assistance service. So, here are the most important things to keep in mind when looking for a service to help you with your emergency:
- 24/7 availability. Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, and no one wants to be without their vehicle for longer than is absolutely necessary. It’s in your best interests for a service to be available 24/7, so make sure you check their hours before calling.
- Reasonably priced. It’s stressful enough to be in any kind of roadside emergency or accident without also having to worry about an enormous financial burden – if you’re able to, ask your service for a cost estimate or if your insurance will cover the cost, and see if they’re right for you.
- Wide range of services. There’s no telling what might go wrong with your car while you’re out on the road – from a stone being kicked up and cracking your windshield, to something bursting your tyre, or unexpected engine troubles, there’s simply too much that might happen for you to book a roadside assistance service that is only qualified to handle some situations rather than all. Look for a service that is well equipped, highly trained, and able to offer help for any situation.
- Friendly and professional. After an accident of any kind, you might be feeling stressed or upset – a great roadside assistance service will do whatever they can to make you feel comfortable in the knowledge that you are in capable hands, for example staying transparent throughout the process or offering you transport to your next destination if need be.
The best roadside assistance & wrong fuel recovery services in Canberra
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google
Road Help: The Roadside Assistance
Road Help is another 24/7 roadside assistance service, and they are fully equipped for a wide range of services and emergencies, including battery replacement, tyre change, emergency fuel, key rescue, wrong fuel rescue, jump start battery, radiator/coolant flush, oil filter change, and fuel filter change. With affordable prices and a guaranteed 30-50 response time, Road Help is committed to providing you with reliable and effective service no matter the situation.
See what Google reviewer Cindy Pobjie had to say about their experience, “Such helpful, friendly and professional service today in replacing my battery. The gentleman that came to do the work was fantastic and super efficient too. Thank you!”
NRMA Roadside Assistance
Among their wide array of services and insurance, NRMA also offers a 24/7 roadside assistance service, with patrols ready across the country to help you in your emergencies no matter where you are. They can help you with such issues as flat batteries, towing, tyre change, empty tanks, and even locked keys, to name a few. With unlimited call-outs, a membership program offering useful discounts, and an app to help you track the location of your mechanic, NRMA is a reliable, affordable and professional service.
As Google reviewer and Local Guide Guirgis Eskander writes, “I needed them 4 times in 5 years, they were always there for assistance with the needed urgency, it's one of the best businesses in Australia.”
Battery World
Battery World has been servicing the community since 1997, and now has over 110 stores across Australia and two here in Canberra – one in Belconnen, and the other in South Canberra, so whichever side of the lake you’re on, Battery World can get to you in no time at all. Whether you are at home, on the side of the road, in a car park or even on the boat ramp, their expert team members – available 24/7 – will come to you and test and fit a new battery to get you on your way ASAP.
Google reviewer Bec Anderson wrote the following about her experience with Battery World’s call-out service, “My car has an uncommon battery, but they had it in stock and were out in 90 minutes to replace it. Great service and excellent price.”
Canberra Mobile Batteries
Canberra Mobile Batteries is a locally owned service that offers 24/7 emergency assistance. Not only are they fully equipped for jumpstarts, battery replacements, tyre change, lockouts, emergency fuel and wrong fuel recovery, but they are also fully insured, giving you financial peace of mind.
As happy customer Allison Lubransky-Moy writes in their Facebook review, “I would recommend Canberra Mobile Battery Service! Chris came out on a freezing morning and his service was friendly, convenient and really well priced. Thanks for helping us get back on the road quickly and efficiently.”
Are you looking for more information on vehicle-related services in Canberra? Take a look at our articles on the best mechanics and the best car service centres in Canberra for some helpful guides to our city’s best businesses.
Your experience with roadside assistance & wrong fuel recovery services in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback, if you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the services listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my car breaks down while I'm on the road??
Firstly, put on your hazard lights to alert traffic around you, and try and find a safe place to pull over, either off the road or in the emergency break down lane. Once you’ve exited your car, it’ll be safe for you to call for roadside assistance.
How can I prevent breakdowns and roadside emergencies?
To avoid breakdowns and other emergencies, make sure you are maintaining your vehicle properly - this can mean monitoring your tyre pressure, keeping an eye on any warnings that appear on your dashboard, and having your car serviced as often as your dealership recommends.
Is roadside assistance covered in car insurance?
No, however most providers will offer you roadside assistance insurance as an addition to your existing cover. Furthermore, most roadside assistance services are fully insured, which will help reduce the overall cost.
What are the most common roadside emergencies?
According to Australian car insurance company Budget Direct, the most common roadside emergencies include jump-starts, battery replacements, breakdown tows, tyre changes, emergency fuel, and key recovery.
What happens if I put the wrong fuel in my car?
If left unchecked, putting the wrong fuel in your tank could mean a costly repair of your car's fuel system, or a complete replacement of the fuel pump, diesel injectors, filters and fuel tank. If you’ve put the wrong fuel in your tank, be sure to call a roadside assistance and wrong fuel recovery service as early as possible.
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