Breakdown assistance
The breakdown service is a mobile and mostly commercial service that comes to the aid of drivers if the vehicle breaks down and is unable to drive. The breakdown service provides breakdown assistance .
The breakdown drivers are mostly car mechanics who are universally familiar with different vehicle types across all manufacturers. However, due to the increasing use of electronics in cars, it is becoming increasingly difficult to help with conventional methods outside of a specialist workshop. For this reason, the majority of the breakdown vehicles are already equipped with a computer that connects them to the vehicle manufacturer's on-board computers , making it easier to discover and possibly correct errors.
The most common breakdown assistance cases, however, are supposedly minor things such as an empty tank , jump start - for example due to an empty or defective car battery or a non-functional starter -, keys in the locked car or difficulties with the electrical system .
Dealing with burning electric cars poses new challenges for breakdown services and fire brigades. B. much more water is required for extinguishing. A chemical reaction can take place in lithium-ion accumulators , which makes a special refrigerated container necessary for transport.
The breakdown service vehicles are usually equipped with radios to coordinate operations. However, these are increasingly being replaced by cell phones or other communication services.
In some countries there is a separate emergency number for roadside assistance .
providers
The ADAC and in Austria the ÖAMTC refer to their staff as yellow angels based on the color of the vehicles and uniforms . The breakdown services of the German insurance industry, the Assistance Partners , call themselves Silver Angels .
Germany
In addition to the industry leader ADAC, there are several other breakdown assistance providers in Germany. Some of these are automobile clubs registered as associations, some are start-up companies and insurance companies. The latter offer separate letters of protection without a mandatory combination with a car insurance with the same insurance company.
There are only few differences in the basic breakdown assistance service. Smaller breakdown services, however, adapt more often to the needs of individual target groups. The prices are very different and can also include other services. In 2015 there were the following providers in Germany:
Individual evidence
- ↑ Breakdown services have to upgrade because of electric cars. In: 20min.ch . October 18, 2019, accessed October 19, 2019 .