Top job by the RAC (and top tips learned)
Discussion
Further praise for the RAC breakdown services: having had cause to use them three times in the past year (for a variety of cars) I have had nothing but superb service.
In the latest (last night) a really nice bloke arrived within 15 minutes (quoted call-out time 75 minutes) and, despite obviously never having seen a TVR before, had me back up and running in no time.
Although he didn't have the necessary information in the van, he called the office who had a full manual. In fact, I suspect he was quite chuffed to have played with one for a short time - classic quote "Errr, how do I open the door?". 
Oh, and the top tips (which apply to all fuel injected cars):
Tip 1: If the engine is run from cold for only a short time before stalling/stopping, there is a possibility of flooding when restarting because the ECU causes overfuelling (it still thinks it is very cold). You can get it started by pulling the fuse for the fuel pump and cranking the engine: put the fuse back in just as it starts to fire for a short time to get it started, and then when running reinsert the fuse. Mr. RAC man sees this a lot at this time of year (apparently especially so with owners who have started the car just to pull out of the garage onto the drive for a wash/wax
).
Tip 2: Fuel pump is fuse 19 on an '01 Cerbera 4.5.
Tip 3: Don't stall after just starting on a cold day.
D'OH!
In the latest (last night) a really nice bloke arrived within 15 minutes (quoted call-out time 75 minutes) and, despite obviously never having seen a TVR before, had me back up and running in no time.
Although he didn't have the necessary information in the van, he called the office who had a full manual. In fact, I suspect he was quite chuffed to have played with one for a short time - classic quote "Errr, how do I open the door?". Oh, and the top tips (which apply to all fuel injected cars):
Tip 1: If the engine is run from cold for only a short time before stalling/stopping, there is a possibility of flooding when restarting because the ECU causes overfuelling (it still thinks it is very cold). You can get it started by pulling the fuse for the fuel pump and cranking the engine: put the fuse back in just as it starts to fire for a short time to get it started, and then when running reinsert the fuse. Mr. RAC man sees this a lot at this time of year (apparently especially so with owners who have started the car just to pull out of the garage onto the drive for a wash/wax
). Tip 2: Fuel pump is fuse 19 on an '01 Cerbera 4.5.
Tip 3: Don't stall after just starting on a cold day.
D'OH!
I must say they did a good job for me yesterday. I'm with the RAC through Adrian Flux, my insurance company, got the cover for £30. My Integrale died when I got to work so they sent a chap in a van out, he confirmed my suspicion that the F
er had seized. Couldn't do anything as it is 4WD. They then sent a truck out to lift it and deliver it ANYWHERE IN THE UK . I was a bit shocked but rather happy as it can go to the chaps in Yorkshire, oh joy, more bills.
I think it may be time to for an M3 or a scooby, bad image but good cars that don't break every two fing minutes.
er had seized. Couldn't do anything as it is 4WD. They then sent a truck out to lift it and deliver it ANYWHERE IN THE UK . I was a bit shocked but rather happy as it can go to the chaps in Yorkshire, oh joy, more bills. I think it may be time to for an M3 or a scooby, bad image but good cars that don't break every two f
ing minutes.Yeah, you're the member, not the car. Unless you get it through Adrian Flux, when it's the opposite way round
s2ooz said: Im looking to get cover today, and my rac leaflet suggests its me thats covered not the car, very much like the AA do. is this true? as I have a bike as well and would like to get both "covered"
But then it is only £30 for the bestest package you can get.Have to say that there are obviously good and bad experiences with every company.
My wife broke down on the M1 about 3 weeks ago in the feezing weather. She phoned the RAC and asked to be made a priority as she is a pregnant female on her own in the dark somewhere on the M1.
The RAC quoted 45 minutes, and they advised her to stay out of the car.
Even with a thick fleece, jeans gloves and scarf my wife started to freeze so has to get back into the car for warmth. After the 45 minutes had come and gone she phoned again, and was told the patrol would be another 45 minutes!! My wife asked if they could phone the police to check on her and they refused saying that if she needed police assistance then she had to walk to the nearest emergency phone!
Eventualy after much shouting and arguing she was recovered by a local independant garage after 1.5 hours.
After complaing we eventually received a transcrpt of the notes from the computer of the night, and it stated that if she called again she was to be told the same story time after time regarding the arrival time, my wife also questioned the priority rating that the RAC apply to these such incidents and was told effectively that everybody is a priority unless they are in medical difficulty, but then surely if you're in medical difficulty you phone an ambulance, not the RAC.
Sorry but I have no time for the Faceless side of the RAC but thier patrol guys are generally OK,.. if you see one.
My wife broke down on the M1 about 3 weeks ago in the feezing weather. She phoned the RAC and asked to be made a priority as she is a pregnant female on her own in the dark somewhere on the M1.
The RAC quoted 45 minutes, and they advised her to stay out of the car.
Even with a thick fleece, jeans gloves and scarf my wife started to freeze so has to get back into the car for warmth. After the 45 minutes had come and gone she phoned again, and was told the patrol would be another 45 minutes!! My wife asked if they could phone the police to check on her and they refused saying that if she needed police assistance then she had to walk to the nearest emergency phone!
Eventualy after much shouting and arguing she was recovered by a local independant garage after 1.5 hours.
After complaing we eventually received a transcrpt of the notes from the computer of the night, and it stated that if she called again she was to be told the same story time after time regarding the arrival time, my wife also questioned the priority rating that the RAC apply to these such incidents and was told effectively that everybody is a priority unless they are in medical difficulty, but then surely if you're in medical difficulty you phone an ambulance, not the RAC.
Sorry but I have no time for the Faceless side of the RAC but thier patrol guys are generally OK,.. if you see one.
s2ooz said: Im looking to get cover today, and my rac leaflet suggests its me thats covered not the car, very much like the AA do. is this true? as I have a bike as well and would like to get both "covered"
Depends on which cover you go for. I've got what used to be called RAC Reflex cover (don't know if it's still called that) which means I have cover for any car I may drive, and all my cars have cover if anyone other than me is driving.
Ive never used the RAC (So I cant comment on the experiences of others with them) but I have been a member of the AA since I passed my test.
Every time Ive had to call out an AA patrol they have been fantastic. Ive had to wait for a while a few times, however Ive never had a problem with the call centre staff, who couldnt have been more helpfull.
The one occasion I was made a priority (prioritised by the call centre staff, not by my request) was when I was on the way to pick up a couple of mates and take them into work where we were running one of the inbound call centres for comic relief.
They informed me that they would do everything they could to get us there on time (despite the rush hour bein one of their peak times) and got a patrol to me in under 20 minutes. Started and on the way again in under half an hour.
The AA have my business if they keep to the same standard of service ive seen so far, and have definitely earned it.
Every time Ive had to call out an AA patrol they have been fantastic. Ive had to wait for a while a few times, however Ive never had a problem with the call centre staff, who couldnt have been more helpfull.
The one occasion I was made a priority (prioritised by the call centre staff, not by my request) was when I was on the way to pick up a couple of mates and take them into work where we were running one of the inbound call centres for comic relief.
They informed me that they would do everything they could to get us there on time (despite the rush hour bein one of their peak times) and got a patrol to me in under 20 minutes. Started and on the way again in under half an hour.
The AA have my business if they keep to the same standard of service ive seen so far, and have definitely earned it.
AA have in fact just pissed me off royally.
Bought a shiny new car (6 years old).
Paid for the top whack inspection (not cheap), and asked them to pay particular attention to the cooling system as I was suspicious that the thermostat was stuck open.
Guy inspects it, says it's fine.
I bought it. And it's in the shop within 7 days to have the thermostat replaced because it's stuck open.
Grrrrrrrrr........
Bought a shiny new car (6 years old).
Paid for the top whack inspection (not cheap), and asked them to pay particular attention to the cooling system as I was suspicious that the thermostat was stuck open.
Guy inspects it, says it's fine.
I bought it. And it's in the shop within 7 days to have the thermostat replaced because it's stuck open.
Grrrrrrrrr........
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