Roadside assistance, also known as breakdown coverage, is a service that assists motorists, motorcyclists, or bicyclists whose vehicles have suffered a mechanical failure that either cannot be resolved by the motorist, or has prevented them from reasonably or effectively transporting the vehicle to an automobile repair shop. Roadside assistance employees respond to calls for service to inspect the vehicle and attempt to render appropriate repairs. Roadside assistance may be provided by departments of transportation, automobile associations, vehicle insurance providers, or dedicated roadside assistance organizations.
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👉 Roadside assistance in the context of In-car Internet
In-car Internet refers to Internet service provided in a car. Internet access can be provided by tethering a mobile phone, with a mobile hotspot, or with any satellite based connections, whether portable or built into the car. Built in systems have existed since 2008 and include:
- General Motors OnStar: provides subscription-based telecommunication, in-vehicle security, hands free calling, navigation, and remote diagnostics.
- BMW Assist telematic roadside assistance service.
- Mercedes-Benz mbrace which connects a car from a smartphone or computer.
- Cadillac CUE, a built-in mobile hotspot combined with a data subscription.
- Chrysler Uconnect Web: has a wi-fi hot-spot with a 150-foot range via a 3G EV-DO cellular network from Autonet Mobile It includes Bluetooth for cell phones, a hard drive, Sirius XM TV and satellite, and GPS. It is a fee-based service that includes a free trial with a new car.
- Toyota Safety Connect: a subscription-based telematics system introduced in 2009 providing telecommunication, roadside assistance, car safety, remote diagnostics, and other services. It is offered including the aforementioned features as part of the Toyota Entune package, while Lexus models receive the Lexus Enform system with Safety Connect, adding hands free calling, and destination assistance services. Vehicles equipped with Safety Connect come with a one-year subscription included at purchase, which can then be renewed annually.
Exposing a vehicle to cellular connectivity can lead to security vulnerabilities where a hacker accesses the vehicle's control systems.
In this Dossier
Roadside assistance in the context of Breakdown (vehicle)
A vehicle breakdown is a mechanical or electrical failure of a motor vehicle that renders the vehicle inoperable or causes further operation of the vehicle to be unsafe.
Vehicle breakdowns have various causes. Depending on the severity, the vehicle may need to be towed to an automobile repair shop or fixed on-site by roadside assistance or a mobile mechanic. With other problems, the driver may be able to operate the vehicle seemingly normally for some time, but the vehicle will need an eventual repair. Many vehicle owners with personal economic difficulty or a busy schedule may wait longer than they should to get necessary maintenance or repairs made to their vehicles, thereby increasing their chances of a breakdown, inducing further damage to the vehicle, or else causing more danger.
View the full Wikipedia page for Breakdown (vehicle)Roadside assistance in the context of American Automobile Association
American Automobile Association (AAA) is a federation of motor clubs throughout North America. AAA is a privately held not-for-profit national member association and service organization with over 60 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA provides services to its members, including roadside assistance and others. Its national headquarters are in Heathrow, Florida.
View the full Wikipedia page for American Automobile AssociationRoadside assistance in the context of Automobile Club de l'Ouest
The Automobile Club de l'Ouest (English: Automobile Club of the West), sometimes abbreviated to ACO, is the largest automotive group in France. It was founded in 1906 by car building and racing enthusiasts, and is most famous for being the organising entity behind the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The ACO also lobbies on behalf of French drivers on such issues as road building and maintenance, the availability of driving schools and road safety classes, and the incorporation of technical innovations into new vehicles. It also runs a roadside assistance service for its members.
View the full Wikipedia page for Automobile Club de l'Ouest