Just wanted to share the great experience I had this week when I spent an afternoon on patrol with the RAC. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to go out on the road with Mark Dilloway, a patrolman with over 6 years RAC experience. His “cell” covers a hefty part of central London, so I was expecting a busy afternoon. In lovely cold, wet and wintry British conditions might I add!

2pm
Meet in central London, hop in the van and am greeted by a very friendly Mark. Am immediately drawn to and fascinated by the call-out system in the van. Am equally impressed by the orange RAC high-visibility jacket I have to wear!

2.20pm
After some typical London traffic and me bombarding Mark with questions about his job, we get called to a Mitsubishi Spacewagon that won’t start near Old Street. Seems to be something to do with the starter-motor or alternator…er…or something. At this stage I thought it appropriate to warn Mark I’m not the brightest spark when it comes to mechanical matters.

Looks like the Mitsu won’t be going far, so we have to tow it a few miles to the garage. I ask Mark whether this means getting a tow-truck out…but Mark surprises me by turning his van into a Transformer! You’ll have to check out the link below, but little did I know that the back of his van contains towing gear, which pops out at the touch of a button. Awesome!...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pELZdcQrXRg

4pm
Shortly after rescuing the Spacewagon (satisfying a very happy member can I just say), we get called to a Ford Mondeo in north London with a central locking problem. In trying to resolve the problem, it strikes me how much of an amazing rapport Mark has with the members. I had heard that this was the case with the RAC patrols in general, but this really impresses me!

Equally as impressive are the lengths gone to in order to resolve the problem. Apparently a part will be required from the manufacturer, but that doesn’t stop Mark improvising and creating a short-term solution to the problem using a cable-tie.

5pm
The time certainly flies when you’re an RAC patrol! We’re now on our way to a Honda motorbike that won’t start, near Covent Garden. I’m again impressed, this time by the breadth of knowledge the RAC patrols have about different vehicles. Within about 20 minutes Mark has the Honda started again, much to the relief of the member (his first RAC call-out in 12 years as a member), who is glad to be on his way home…albeit in sleet!

5.30pm
Almost immediately we get another call…to another bike! This time it’s a Vespa scooter which won’t start. After some more tinkering and mechanical wizardry Mark diagnoses the problem. An issue with the spark plug I’m told. Soon enough though the little scooter is started again and the member’s glee is clear.

7pm signals the end of Mark’s day. I’m amazed at how quickly the day went! Great experience, really interesting to see how efficient the whole operation is, how much fun it is dealing with members, and how far the RAC are willing to go to help their customers.

Thanks to the RAC for the opportunity, and thanks once again to Mark for a great afternoon!

Anyone else ever been out with an RAC patrol? Can you beat my count of two bikes in one day?!