what is road side assistance

Roadside assistance is the cavalry for cars: a service that sends a technician when you’re stranded with a flat battery, puncture, empty tank or a sulking immobiliser.

In Australia it usually covers jump‑starts, tyre changes, fuel delivery, lock‑out help, minor on‑the‑spot repairs and towing to a nearby workshop if the fix needs tools you don’t carry.

Basic plans run roughly AUD $90–$200 per year, with higher tiers adding longer tow distances, accommodation, rental cars and country‑miles coverage.

You can buy it from car clubs, insurers, dealers or manufacturers; check the fine print on call‑out limits, parts charges and towing distance so there are no surprises when the gremlins clock on.