Does the RAC fix your car?

Yes — RAC patrols aim to repair your car at the roadside and succeed in most callouts, then recover you to a garage or destination if a fix isn’t possible. In practice, they handle many common faults on the spot, and with the right level of cover they’ll also assist at home and provide onward travel options. Paid services like RAC Mobile Mechanics and the RAC Approved Garages network cover repairs beyond what can be done at the roadside.

How RAC breakdown assistance works

RAC provides 24/7 breakdown assistance across the UK. When you call for help, a patrol will diagnose the issue and try to repair your vehicle where it’s stranded. If it can’t be fixed safely and promptly, the patrol will arrange recovery according to your policy. Replacement parts (for example, a new battery or tyre) and some specialist services may incur extra charges unless you have specific add-ons.

Common on‑the‑spot fixes RAC can do

The following are typical faults RAC patrols can often repair at the roadside, depending on your vehicle and the exact circumstances:

• Flat batteries: jump-starts and on-the-spot battery testing; replacement batteries can usually be supplied and fitted (part cost extra).
• Tyre problems: fitting your spare, temporary puncture plugs where appropriate, or using a multi-fit spare solution; arranging a new tyre if needed (charges apply).
• Minor electrical faults: blown fuses, loose connections, sensor resets and software restarts where safe and supported.
• Fuel issues: small amounts of fuel delivered if you’ve run out; misfueling is handled via a specialist drain service (usually a paid extra).
• Cooling and belts: minor hose repairs, top-ups, and simple belt adjustments where safe; temporary fixes to get you to a garage.
• Starter/charging faults: diagnostics and simple repairs; alternator or starter replacements typically require a garage.
• Keys locked inside the car: non-destructive entry techniques where possible; lost/broken keys usually require separate key cover or a locksmith.
• EV assistance: wheel changes (if applicable), 12V issues, and “EV boost” mobile charging in some areas to reach the nearest public charger.

These fixes are intended to get you moving safely. Permanent repairs, complex parts, or specialist work may require a garage visit, and parts or specialist services are generally chargeable unless covered by an add-on.

When they can’t fix it there and then

Some faults are too complex or unsafe to repair at the roadside. In these cases, RAC will arrange recovery in line with your policy’s limits:

• Major mechanical failures: timing belt/chain failures, internal engine damage, serious clutch or gearbox faults.
• Advanced diagnostics: complex ECU/ADAS faults requiring dealer-level equipment or coding.
• Structural or accident damage: anything resulting from a collision that compromises safety.
• Immobiliser or key programming issues: often require dealer tools and security protocols.
• Severe tyre/wheel damage or no safe temporary repair possible (e.g., damaged run-flats without replacement available).
• High-voltage EV faults: typically need specialist workshop attention.

When an on-the-spot fix isn’t feasible, recovery will take you to a garage or destination as defined by your cover. The destination and distance depend on your policy level.

Recovery and cover levels

RAC cover levels determine where your vehicle can be taken if it can’t be fixed at the roadside, and whether home-start and onward travel are included.

The list below outlines the main RAC breakdown cover tiers commonly available in the UK:

1. Roadside Assistance: roadside repair attempt and local recovery (typically to a nearby garage, often up to around 10 miles).
2. National Recovery: recovery to any single destination in the UK if a roadside fix isn’t possible.
3. At Home: assistance for breakdowns at or near your home address (useful for non-starts in the driveway).
4. Onward Travel: options like a hire car, alternative transport or overnight accommodation while your car is being repaired.
5. European Cover: assistance and recovery while driving in eligible European countries, subject to policy terms.

Exact benefits and limits vary by policy and promotions, so check your current documents for the mileage limits, destination rules and any claim caps that apply.

What’s not included or may cost extra

Breakdown cover focuses on getting you moving or recovered; some items fall outside standard cover or incur additional charges unless you’ve bought specific add-ons.

The following list highlights common exclusions or chargeable items to consider:

• Replacement parts and consumables: batteries, tyres, fluids and certain components are usually chargeable.
• Misfueling (wrong fuel): often handled via a paid fuel-drain service unless you have dedicated misfuel cover.
• Key issues: lost or broken keys typically need separate key cover; unlocking a car may be possible but new keys/locks are extra.
• Accident recovery: collisions are usually handled by your insurer, not standard breakdown cover.
• Unroadworthy or poorly maintained vehicles: pre-existing faults and unsafe modifications can be excluded.
• Vehicle size/weight limits and specialist recovery: larger vans, motorhomes, or modified/low vehicles may require specialist trucks at extra cost.
• EV-specific constraints: high-voltage system repairs require workshops; mobile charging is intended only to reach a charger.

Review your policy wording for the definitive list of exclusions, limits, and any optional add-ons that can reduce unexpected costs.

RAC Mobile Mechanics and Approved Garages

Beyond emergency breakdowns, RAC offers paid Mobile Mechanics who can carry out servicing and many repairs at your home or workplace by appointment. This is separate from breakdown cover. If workshop facilities are needed, the RAC Approved Garages network provides vetted garages that can undertake more involved diagnostics and repairs.

Electric vehicles, hybrids and modern tech

RAC patrols support EVs and hybrids, including wheel/tyre help (where applicable), 12V issues, and mobile “EV boost” charging in many areas to get you to the nearest public charger. High-voltage faults, ADAS calibrations, and manufacturer-specific software updates generally require specialist workshops. If an EV can’t be safely mobilised, recovery is arranged per your cover level.

How to get help when you break down

If you need assistance, you can call the RAC or request help via the RAC app. Making yourself safe and providing clear details helps patrols reach you faster and prepared.

• Share your membership details and vehicle registration.
• Confirm your exact location (landmarks, motorway markers, or a precise pin/what3words).
• Describe symptoms (warning lights, noises, smells, what happened just before the fault).
• Flag any hazards (live lanes, children or pets onboard, limited hard shoulder).
• Follow safety advice: stand well away from traffic, use hazard lights, and exit on the passenger side where possible.

Having this information ready helps the RAC dispatch the right equipment and speeds up diagnosis when the patrol arrives.

Summary

RAC does fix cars: patrols resolve most breakdowns at the roadside, and when a quick, safe repair isn’t possible, they recover you according to your cover. Home-start, national recovery, onward travel, and European options are available, while parts and specialist services may cost extra unless covered by add-ons. For repairs beyond a roadside fix, RAC Mobile Mechanics and Approved Garages provide paid, planned solutions to get you fully back on the road.

What services are offered by RAC myaree?

Repairs – brakes, clutches, gear boxes, automatic transmission diagnosis and repair, engine rebuilds, cooling system, exhaust system, fuel injection systems, engine management diagnosis and repair, auto-electrical diagnosis and repairs, shock absorber replacement, wheel balancing, suspension repairs, battery …

What problems can RAC fix?

Breakdown cover is insurance that means you can get help if your vehicle breaks down. For example, if you get a flat tyre or your engine breaks down, you can call for roadside assistance. When your mechanic arrives, they’ll try to fix your vehicle there and then (otherwise known as roadside assistance).

Can RAC fix engine problems?

Why choose the RAC for an engine repair? At the RAC, we’ve got over 125 years’ experience helping UK drivers. We have the skills and knowledge to keep your vehicle running. We’ll give you results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Do RAC fix your car?

If your vehicle cannot be repaired at the roadside, RAC will transport you, your vehicle and passengers up to 10 miles and provide you with a fault report to take to the garage.