Ever since its foundation in 1897, the RAC has been consistently at the forefront of developing motoring services – from introducing uniformed patrols in 1901 and roadside emergency telephone boxes in 1912 right through to the present day when we boast what we believe to be the advanced computer systems.

In 2001 the RAC designed, developed and launched a retractable rapid deployment trailer which is stored in the back of all its patrol vans. Keeping pace with modern vehicles, which are becoming increasingly complex, all RAC patrols are equipped with the mobile diagnostic equipment – RAC Scan+ which enables them to quickly identify faults that would otherwise have to be dealt with by a garage. A fleet of fuel patrols was launched in 2010 to help people who mistakenly put the wrong fuel in their vehicles.

In 2014 the RAC rolled out a pioneering universal spare wheel designed to speed up the fix time and minimise inconvenience for members who experience a puncture without having a spare. In addition, a fleet of tyre vans was also introduced to complement the RAC’s experienced patrols who have an excellent record of fixing the majority of punctures at the roadside or temporarily fitting the universal wheel.

And, As standard, every RAC van carries more than 500 parts and tools which patrols use to get members’ vehicles going again as quickly as possible. The RAC is very proud of its record of repairing four out of five vehicles at the roadside.