You’ve decided to head on out in your car, for a grand adventure filled with dust and ditches. You’re all packed, your car is kitted out, but then you ask - what do I do if I break down on while on this road trip?
stay calm
No matter how big or small the problem is, the best thing to do when your car breaks down in the Outback is to stay calm. Sure, you might be frustrated, annoyed or worried, but a clear and level head will get you back up and running sooner - especially if you had yourself prepared ahead of time.
When we say prepared, we mean basic spare parts, satellite phone, water, food and other bits and pieces to aid in calling for a tow/helping hand, tackling things yourself or coasting through any waiting.
are you prepared for car repair?
Question to ask yourself now is – do you have the parts and tools to handle car repairs yourself if possible. In terms of parts, all the lightweight basics are essential (hoses, belts, bulbs, electrical wire and connections, toggle switch, fuel pump). All these can be packed and stored in nooks and crannies throughout the vehicle without taking up valuable space.
We also advise that if your car has the fuel pump integrated into the tank (later model EFI engines), make sure you carry an identical spare. They cannot be bypassed or bodgied to get you through.
And lastly, a spare set of shock absorbers and spare rubbers can go a long way whether you’re self-repairing or getting help along the way.
have you remembered your tow points?
Tow points, tow hooks and D shackles are used for recovering vehicles out of bogs – these potential bogs/ditches will come up regularly if you are going off the beaten track on your drive. So, you need to be prepared.
Towballs are only used in the event of a breakdown and the vehicle has to be stiff bar towed and should be unbolted from the car and only attached when, and if, a stiff bar tow is needed. For safe and easy stiff bar towing, the towball must be in the centre of the vehicle.
did you know the great endeavour rally has you covered on the road?
The Great Endeavour Rally is your chance to explore the roads less travelled without worrying about break downs or backup. While we still encourage all the above even while with us, you can enjoy your drive with us with the added peace of mind that comes from -
army support
Every rally drive we do is backed by expert mechanical support from the Australian Army. They’re prepared to tackle any auto issue with the full extent of their hard-earned mechanical know-how.
towsta
The army boys aren’t alone in helping out participants when and if they need some assistance. TOWSTA, a sturdy and well-travelled flatbed courtesy of Transport Field Services, is with us on every leg of the journey to give you and your car a much-needed lift in those instances that you can’t motor it to the next stop/overnight.
rallysafe
Last but not least is the amazing RallySafe units that are put into every participating car before the driving adventure starts. These units are used in major rallies (as in those sort of driving rallies), and allow the Great Endeavour Rally to carefully track and communicate with everyone wherever they are – potentially connecting you with support sooner.
In other words...
if your car breaks down on a road trip with us, you’re in good hands
The Great Endeavour Rally team is always on hand to help out those who are eager to head out on the road as part of our rally family.
If you would like to know more about support for break downs and bogs or the drive we’re taking on in 2021, you can request more info via the button below.
