Can I call RAC for this?

[ceejayt]

So, just discovered I have a brake light out at the rear and due to set off for a few days.

From experience, removing the rear light cluster on the motorhome is incredibly fiddly especially with my chocolate fire guard skills (actually, it is getting it back in properly that is the really hard bit)

I have RAC arrival cover on the motorhome. Kind of feels cheeky to get them out for this but it does make the vehicle illegal and me liable to points if driven off my drive. I have been a paid up member for two years and never called them.

What do you think?

 

[steve69]

Any garage/service centre worthy of the name that you may pass will do it for you. I wouldn't expect them to charge much either.

 

[kev54]

Worth a call to RAC to ask - they can just say “no”. Or what steve69 says. You should be ok if you’re en route to a garage to get it fixed (I think!)

 

[Landy Andy]

If you are happy to pay for this, which I would be in your situation, then just pop to any garage and ask if anyone can change a bulb, for a cash donation, or arrive with biscuits, or beer. I’m sure they would assist.

 

[ceejayt]

Agree with the above but what about the RAC. Suggests there would be reluctance to call them?

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[pappajohn]

If it involves 20 or 30 minutes of dismantle, replace and reassemble I can't see a garage doing it free.

 

[Mikey RV]

I don’t think the RAC would come out as they are a breakdown service and a broken bulb is not a breakdown. But always worth a call.

 

[ceejayt]

If it involves 20 or 30 minutes of dismantle, replace and reassemble I can't see a garage doing it free.

That is at least what it would take. Allow 20 minutes

 

[HarryML7]

Challenge Halfords to fit it, any time i buy bulbs or wiper blades they seem quite willing to fit - for a fee.

 

[ceejayt]

I don’t think the RAC would come out as they are a breakdown service and a broken bulb is not a breakdown. But always worth a call.

So, I read the terms and conditions and it seems to me it would count as the vehicle cannot be driven legally on the road as a result of the failed item

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[ceejayt]

They don’t cover damage caused by accident or self inflicted. If it were a headlamp I dint think I would hesitate

 

[bigtwin]

Seems a bit like calling 999/turning up at A&E with a headache.

You could try ringing them but expect them to roll their eyes.

Ian

 

[Oldrat]

Be prepared to wait.
I suspect that you might be their lowest priority.

 

[ceejayt]

Waiting not a problem I am at home

 

[donkey]

Please let us know how you get on.

Geoff

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[ceejayt]

I will I think I will call them and see

 

[Spriddler]

If you can't or don't want to do it you must expect to pay a garage at their rates.
I appreciate that yours isn't a lack of servicing issue but an AA patrolman biker pal says his firm are fed up with people who rely upon the breakdown services as an alternative to servicing, even though the T&C's state that the vehicle must be maintained and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's schedule.

 

[Ditcha]

I will I think I will call them and see

Shy bairns get nowt! Worth a try

 

[Nanniemate]

Light out is not points but you could end up with a producer to show fixed within 7 days. A bulb can go at any time if it was working when you left home it could blow on route .if it went on route after you had left you could call auto electrician on arrival or if on a site there may be someone who could help you

 

[ceejayt]

What an interesting debate.

What is the difference between this and say a flat battery? They would happily come out to that and I guess would also like to sell you a new battery if yours is knackered

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[Spriddler]

What an interesting debate.

What is the difference between this and say a flat battery?

A flat battery is a breakdown as the vehicle is immobile. With a duff bulb you can drive to a garage to get it fixed.

 

[Nanniemate]

What an interesting debate.

What is the difference between this and say a flat battery? They would happily come out to that and I guess would also like to sell you a new battery if yours is knackered

You pay for a breakdown service not a maintenance contract a light bulb on your drive is clearly maintence.

 

[Minxy]

What an interesting debate.

What is the difference between this and say a flat battery? They would happily come out to that and I guess would also like to sell you a new battery if yours is knackered

A flat battery would be a breakdown, a bulb gone wouldn't stop the vehicle from bring driven. I certainly wouldn't call them out due to a bulb needing replacing! Would you do the same if the tyres needed a bit of air (no puncture etc) simply because you didn't have a pump to inflate them yourself?

 

[dunnah01]

You could have changed the bloomin thing yourself by now

 

[Odd-no-more]

I called them when some idiot took the drivers door mirror off. They collected the mirror and fitted it. It's illegal to drive a van without a mirror

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[DavidG58]

You have tried giving it a thump? Fixed bulbs many a time by this process

 

[Lenny HB]

You have tried giving it a thump? Fixed bulbs many a time by this process

The limit of your electrical skills David.

 

[ceejayt]

A flat battery would be a breakdown, a bulb gone wouldn't stop the vehicle from bring driven. I certainly wouldn't call them out due to a bulb needing replacing! Would you do the same if the tyres needed a bit of air (no puncture etc) simply because you didn't have a pump to inflate them yourself?

Actually the tire issue is specifically mentioned as OK.

 

[ceejayt]

So, if I try and do it myself and then cannot put it back together leaving it hanging off the back and not driveable that would be OK then ? (pS quite a likely scenario)

 

[Two on Tour]

You have tried giving it a thump? Fixed bulbs many a time by this process

Years ago a mate of mine got pulled over by plod for a rear light out.
My mate gave the lamp lens a thump and the light came back on again, to which my mate said, there you go.
The copper said, try giving your windscreen a thump, and my mate said why, and the copper said, it might sort your road tax out.

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