100 years of roadside stories

We’ve been helping Queenslanders get back on the road for a century and you’ve shared some incredible stories to celebrate. From flat tyres to emergency rescues, these moments capture what it means to be there when it counts.

After finishing work one afternoon, I returned to my car in the multi-story car park only to find it completely unresponsive, the battery had died. Stuck on an upper level with no way to move my car, I called RACQ Roadside Assistance. They were incredibly helpful from the start, reassuring me over the phone and arriving within 30 minutes. The technician quickly assessed the situation and jump-started my car with ease, all while navigating the tight, awkward space of the car park. He also checked the battery’s health and gave me tips to prevent it from happening again. Thanks to RACQ, I was back on the road without stress. Their quick, professional service turned a frustrating end to my workday into a surprisingly smooth experience.

ASHLEA
Had RACQ visit my house the other day. For my sons Ute who is a member. We were minding it while he was overseas in Bali. He did say when he dropped it off at our house that the battery may fail. Fail it did! So RACQ yellow truck feeling arrived to replace the big battery and guess who paid for it. Yes Mum!

BENICE
I broke down on the M1, amidst all the road works, in my 37 Chev. RACQ answered my call for help & were able to put my car on the tilt tray & get me home. Thanks to RACQ.

JAMES
A tech came out to replace the battery so we could do school drop off and get to work

KATHY
Broken down on the side of Brisbane's M1(!) and within 2min an RACQ truck (not yet called) pulled up behind me with his caution lights flashing. It was very stressful until that moment, I could have easily been hit. Despite him already finishing his shift, he came to my rescue and his old school attitude possibly saved my life.

JAN
Broke down in Queensland, great service, towed me home.

ROBERT
I was running late for my doctors appointment and whilst putting my bag in the boot , I laid the keys at the side and the lid dropped down. Called Roadside assist and within 10 mins they came. Managed to open door and got my keys out. Now I keep my keys in my pocket

JEANETTE
My car battery carked it the morning of my mate’s wedding on the Sunshine Coast—of course it did. Panic mode activated. But like a knight in yellow armor, RACQ swooped in, revived the old girl, and got me back on the road. I made it just in time, looking only mildly flustered, and ended up having an absolute belter of a time. Champagne flowed, vows were exchanged, and I tore up the dance floor like my battery never died. Moral of the story? Never doubt RACQ—and always pack deodorant for emergency sweat situations!

CLARA
Stuck on the side of the road with a flat tyre in a very awkward place. We were just coming into Narrabri in the old LandCruiser ute, hooked to our Jayco pop top caravan. A young man from RACQ managed the whole difficult exercise on sloping ground with efficiency and humour. It is times like this when RACQ gives us peace of mind and saves the day.

PAMELA
I put the wrong fuel in my Isuzu DMAX and after driving it for about 30km the car started lurching forward and sputtering. I was able to pull the car over safely and called RACQ roadside assistance. The lovely man towed my car from Redcliffe back to my mechanic in Capalaba. I was so embarrassed and annoyed with myself but thanks to RACQ I wasn’t stranded for too long.

CARLY
Had to call RACQ as car would not start. Gympie Tce Noosaville. A gentleman RACQ arrived to find the problem straight away on inspection of car. I was so greatful as I thought it was going to be a major job . Was such a relief and he explained the problem to me and was a gentleman. As we were on holidays from Hervey Bay and my anxiety was terrible when car wouldn’t start. So praise god to RACQ thank you. We was able to enjoy the rest of our holiday.

JOHN
Several years ago, I was in the shower & I could hear someone yelling for help, slipping on a pair of shorts rushed outside & realized the shouts coming from the nearby river. Jumped into my car & drove to a bridge & realized the shouts were coming from under the bridge, looking over the railing there was a man sitting in the drivers side window, With his car under the water stuck against a pilon, luckily a tow truck came past & we were able to pull him up on the hook, (30 mts) his car was washed away down river, took him home, hot shower & dry clothes & run him home. (true story)

WALTER
Six hours from home near Biloela, towing a caravan. Transmission failure uphill, just before a hairpin bend. RACQ towie from a nearby town arrived within 30 minutes. Loaded up the ute, hitched up the van, squeezed us in the front of his truck and drove us ALL THE WAY HOME to Narangba!! That's the most impressive of several rescues we've had over decades of RACQ membership. Seriously wouldn’t be without 'em!

JILL
RACQ has come to the rescue of my 1969 Fiat 500 quite a few times in the 47 years I've been a member... most memorable was when the car wouldn't start in an underground car park. There was a very strong, strange smell coming from the front of the car (where fuel tank and battery are located!) so I decided just to wait for the patrol with everything switched off. Turned out my small vinyl tool pouch had somehow come loose and fallen on top of the battery - with the spanner inside landing neatly across the terminals - and shorting the battery! Definitely the weirdest 'breakdown' I've ever had. Patrolman took it all in his stride (after the "whoa!" moment) and I was soon back on the road - thanks!

KAREN
I was going to take my son to his final AFL game of the season, but our car wouldn't start. Luckily, we had RACQ membership, and got roadside assistance to quickly replace our dead battery. We then got to the game in time for a great end to the season! Thanks RACQ!!

SIMON
I had been through a very difficult relationship breakup when my brand new car broke down in the middle of a busy road in peak hour. I was so traumatised by everything that I just got out of the car and was running up and down the road crying. George the RACQ tow truck driver came to my rescue and towed the car. I was in the towtruck for about 40 mins sobbing and crying and telling George my lifestory. Not only did the poor man have a job to do but he also became a counsellor that day. I will never forget his care and compassion!

CATHERINE
I was driving my son to hospital for surgery and the car stopped on the way. The quick response meant I could still get him to surgery and he did not have to go back on the waiting list. Saved many hours of extra travel. Very grateful for the service and calm manner of the roadside assistance man who helped.

GAYLE
Thanks to RACQ I met my Boyfriend! And now we're Engaged and getting married in 4 months!! My car wouldnt start! after picking up my date and RACQ Came to the rescue to tow my car home while I continued our first date in Brisbane city on the Ferris wheel eating ice cream. It was so beautiful! and RACQ made it so easy!

JUSTIN
Thank YOU
1. On time always
2. Very good on roadside assistance
3. No problem
4. Genuine member service
5. Helping people

BENJAMIN
In the middle of nowhere our car broke down,
My hubby had to hitchhike to town,
While I kept the kids entertained,
With a battery that was drained.
The RACQ were on the way!
While we invented games to play,
The tow truck arrived, hooray!
The best part of the kids' holiday!

LIZ
The most memorable of all my rescue tales
Was the time we broke down on our way to New South Wales,
Right close to the boarder on went the check engine light
We had a ways to go so driving more wouldn’t be alright
RACQ to the rescue, they towed our car back home
We swapped over vehicles ready once more to roam
It could have been much worse as it was our journey doubled
But the driver was so friendly, for him it was no trouble

ALLISON
Back in 2012, after finishing a grueling 10-hour shift at work, I was utterly exhausted. To my dismay, I discovered that I had accidentally left my car keys in the ignition and locked the car. Panic set in momentarily, but I quickly remembered that I could call RACQ for assistance. They responded promptly and efficiently unlocked the door, saving the day.

EBRAHIM
My car's temperature escalated when I was on the highway. I saw smoke rise from my bonnet. I knew I need to pull over when safe to do so, thankfully I could. Racq were absolutely amazing, towing my car to my mechanic, taking me safely in the truck. The driver was beyond kind and considerate(it can be scary being a girl when things go wrong!) The best part of the kids' holiday!

LAURENE
We were driving out of Toowoomba for a wedding. The car suddenly stopped half way up a hill. Tension was high. It was my husband's first gig officiating a wedding and time was of the essence. The little yellow vehicle arrived with the verdict being the timing belt. It got towed back to Toowoomba for repairs. We got a lift to the wedding with another guest. The couple are still happily married.

AMANDA
Have been a member since 1961 and never had to use the breakdown system however some time back the car was dead had no power at all .So made myfirst call with in 10 minutes the van turn up and your man knew what was wrong. (the cable from the gear box to the selector was loose) jacked the car up replaced the fitting --cost $50.00 ) and we were back on the road again. This service alone has made the membership worth while. I do buy the battery every 3 or 4 years from the racq but I do not consider this to be a breakdown service . Very happy to be a member .

MICHAEL
It’s not easy to avoid malfunctions, but it is so easy to get out of sticky situations with roadside assist. Ever since Dad got his new car five years ago, I nagged at him to keep a copy of the RACQ Roadside Assistance phone number somewhere handy. Being a boomer who has lost his boing, Dad didn’t listen. Last week, when Dad was at the local supermarket, he called me in a panic. Oh no, his car wouldn’t start! Within five minutes of me ending the call, the yellow truck was to the rescue. Fast, friendly service even Dad can use. Now he takes my advice and has put the roadside assist number into his phone and glove box. Dad the boomer can bounce right back when there’s a little car mishap. Now I can finally leave home knowing Dad is in good hands with RACQ.

ANNA
Driving back from a weekend in Roma, a kangaroo darted out of nowhere and sent me swerving straight into a pothole — blown tyre, bent rim, and me stuck roadside as dusk settled in. With trucks thundering past and phone signal fading, I managed to get one bar long enough to contact RACQ. A patrol showed up faster than I thought possible. He quickly changed the tyre, checked for damage, and even rigged a temporary fix so I could safely finish the drive home. I was rattled, tired, and a little teary, but he stayed calm, kind, and reassuring the whole time. That level of care and service out on a lonely highway made me feel incredibly grateful and safe.

KRISTIANNA
After a long day hiking in Lamington National Park, I returned to my car only to find the battery completely flat — no signal, no jump leads, and the car park slowly emptying. I was facing a cold night in the bush with no way home. Thankfully, the last couple to leave offered to drive into range and call RACQ. I expected a long wait, but a patrol arrived within 40 minutes, smiling and ready to help. Not only did he jump-start the car, but he checked the battery’s health, gave advice on avoiding future issues, and even recommended a great local café for the drive home. It turned what could have been a nightmare into a genuinely heartwarming experience. I’ll never forget that moment of unexpected kindness and professionalism when I needed it most.

EMILY
Stranded in the middle of nowhere on a scorching Queensland summer day, my old ute decided it had had enough—steam pouring from the bonnet and no mobile reception. I had my two kids in the back, a boot full of groceries rapidly defrosting, and no idea what to do next. I flagged down a kind stranger who drove several kilometres to call RACQ for me. Within the hour, a roadside patrol arrived like a knight in shining high-vis. Not only did he cool the engine and get us going, but he also gave the kids icy poles from his esky to cheer them up. We made it home safe, with our groceries (and tempers) intact. That day reminded me that it’s not just a service—it’s a lifeline when you need it most.

DEMITRI
A few years ago, my son and partner drove our old family veranda which was over 20 years old to an outdoor climbing area at Boonah. On their way home from a huge day climbing the Verada decided it didn’t want to go any further. It just stopped. My son and partner hopped out of the car and called RACQ assist to tow the car to a wrecker. They waved goodbye to our family Verada for the final time. They then hiked to a train station and went home with a sigh in their hearts and a huge smile on their face with all the many memories of the car, where it had driven and lived and the people and animals it had ferried around for the past 20+ years.

GRACE
A couple of years back I owned a Motorhome. Have lovely photos of my Motorhome on the back of the RACQ truck. Only had reverse gear! So pleased I had Ultimate cover!

CLARA
Turning onto the gateway motorway car derated late on a Saturday afternoon racq soon on site and had car towed 300km to hervey bay arriving home only 2hrs late, well done racq.

JOHN
On a sunday afternoon, we arrive back in brisbane airport from an enjoyable holiday with the wife and kids. The kids are all strapped in and are starving, of course. We crank the engine over, well no we didnt. It was then we realised the kids had fiddled with the interior lights and we had a very flat battery. Emotions were running high and we were all tired. Racq jumpstart to the rescue and we were on our way in no time. Crisis averted, thanks RACQ!

STEPHEN
I accidentally put unleaded petrol into my diesel ute, at a place called 3 ways in far western qld. The nearest RACQ was at Cloncurry qld, a 3 hour drive from where I was stranded with a van. We were flat bedded with van in tow back to Cloncurry we were taken to the caravan park RACQ paid for the night. The RACQ bloke drained and flushed my tank and gave the ute a wash to boot. The ute was returned later that afternoon, ready for us to continue our trip. Thanks, RACQ.

WAYNE
After erratic engine and loss of power before failing to start in Tolga I had my first ever tow in 50 years. The camper went on the back of an RACQ truck down the Gillies to my mechanic, then later to Cairns RACQ workshop which was exceptional service once again. It is well worth having Ultimate coverage for peace of mind and the benefits it provides. As a member of 50 years I have always been grateful with the security of help just a phonecall away.

MARGARET
Called for assistance 22/11/24 Bundaberg - car wouldn't start. In a very short time Doug arrived, reassured me that it was not a major engine issue, merely a dead battery. Within no time at all I was back on the road and haven't had any car trouble since. Doug was respectful and courteous - no doubt a valued team member!!!

SHARON
My battery went dead rang racq and the road side service was excellent iv been a member 1978 and racq do a awesome job.

MICHAEL
I once had my car keys stolen while at football training and had to call RACQ roadside to help me unlock my car. They came quickly and the patrol who arrived was reassuring and calm, which made the whole experience a lot less stressful!

TORI
I had just flown back from Sydney to Brisbane airport. My tyre was flat as in the Brisbane airport of all places. The guy who came out was wonderful. He fixed my tyre up for me after calming me down. I'm a single mum of 10 kids and was away working. I couldn't believe he took the time to care enough to sit there and make sure I was ok. Absolutely amazing job he did making sure I got home to my kids ok. Will never change from RACQ ever. Can't thank him enough.

KRISTAL
I had just been out to rescue a wallaby Joey.. transferred him to a carer.. then my car wouldn't start.. so I needed rescuing by the RACQ !! 🦘

DAWN
RACQ. I went out for a drive as happy as can be, Then a noisy pulling wheel began to worry me. The front puncture caused me great despair. Called the RACQ to change it to a spare. Hey, hey, the RACQ is a wondrous service, Holds folk together if they're feeling nervous. It may be a puncture or a semi flat. Those friendly people can deal with that. Sitting in the traffic, waiting for the light, Someone crashed into my car; did I get a fright. No need to blow my top or to feel distress. Called the RACQ to fix up the mess. Hey, hey, the RACQ is a wondrous thing. Think of the happiness those clever people bring. You may run into a pole or even hit a gate. Call the RACQ to handle all that, mate.

BERYL
Never had a bad experience with RACQ.

PIA
My old lemon of a car broke down at the ‘big orange’ when on holiday. RACQ rescued us with a tow and hire car, turning lemons into lemonade.

JENNY
I have only called roadside service twice to fit a new battery, they were very prompt and it is good to have the knowledge that RACQ is always there.

ANTONY