Had one of those days where I ran out of gas (yeah, I know, my own fault) and called my roadside assistance. Figured it’d be quick, but nope—waited almost two hours for someone to show up with a can of fuel. Kinda defeats the point if you’re stranded that long, right? Am I just unlucky or is this always such a hassle for everyone else too?
Running out of gas and waiting forever for help
That sounds rough, but honestly, I’ve had similar experiences. I commute about 60 miles round trip every day, so I’ve had my fair share of roadside “adventures.” The last time I ran out of gas (which, yeah, was totally on me for pushing it), I called my insurance’s roadside assistance. They gave me an ETA of 45 minutes, but it ended up being closer to 90. I kept checking the app and it just kept updating the arrival time, which was frustrating.
I started wondering if it was just a fluke or if this is the norm. Is it a location thing? I was on a pretty busy suburban road, not out in the sticks. Maybe they just don’t have enough contractors in certain areas? Or maybe it’s worse during rush hour? I’ve noticed that when I’ve needed a tow for a dead battery or flat tire, the wait times have been all over the place—sometimes 20 minutes, sometimes over an hour.
Do you think it’s the type of service? Like, is bringing fuel lower priority than a tow or jumpstart? Or maybe it depends on which roadside assistance company you use? I’ve considered switching to AAA or even one of those pay-per-use apps, but I’m not sure if they’re any faster.
It does make you question the value of these services when you’re stuck waiting that long for something that seems pretty straightforward. I get that things happen and there are only so many drivers, but two hours for a gallon or two of gas feels excessive. Maybe I just need to stop tempting fate and fill up before the light comes on... but then again, life gets busy and sometimes you just forget.
Curious if anyone’s actually had a quick response for this kind of thing, or if it’s just always a gamble.
I’ve had pretty much the same luck—sometimes help shows up fast, but more often than not, it’s a waiting game. I remember one time I was stuck on the shoulder during rush hour, and it took almost two hours for someone to bring gas. I’ve tried both my insurance’s roadside and AAA, and honestly, neither was consistently quicker. I do think fuel delivery gets bumped down the list compared to a tow or dead battery, but who knows. At this point, I just try not to push it when the gas light comes on... but yeah, life happens.
I do think fuel delivery gets bumped down the list compared to a tow or dead battery, but who knows.
Is that really how they prioritize it? I always assumed a stranded car is a stranded car, but maybe they figure you’re not in as much danger if you just need gas. Ever tried one of those portable gas cans people keep in their trunk, or is that just asking for trouble? I always wonder if it’s actually worth carrying one around or if I’d just forget about it until it leaks everywhere.
I’ve actually looked into those portable gas cans, and honestly, I’m a bit wary. The idea of keeping a full can of gasoline in the trunk just doesn’t sit right with me—seems like a fire hazard, especially in the summer. Plus, I read somewhere that the fumes can build up if it’s not sealed perfectly, and then you’re dealing with a whole different problem.
From a cost perspective, I get why people consider it—beats paying for roadside assistance or waiting around forever. But then there’s the risk of forgetting about it, like you said, and ending up with a leaky mess or worse. I’d rather just make a habit of filling up before the tank gets too low. Not foolproof, but probably safer (and cheaper) in the long run. Still, I can see why some folks would take their chances if they drive long stretches without gas stations nearby.