Roadside assistance and repairs - observations and power dynamics

[LoopSoosStroop]

I often stop to help people, or people phone me to come assist them, and I’ve gotten stuck myself as well – talking cars and bikes here.

Two funny things I’ve observed, please add your own:

1. The moment the person providing assistance pulls up or arrives then he is generally in charge of the situation or repair (body language, communication, making plans etc.). This is funny to me because he is not always the most skilled or knowledgeable of the two parties about the problem or the vehicle in question, or the area where they incident happens, but this is just the way if often plays out. Weird power dynamic -have you experienced the same?

1. I’ve got quite a comprehensive tool kit in my vehicle, but I’ve made the mistake of focusing on tools my car would need and spanner and socket sizes that fit on my car (Jap car– so 10, 12, 14, 17, 19 etc.). This is helpful until you need to assist on a Volvo or Merc – needed a 15 spanner today - Mr. Handy quickly not looking so handy anymore. Will need to expand the set a bit and add a decent shifter and vice grip. Need a proper claw hammer as well.