ADAC converts vehicles into roadside assistance workshops under strict criteria

ADAC converts standard passenger cars into mobile workshops for its roadside assistance service. Each roadside assistance vehicle is equipped with an additional 500 kilograms of specialized equipment.

Rudolf Hofmann, head of the ADAC roadside assistance workshop, states that they convert around 220 vehicles per year at the ADAC Technical Center in Landsberg. ADAC operates a fleet of approximately 1,700 roadside assistance vehicles nationwide, managed by nearly as many drivers. These vehicles must meet stringent requirements before being deployed as "Yellow Angels" on the road.

The selection process for these vehicles spans several months. Hofmann provides potential automotive manufacturers with a thirteen-page technical specification detailing requirements such as payload capacity, load edge height, and electrical systems. The vehicle's all-around visibility is also critical, especially for tasks like towing. Seats must meet high standards for comfort and ergonomics, as drivers spend a significant portion of their workday in the vehicle.

Upon arrival at the Landsberg facility, suitable vehicle models are largely dismantled. They are then rebuilt with an electrical system and other equipment tailored to ADAC's specifications. The height of these vehicles, including the mounted yellow warning beacon, is kept under two meters to facilitate access to parking garages.

After passing the initial selection stages, each vehicle undergoes a crash test conforming to European EuroNCAP standards. This test verifies that all installed equipment is securely fastened and poses no risk during an accident. Specifically, checks are made to ensure that a partition prevents loose items from becoming projectiles and that the vehicle itself withstands the impact. Only vehicle types deemed safe and suitable proceed to the final conversion phase.