 If you feel something going wrong try to pull over immediately. As there
are usually no shoulders, this can take time. If you must stop on the highway place
the florescent triangles out to warn drivers of your stopped vehicle. It is
also advisable to have someone wave a flag.
People often stop to try and help. During one breakdown in the middle of
nowhere, we had farmers, bus drivers, taxis, agriculturalists, municipal
police, highway police and truck drivers stop to give us a hand.
 Do not be surprised if they do not have a tow truck large enough for your
vehicle. The mechanic often just come to the vehicle with a set of tools. We
were towed behind by a farmers flatbed truck all the way to Leon some 60 kms
away. It was quite the experience getting whipsawed as we traveled up and
down hills. No brakes. No steering. Praying those thick yellow ropes held.
Rule of thumb is to have someone stay with your rig to protect it against
vandalism while the other goes for help.
Dylan with a bus on fire in the
background
Green Angeles are a fleet of green trucks and jeeps that travel the major
highways throughout Mexico twice every 24 hours. They are paid by the
Mexican government to help tourist who have broken down on the road. They
carry gas, some spare parts and a CB radio. You are expected to pay only for
fuel or supply costs. Tips are appreciated.
While their English is often limited, their mechanical skills are
legendary.
Green Angels for help and
information
Mechanics
Mechanics in Mexico are everywhere. In general, they have an incredible
reputation for repairing parts that are impossible to buy locally. You will find that they can do amazing things
and that they will charge you very little. Our experience has been very
good.
We have broken down a few times and have direct experience. They managed
for example, to get a completely flattened air conditioner working. They
actually fabricated the fan out of metal just to fit our rig. The
fabrication was $25.
While the mechanics are usually very competent, many vehicle parts and
supplies are limited. Remember to pack extra fuel and air filters and any
other small parts that may falter.
If you have an emergency while driving, call the
Ministry of Tourism's hotline or (55) 5250-8221, extension 130/297, to obtain
help from the “Green Angels,” a fleet of radio dispatched trucks with
bilingual crews. Services include protection, medical first aid, mechanical
aid for your car, and basic supplies. You will not be charged for services,
only for parts, gas, and oil. The Green Angels patrol daily, from dawn until
sunset. If you are unable to call them, pull off the road and lift the hood of
your car; chances are good they will find you
Now you can
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Mechanics like our amigo in Lázaro
Cárdenaz make breakdowns a little less frightening.
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