Action Line #80607– Tow trucks

  • Published
  • By Anonymous
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Complaint:

On a recent trip with family and friends we got stranded on the side of the road due to engine problems while on our way to Mersin. We were stranded for approximately 4 hours total, and for our own safety we pulled the car off to the side as far as it would go and dismounted the vehicle. In that 4 hour period, we attempted to contact everyone we knew, and nobody had a number for a tow truck. There were a couple of Turkish Nationals who stopped by, took a look at the car and told us the car was broke and it couldn't be driven. Then they took off. We had talked to them through the Security Forces Interpreter, which was difficult, but somewhat productive.

When our friends finally arrived, another Turkish National pulled up to try and help. We immediately contacted the SF Interpreter again and when the TN pulled out a business card we realized he had the number for a tow truck. After talking to the interpreter and having him talk to the TN, the TN agreed to call the tow truck and send them to our location. We initially were told that because it was Sunday and because of our location, it would cost us 250YTL. When the tow company arrived and saw that we were American, that price went up to 350YTL. After bargaining, we were able to talk them down to 315YTL. The SF Interpreter did an awesome job at getting us and our tow truck (with our car on it) through the main gate and directly to the Auto hobby shop.

I have my defender card, I have my wingman card, I have plenty of money saved in case of an emergency such as this one, but the one thing I don't have is an idea of how to contact a tow truck in case of something like this. I would hate for this to happen to anyone else. I understand it was the weekend and everything is closed, but we paid a fortune to get ourselves and our car back to base safely.

Is there someone on base we can call for this service? What about a contract that states how much someone would pay on any given day to get their vehicle safely back to base; A written agreement so we not only have the phone numbers, but we know we aren't going to be ripped off just because we are American?

Response:

First let me say, I am glad to hear that you and your family made it back to Incirlik safely. Unfortunately, some of the basic services that we take for granted in the US are just not available here in Turkey. That, coupled with the language barrier, can make traveling a bit more challenging!

The wing will not enter into a towing contract, due to local conditions, rising fuel prices and the vast area a potential contract would have to cover. The variables are just too great. That being said, there are a variety of other alternatives that may make your travels a more enjoyable. Many auto insurance companies and auto manufacturers offer roadside assistance and tow service. For example, TTOK, the Turkish version of AAA, offers free roadside assistance to MA and MB plated vehicles in emergency situations. (See locations and phone numbers below.) Operators speak English, and will coordinate for roadside assistance. (Of course, you will still have to pay for services rendered, but you'll be dealing with a nation-wide service, rather than with a friend of a friend.) You can also contact the Turkish Traffic Police at 154 for assistance. A third alternative is the Incirlik Auto Hobby shop which offers a local tow service during their business hours.

I remind everyone that although proper trip planning and completion of the appropriate safety checks (checking engine oil levels, coolants and tire pressure) will not completely rule out the need of emergency assistance, it can reduce it. I hope that you find this information helpful and thank you for looking out for your fellow Airmen.

Turkish Touring and Automobile Club Offices (TTOK)
Ankara: Maresal Fevzi Cakmak Cad., No: 43, Besevler, Tel: (0-312) 2228723 - 2139761, Fax: (0-312) 2228557
Antalya: Milli Egemenlik Cad, Dallar Yildiz Carsisi, No: 9, Tel: (0-242) 2470699
Cilvegozu:Turkish-Syrian frontier post, Tel: (0-326) 4323454
Gurbulak- Turkish-iranian frontier post, Tel: (0-472) 3212036
Gaziantep: A. Fuat Cebesoy Cad., 5/A, Tel: (0-342) 2325224, 2342687
Habur: Turkish-lraqi frontier post, Tel: (0-486) 5287032
Ipsala: Turkish-Greek frontier post, Tel: (0-284) 6161574
Iskenderun: Cumhuriyet Meydani, Besim Yucel Ishani, No: 4, Tel: (0-326) 6177462
Istanbul: Ayazaga-Maslak, Tel: (0-212) 2828140 , Fax: (0-212) 2828042
Izmir: Alsancak, Ataturk Bulvari, No: 370/A, Tel: (0-232) 4222621-4213514, Fax: (0-232) 4226387
Kapikule: Turkish-Bulgarian frontier post, Tel: (0-284) 2382034, Fax:(0-284) 2382034
Mersin: Mucahitler Cad., No:10, Tel: (0-324) 2320492
Tasucu: Abdi Ipekci Cad., No: 27/B, Tel: (0-324) 7411463
Trabzon: Iskenderpasa Mah., Cami Sok., 17/11, Tunel cikisi, Tel: (0-462) 3217156