However, that assumption couldn’t have been further from the truth.
The caller’s next revelation turned a potential wrench-in-the-works scenario into a wild tale of unexpected pet ownership.
(Image: Echo)
The “axle” in question was, in fact, Axl — a mischievous, brand-new pet raccoon who had managed to get himself thoroughly stuck deep behind the car’s dashboard.
This furry little troublemaker, named with rock-and-roll flair after Axl Rose of the legendary band Guns N’ Roses, caused the impromptu rescue operation.
His owners, a couple from Essex, were on their way home after collecting the adorable, nine-week-old kit from a specialist breeder.
The chaos unfolded during a stop for a much-needed coffee break at the Winchester services on the northbound M3.
While the pair stretched their legs, cheeky little Axl, proving just how dexterous and inquisitive raccoons are, managed to unlatch the lock on his cat carrier.
Seeing his chance for a new adventure, and perhaps a snug nap, he scrambled out and burrowed into the most inaccessible, cozy spot he could find: the hidden cavities behind the car’s dashboard.
(Image: Echo)
Trainee AA patrol worker Jamie Clowes, based in Basingstoke, arrived on the scene and quickly realised this was a job far outside his typical training manual.
His first, charming attempt at extraction was a gentle one: he tried coaxing the tiny stowaway out with a universally beloved penguin biscuit.
When the treat proved insufficient to lure the rock-and-roll bandit, Jamie resorted to a more inventive method: he carefully used his air compressor to gently encourage the raccoon to vacate his makeshift hiding spot.
“Thankfully it worked, and he came down unharmed by his experience,” a relieved Clowes reported.
The rescue was successful, but the job wasn’t quite over.
As Jamie explained, “Afterwards I had to check that he hadn’t disconnected anything as the owner said they’re rather dexterous and have a tendency to unplug things.”
It seems for Axl, the journey home involved an unscheduled, VIP backstage pass to the vehicle’s electrical wiring—a rockstar entrance that definitely proved this AA call was anything but standard!
And so, Axl the tiny, tenacious rocker was safely returned to his carrier, leaving behind one baffled but chuckling AA patrolman.