A man in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam has aided in thousands of instances where vehicles ran out of battery over the past decade.

Tran Anh Diep, a 41-year-old resident of Lao Cai City in Lao Cai Province, is locally renowned for his car rescue endeavors despite not being a mechanic. 

He has earned the moniker ‘Diep Xa Lo’ (Highway Diep) and is often referred to as ‘Google’ by many locals due to his extensive knowledge and readiness to provide free roadside assistance to those in need.

Diep’s altruistic initiative began when he faced a battery drain himself and sought help from friends. 

Since then, he has dedicated himself to aiding others facing similar predicaments.

Commencing his rescue work in 2014, a period when cars and social networks were less advanced, Diep encountered initial resistance from family, friends, and neighbors. 

Some criticized his dedication, accusing him of neglecting domestic affairs for his altruistic pursuits, particularly during late-night rescues when no garages are available. 

Despite currently serving as the deputy general director of a cosmetic pharmaceutical company, which demands considerable time, Diep remains steadfast in his commitment to helping stranded drivers.

However, challenges persisted beyond familial and societal pressures. 

Some attempted to emulate Diep’s charitable efforts but quickly abandoned them, attributing their failure to the inconvenience of constant rescue requests. 

Moreover, technical issues and vehicle limitations posed additional obstacles during rescue operations. 

Diep’s 2011 Toyota Corolla Altis, though reliable, faced challenges in reaching vehicles in off-road environments. 

There were numerous instances where its undercarriage and front bumper incurred contact and scratches while assisting SUVs and pick-up trucks in elevated terrain.

In certain scenarios, troubled vehicles parked indoors or in deep garages pose challenges for rescue operations, as the standard three-meter-long battery jumper cables fall short. 

To address this issue, Diep crafted his own six-meter-long cable.

Over the past decade, he has encountered various scenarios involving car battery drain, each with its unique narrative. 

Two noteworthy instances include aiding a traveler from Vung Tau City of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province in southern Vietnam stranded en route to Sa Pa Town in Lao Cai Province and assisting a Hanoi-based car owner destined for China, both of whom attempted to compensate Diep for his services, which he graciously declined. 

Both car owners expressed admiration for Diep’s selfless actions.

In another incident, a female driver inadvertently left her car lights on, resulting in the battery depletion and her inability to access her belongings in the vehicle during an emergency. 

Fortunately, Diep happened to pass by, noticed her predicament, and offered his assistance. 

In addition to providing rescue aid, the man willingly shares his expertise by guiding car owners on the safest method to connect car batteries, ensuring no harm is inflicted on the battery or the rescue vehicle. 

Diep firmly believes that with a fundamental understanding of the process, self-rescue can become a straightforward endeavor for everyone.

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