What to do if your rental car breaks down in Spain?
A car breakdown during a trip is unpleasant, especially when it is a rental car, the luggage is in the boot, the children want to go to the beach, the navigation still shows another 80 kilometres and a warning symbol suddenly appears on the dashboard looking like a pictogram of the end of civilisation.
If a rental car breaks down in Spain, the most important thing is not to continue driving by force, not to try to repair the car yourself and not to make decisions “on the spot” without checking them with the rental company. First safety, then contact with the company, then instructions. In that order, not in the human style of “we will somehow get to the hotel and deal with it there”.
In this article, we explain what to do if a rental car breaks down in Spain, when roadside assistance may be needed, whether you can continue driving, who pays the costs and when a replacement car may be possible.
First, stop safely
If you notice a serious fault, unusual noise, warning light, overheating, loss of power or a problem with the brakes, steering or wheel while driving, you should stop in a safe place as soon as possible. Not suddenly, not in the middle of the road and not where the vehicle will block traffic.
First try to:
- reduce speed smoothly;
- switch on the hazard lights;
- move off the road if it is safe to do so;
- stop in a car park, on the hard shoulder or in a safe area;
- avoid getting out on the traffic side;
- make sure passengers are safe;
- avoid standing next to moving traffic;
- mark the situation if necessary and safe;
- avoid continuing immediately;
- contact the rental company.
If there are injuries, danger to traffic, smoke, fire, an accident or risk to people, call 112. If the situation is not an immediate emergency but the vehicle cannot be driven safely, the first practical step is usually to contact the rental company and wait for instructions.
Do not continue driving if there is a risk
The most dangerous mistake during a breakdown is trying to “just reach” the hotel, rental office, petrol station or nearest garage. Sometimes this really feels like the most convenient solution. But if the problem is serious, continuing to drive may increase the damage, create an accident risk and affect the customer’s responsibility under the rental agreement.
Do not continue driving if:
- a red warning light is on;
- the engine is overheating;
- smoke is coming from the vehicle;
- there is a burning smell;
- fluid is leaking;
- the brakes are not working properly;
- the steering feels heavy or reacts strangely;
- a tyre is damaged;
- a wheel rim is damaged;
- the car pulls to one side;
- there is a strong metallic noise;
- something is rubbing against the wheel or road;
- the vehicle is losing power;
- the gearbox is jerking;
- a door, bonnet or boot does not close properly.
If a customer continues driving after an obvious warning, the situation may be assessed differently from a normal technical fault. Cars, sadly, do not appreciate heroism. Especially the kind of heroism that says “the red light was on, but we were almost there”.
Which problems may count as a technical breakdown?
A technical breakdown is a situation where the vehicle cannot be used normally or safely because of a fault that was not caused by the customer. The final assessment always depends on diagnostics, the rental agreement, the circumstances and the conclusion of the garage or rental company.
Technical problems may include:
- the engine does not start for a technical reason;
- serious engine fault;
- gearbox fault;
- problems with the braking system;
- steering fault;
- overheating without an obvious external cause;
- electrical fault in the vehicle;
- charging system fault;
- starter or alternator failure;
- technical problem with the vehicle battery;
- cooling system fault;
- fuel system problem, if not caused by customer error;
- serious warning message on the dashboard;
- a fault that makes the vehicle unsafe to use.
Important: not every unpleasant issue with the vehicle automatically counts as a technical breakdown caused by the rental company. The reason must be understood first. A car may stop working for many reasons, and some of them, sadly for human optimism, are not about the car itself but about what was done to it.
What does not always count as a vehicle breakdown?
Some situations may look to the customer like “the car has broken down”, but under the rental agreement they may be treated not as a technical fault, but as the result of use, damage, error or negligence. In these cases, the customer may be responsible for the costs, even if the situation looks like a normal breakdown from the outside.
The following do not always count as technical breakdowns:
- lost key;
- key locked inside the vehicle;
- empty battery in the key fob or remote control;
- damaged key;
- wrong fuel;
- completely empty fuel tank;
- flat vehicle battery caused by lights or equipment being left on;
- damaged tyre;
- cut tyre;
- damaged wheel rim;
- damage to the underside of the vehicle;
- impact with a kerb, stone or obstacle;
- damage after driving on a prohibited road;
- self-repair without permission;
- using the vehicle outside the permitted territory;
- ignoring warning lights;
- breach of rental conditions.
For example, if the battery in the alarm remote control is empty, this usually does not mean that the vehicle is technically broken. In most cases, the battery in the remote control is a consumable item, like windscreen washer fluid or other small materials that may be needed during vehicle use. Yes, humanity has reached satellites and artificial intelligence, but can still be stopped by a key fob battery.
When should you contact the rental company?
You should contact the rental company immediately when a problem affects vehicle use, safety, return or rental conditions. Do not wait until the evening, the next day or the moment of return.
Contact the company immediately if:
- the vehicle does not start;
- a serious warning light is on;
- the car is overheating;
- there is an unusual noise;
- there is vibration;
- the car loses power;
- lights, brakes or indicators do not work;
- there is a problem with steering;
- there is a problem with brakes;
- a tyre or wheel rim is damaged;
- the car cannot be driven safely;
- roadside assistance is needed;
- you need to know whether you can continue driving;
- you do not know what to do next.
The earlier the company receives the information, the easier it is to give correct instructions, organise help, check the agreement and avoid disputes. “I thought it would go away by itself” is a poor strategy not only in medicine, but also in car rental.
What should you tell the rental company?
The message should be clear and specific. Do not simply write “the car is strange”. The car will not be offended, but the manager will not be helped either. It is better to provide information that allows the situation to be assessed.
In the message, include:
- agreement or booking number;
- main driver’s name;
- car make and model, if convenient;
- vehicle registration number, if available;
- exact location;
- what happened;
- when the problem started;
- whether a dashboard warning light is on;
- what colour the warning light is;
- whether the vehicle can be started;
- whether the vehicle can be driven safely;
- whether there is visible damage;
- whether photos or videos are available;
- whether anyone is injured;
- whether urgent help is needed.
Example message:
Hello. Regarding agreement [agreement number], there is a problem with the vehicle. The car is located at [address / location]. Problem: [does not start / overheats / warning light is on / unusual noise / other]. I am attaching photos of the dashboard and a video. There are no injuries. Please let me know whether I can continue driving or whether I should wait for roadside assistance.
A good message saves time for everyone. Even for the manager who has already heard “it just does not want to drive”, as if the car had entered a philosophical disagreement with the booking holder.
When is roadside assistance needed?
Roadside assistance may be needed if the vehicle cannot be used safely, does not start, is stopped in an unsafe place, has a serious technical fault or needs towing. It is important not to confuse roadside assistance with an automatically free replacement vehicle in every situation.
Roadside assistance may be needed if:
- the vehicle does not start;
- the car cannot continue driving;
- there is a serious technical fault message;
- the vehicle is in an unsafe place;
- the breakdown happened on a motorway or road;
- the vehicle needs to be towed;
- there is a problem with the vehicle battery;
- there is overheating;
- brakes or steering do not work properly;
- there is a risk of further damage to the vehicle.
If the problem is connected with a lost key, wrong fuel, damaged tyre, damaged wheel rim, breach of contract or customer actions, assistance may still be organised, but the costs may be treated differently. Roadside assistance is a service to solve a problem, not a magic portal that cancels the rental agreement.
Can you call a tow truck yourself?
Usually, you should not call a tow truck yourself without agreement from the rental company, unless there is an urgent safety risk. The rental company may have its own procedures, partners, insurers, assistance numbers and documentation requirements.
Calling a tow truck yourself may create problems:
- the company cannot control the process;
- the tow truck may take the car to the wrong place;
- the cost may not be approved;
- the insurance may reject the cost;
- additional delays may appear;
- processing the case may become harder;
- the rental agreement may be breached;
- additional charges may arise;
- the vehicle may be left in an unsuitable place;
- responsibility may become disputed.
If the vehicle is in a dangerous place, there is a risk of an accident or an emergency situation exists, safety is more important than bureaucracy. But as soon as the situation is stable, you should contact the rental company and follow its instructions. The agreement loves order. It is basically its only joy in life.
Can you go to the nearest garage?
You should not go to the nearest garage without permission from the rental company. Even if the garage is nearby, even if the mechanic is “very good”, even if someone says “I always repair things here”. A rental car must be diagnosed and repaired according to the procedures of the vehicle owner.
Without approval, you should not:
- request diagnostics;
- carry out repairs;
- replace parts;
- replace the battery;
- repair a tyre;
- top up fluids;
- dismantle vehicle parts;
- clear error codes;
- sign documents on behalf of the company;
- pay for repairs and expect automatic reimbursement.
If the company allows you to go to a garage, it is better to receive this approval in writing. Keep the invoice, work report, photos and messages. Without permission, self-arranged repairs may become a separate problem. The car already has an issue. There is no need to add creative initiative to it.
What to do if the car does not start?
If the vehicle does not start, first check the simple things, but do not try to solve the problem roughly or by force. Modern cars prefer sequence, not hitting the dashboard and negotiating in a louder voice.
Check:
- whether the gearbox is in P or N if the car is automatic;
- whether the brake pedal is pressed during start;
- whether the car detects the key;
- whether there is a message on the dashboard;
- whether the vehicle battery may be flat;
- whether lights were left on;
- whether the doors are closed;
- whether there is fuel;
- whether the steering lock is activated;
- whether a system error is displayed.
Take a photo of the dashboard and a short video of the starting attempt. Send everything to the rental company. Do not try to start the engine many times in a row if the vehicle does not respond or shows an error. This rarely helps, but it reliably adds drama and sometimes new problems.
What to do if a warning light is on?
Warning lights can mean different things. Some indicate a minor issue, while others require immediate stopping. The colour of the light, the text of the message and the behaviour of the car matter.
General rule:
- a red warning light usually means a serious problem or the need to stop;
- a yellow or orange warning light often means a warning or the need for inspection;
- a flashing warning light may be more important than a steady one;
- the dashboard message should be photographed;
- if there is loss of power, overheating, noise or vibration, you should stop;
- if you are unsure, it is better not to continue driving without instructions.
Take a photo of the dashboard and send it to the company. Do not simply write “some light is on”. Some light is a wonderful description for a campfire in the forest, but not for vehicle diagnostics.
What to do if the engine overheats?
Engine overheating is a serious situation. If the engine temperature rises, a warning appears, there is steam, smell or a dashboard message, you must stop in a safe place and not continue driving without instructions.
If the engine overheats:
- stop safely;
- switch off the engine;
- do not immediately open the coolant reservoir cap;
- do not continue driving “just a bit more”;
- take a photo of the dashboard;
- check whether there is visible leakage;
- contact the rental company;
- wait for instructions;
- do not top up fluids without permission;
- do not try to repair the cooling system yourself.
Continuing to drive with an overheated engine can cause serious engine damage. If the customer ignored warnings, this may affect responsibility. The engine, as it turns out, does not tolerate the philosophy of “just five more kilometres” very well.
What to do if there is an unusual noise or vibration?
An unusual noise, knocking, grinding, strong vibration or changed vehicle behaviour is a reason to stop and check the situation. Not every sound means disaster, but some sounds should not be investigated using the method “let’s see what happens next”.
Pay attention if:
- the noise becomes stronger when accelerating;
- the noise appears when braking;
- the noise is connected with steering;
- the car pulls to one side;
- the steering wheel vibrates;
- vibration increases at speed;
- there is grinding near the wheel;
- it happens after a pothole or kerb impact;
- a warning light has appeared;
- the vehicle behaves unusually.
Record a short video if it is safe to do so and send it to the company. Do not continue the trip just because “the sound is almost musical”. Automotive percussion is usually not one of the pleasant rental options.
What to do if there is a problem with the key?
Key problems can be different: the key is lost, damaged, locked inside the vehicle, the car does not detect the key or the key fob battery is empty. These situations do not always count as a technical vehicle breakdown.
If there is a key problem:
- check where the key is;
- check whether the key is in the boot or inside the car;
- check the key fob battery if the car does not respond;
- do not break a window;
- do not call a random technician without approval;
- do not try to open the vehicle yourself;
- contact the rental company;
- describe the problem;
- send photos of dashboard messages;
- follow the instructions.
If the battery in the key fob is empty, it is usually enough to replace it with the correct type of battery. This is a consumable item that may be needed during vehicle use. Annoying? Yes. The end of the world? No. Although some reactions make it look as if the key fob personally betrayed the holiday.
When may a replacement car be possible?
A replacement car is not always possible. Usually, this depends on the cause of the fault, rental conditions, vehicle availability, customer location, time of day, selected package, type of breakdown and whether the problem is connected with customer actions.
A replacement may be considered if:
- the vehicle is genuinely technically faulty;
- the fault was not caused by the customer;
- the vehicle cannot be used safely;
- the problem is confirmed by the rental company or garage;
- quick repair is not possible;
- a suitable vehicle is available;
- the rental conditions have been followed;
- the customer reported the problem immediately;
- there has been no breach of rental conditions;
- the car was used within the permitted territory.
A replacement may be impossible or charged if the problem was caused by wrong fuel, lost key, damaged tyre, damaged wheel rim, customer-caused accident, self-repair, breach of permitted territory, negligent use or ignored warnings.
Simply put: roadside assistance and replacement car do not mean an automatically free vehicle change in every life situation. The agreement does not work like an “update car” button. That would be convenient, but reality has once again chosen the boring path.
Who pays the costs?
Who pays the costs during a breakdown depends on the cause of the problem, the agreement, coverage, circumstances and customer actions. If it is a technical fault not caused by customer fault or negligence, the company may organise assistance, diagnostics, towing or replacement according to the rental conditions.
The costs may depend on:
- cause of the fault;
- diagnostic result;
- whether there is external damage;
- rental agreement conditions;
- selected coverage package;
- timely notification to the company;
- whether instructions were followed;
- permitted territory of use;
- available documents;
- type of repair or towing;
- customer actions before and after the breakdown;
- whether there was self-repair.
The customer may bear the costs if the problem was caused by incorrect use, negligence, breach of contract, lost key, damaged tyres or rims, wrong fuel, ignored warnings, self-repair or use of the vehicle outside the permitted territory.
If there is any doubt, it is better not to argue with the car and not to invent your own protocol. First message the company, then receive instructions, then act. Boring, but usually cheaper.
What to do if the breakdown happens at night?
If the problem happens at night, the order remains the same: safety, documentation, contact with the rental company or assistance number, wait for instructions. Night does not cancel the agreement, although out of respect for human tiredness it could at least try.
If the breakdown happens at night:
- stop in a safe place;
- switch on the hazard lights;
- do not remain in a dangerous area;
- take photos and videos;
- send your location;
- check the assistance contact number;
- message or call the rental company;
- call 112 if there is danger;
- do not call a random tow truck unless necessary;
- do not leave the vehicle without instructions;
- save all messages;
- wait for instructions.
If the office is closed, special instructions or a roadside assistance number may apply. But this does not mean that the customer can leave the car anywhere, give the key to an unknown garage or decide on repairs independently. Night makes the situation inconvenient, but it does not turn the rental car into a personal experiment.
Breakdown in Malaga or near the airport
Malaga and Malaga Airport are popular starting points for rental car trips around the Costa del Sol. Customers often collect the vehicle after a flight and drive to a hotel, Marbella, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Estepona, Nerja or Ronda. If a problem appears near the airport or in the city, it is important to contact the office immediately and not continue driving if there is a risk.
If the breakdown happens in Malaga or near Malaga Airport:
- stop safely;
- send your location;
- state whether you are on a road, in a car park or at a hotel;
- take a photo of the dashboard;
- record a video of the problem;
- do not return the vehicle yourself if driving is unsafe;
- do not leave the vehicle without instructions;
- contact the SOLO rent a car office;
- ask whether roadside assistance is needed;
- follow the manager’s instructions.
If the vehicle can technically be driven, the company may ask you to come to the office or another indicated place. If driving is not safe, you should wait for instructions. “The airport is very close” is not an argument if the engine is overheating or there is a wheel problem.
Breakdown in Marbella
In Marbella, vehicle problems may happen in a hotel car park, in the city, on the coast, in an underground car park or on the road around the Costa del Sol. It is important to provide the exact location, because “we are somewhere near the beach” sounds romantic, but is almost useless for roadside assistance.
If the breakdown happens in Marbella:
- send the exact location;
- give the name of the hotel, car park or street;
- say whether the vehicle is blocking traffic;
- describe the problem;
- take photos and videos;
- do not drive deeper into an underground car park if the vehicle behaves strangely;
- do not leave the car in a prohibited place;
- do not contact a random garage without permission;
- contact the rental company;
- wait for instructions.
If the problem is connected with parking damage, a tyre, wheel rim or body damage, it may not be a technical breakdown but damage during the rental. In that case, the process will depend on the agreement and coverage. The car, as usual, requires facts, not a beautiful version of events.
Breakdown in Alicante
Alicante and the Costa Blanca are convenient for trips to Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Guadalest and other towns. But if a rental car breaks down during the route, it is important not to continue driving on a motorway or mountain road when there is a serious problem.
If the breakdown happens in Alicante or on the Costa Blanca:
- stop in a safe place;
- provide the exact location;
- state your direction of travel;
- take a photo of the dashboard;
- describe what happened;
- say whether you can drive;
- do not continue into the mountains if there is overheating or brake trouble;
- do not repair the vehicle yourself;
- contact SOLO rent a car;
- follow the instructions.
On routes around the Costa Blanca, it is especially important not to ignore brakes, tyres, overheating and warning lights. A mountain road is a bad place to test the theory “maybe it will go away by itself”. Spoiler: it usually does not.
How to reduce the risk of problems during the rental
It is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of a breakdown. Even a properly maintained car is still a machine, and machines occasionally remind humans that their control over the world was slightly overestimated. But the risk of problems can be reduced.
During the rental:
- check the vehicle at pick-up;
- pay attention to dashboard messages;
- do not ignore warning lights;
- do not drive on prohibited roads;
- do not use the vehicle outside the permitted territory;
- use the correct fuel;
- do not run the tank completely empty;
- park carefully near kerbs;
- watch the tyres;
- do not continue driving after a strong impact;
- do not overload the vehicle;
- do not leave lights and equipment switched on;
- do not repair the vehicle yourself;
- report any serious problems immediately.
It is also useful to understand the rental conditions in advance: permitted territory, insurance, deposit, roadside assistance, replacement car, responsibility for tyres, rims, keys, fuel and damage. It is not the most entertaining literature, but sometimes a rental agreement saves more nerves than a motivational book.
Car rental at SOLO rent a car
SOLO rent a car offers car rental in Malaga, Malaga Airport, Marbella and Alicante. If a technical problem appears during the rental, it is important to stop safely, contact the company, send photos, videos and location, then follow the instructions.
If the fault is not connected with customer actions and the vehicle cannot be used safely, the company will consider possible solutions such as assistance, diagnostics, towing or replacement according to the rental agreement. If the problem was caused by wrong fuel, lost key, damaged tyre or rim, breach of permitted territory, self-repair or negligent use, the costs may be borne by the customer.
Roadside assistance helps with technical situations, but does not automatically mean a free replacement car in every case. That is why the best scenario is always the same: do not panic, do not improvise, do not repair the car yourself and contact the rental company immediately. Sometimes civilisation actually works, provided humans do not interrupt it with heroic decisions.
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