What to Do If You Have a Flat Tire or Minor Issue with Your Rental Car

Staying calm and safe on the road

Even the best-maintained vehicles can experience a flat tire or a small mechanical issue. When you’re travelling abroad, especially in a new country like Spain, it’s important to know exactly what to do. At Fetajo Rent a Car, we make sure our clients drive with peace of mind. Every car in our fleet undergoes rigorous checks, but if something unexpected happens, there are clear steps to handle it easily and safely.

Step 1: Pull over safely and stay visible

If you notice a problem while driving — such as a loss of tire pressure, a warning light on the dashboard, or an unusual noise — the first step is to pull over safely.

• Choose a flat, stable surface, ideally away from traffic.
• Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers.
• If it’s dark or visibility is low, put on your reflective vest (required by Spanish law) before leaving the vehicle.
• Place the emergency warning triangle approximately 50 meters behind your car.

Safety always comes first. Do not continue driving with a flat tire or mechanical issue, as it can cause further damage to the vehicle or compromise your safety.

Step 2: Assess the situation

Once you’ve stopped, take a moment to assess what’s wrong.

• Flat tire: Inspect the tire visually. If it’s completely deflated or damaged, you will need assistance.
• Dashboard warning light: Check the car manual (available in every Fetajo vehicle) to identify what the light means. Some lights indicate minor issues, while others require immediate attention.
• Other issues: If you hear a strange noise, smell something unusual, or notice the car behaving differently, avoid restarting the engine until you’ve spoken with the Fetajo team.

Even if the problem seems small, it’s better to be cautious and request help if you’re unsure.

Step 3: Contact Fetajo Rent a Car Assistance

One of the biggest advantages of renting with Fetajo Rent a Car is having access to quick and reliable roadside assistance.

You’ll find the emergency phone number in:

• Your rental agreement (provided at pick-up).
• The key holder or glove compartment folder in your car.

Call Fetajo’s support line and provide the following information:

1. Your full name and rental contract number.
2. The location where you are (use Google Maps or local landmarks).
3. A brief description of the issue (flat tire, battery warning, etc.).

Our customer service team will immediately coordinate the assistance you need. Depending on the situation, we can send a technician, a tow truck, or a replacement vehicle.

24-hour roadside support

Fetajo Rent a Car offers 24-hour roadside assistance, ensuring that no matter where you are on the Costa del Sol — Málaga, Marbella, Fuengirola, Estepona, or Cádiz — help is always nearby.

Step 4: Wait safely for assistance

While waiting for the Fetajo support team, stay safe and visible.

• Remain outside the traffic lane.
• If possible, wait on the passenger side of the vehicle or behind a barrier.
• Avoid attempting to change the tire yourself unless you are in a completely safe area and have experience doing so.

Fetajo’s priority is your safety. Assistance typically arrives within a short period, and the team will take care of the issue or arrange transport to a nearby service center if needed.

Step 5: Documentation and follow-up

In most cases, minor issues such as a flat tire or low battery are resolved quickly without affecting your rental agreement. However, Fetajo’s staff will document the incident to ensure full transparency and prevent any inconvenience at the end of your rental period.

If a vehicle replacement is required, the process is seamless — the new car will be delivered to your location whenever possible, allowing you to continue your trip with minimal interruption.

Our commitment to reliability

Fetajo Rent a Car’s fleet is maintained to the highest standards, minimizing the chances of breakdowns. Regular inspections, tire checks, and oil changes are carried out before every rental. That’s why these situations are rare — but when they occur, we handle them professionally and efficiently.

Tips to avoid minor issues

While some problems are unavoidable, most small incidents can be prevented with a few simple precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle before departure: Check tire condition and fuel type.
• Avoid driving on rough terrain or unpaved roads unless suitable for your rental car.
• Refuel correctly: Use the proper fuel indicated on the cap (diesel or petrol).
• Stay alert to warning lights: Don’t ignore signals from the dashboard.

These small habits can make a big difference during your holiday, ensuring smoother and safer driving.

Drive with confidence with Fetajo Rent a Car

Travel should be relaxing, not stressful. With Fetajo Rent a Car, you can drive across southern Spain knowing that support is always one call away. Whether you’re exploring Málaga, Marbella, or the Andalusian countryside, our assistance team is ready to help if you ever experience a flat tire or minor issue.

Our goal is to make every journey safe, comfortable, and worry-free — so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the road.