What to Do If Your Rental Car Breaks Down? The Correct Steps to Take

There is no doubt that renting a car is the ideal solution for many to run errands or travel with comfort and freedom. However, the fear of a "car breakdown" remains a nightmare for any driver, especially when the car is not their own but a rental. The situation can be confusing at first: Should I fix the breakdown myself? Should I call the company? Who bears the costs? And how do I act legally to ensure my rights?

In this comprehensive guide, we provide you with a clear roadmap on how to act wisely and calmly if you encounter any sudden breakdown in a rental car while driving on the Kingdom’s roads.

First: Calmness and Safety are the Priority 

As soon as you feel there is a problem with the car—whether you hear a strange noise, the temperature rises, or warning lights illuminate on the dashboard—the golden rule is: Do not panic. Try to move the car to the far right or to the shoulder of the road in a safe place away from the flow of speeding traffic. Turn on your "hazard lights" (flashers) immediately to alert drivers behind you. If the breakdown occurs on a highway, ensure that you and your passengers move away from the car and stand behind the concrete or metal barriers if available. Do not forget to place the reflective triangle a sufficient distance behind the car to warn oncoming traffic.

Second: Assess the Situation Initially Without Meddling 

After securing yourself, take a quick look to assess the situation. Is the problem simple and obvious, like a "flat tire"? Or is it an unknown mechanical issue, such as the engine stopping or smoke coming from the hood? The important thing here is not to attempt to fix any complex mechanical fault yourself, and do not try to open the hood if there is heavy smoke, for your own safety. Simply knowing the type of breakdown will help you greatly when contacting the company to explain the situation.

Third: Do Not Act "On Your Own"... Call the Rental Company Immediately 

This is the most important legal step. The biggest mistake a renter makes is trying to take the car to the nearest workshop to fix it without the company's knowledge, thinking they are saving time. Rental contracts are very clear on this point: The car is the company's responsibility regarding mechanical breakdowns, and any external intervention may void the warranty or burden you with additional costs you do not need. Therefore, look for the emergency or customer service number found in the rental contract, or on the sticker often placed on the window or in the "glove compartment" in front of the passenger. Call them, and inform them of your location and the exact type of breakdown. They are the only party authorized to direct you, whether by sending a "tow truck" to transport the car or directing you to an approved maintenance center they deal with.

Fourth: Documentation is Your Right and Theirs 

In the age of smartphones, documentation is key. Before assistance arrives, take photos of the car from the outside, photograph the odometer, and the dashboard indicators (such as the temperature gauge or oil light). these photos serve as conclusive evidence to protect you in case of any future dispute regarding the cause of the breakdown, and prove that the failure was not due to misuse on your part (such as accidents, God forbid).

Fifth: The Issue of a Replacement Car and Costs 

According to the regulations of the Ministry of Transport and car rental in the Kingdom, if the breakdown is technical and not the renter's fault (such as a fault in the alternator, battery, engine, or A/C), the company is obligated to provide you with a replacement car of the same category to complete your trip, and they do not have the right to charge you for the days the car was out of service. However, if the breakdown is simple, like a "flat tire," changing it is often the driver's responsibility unless there is a clause in the insurance covering roadside assistance. Here highlights the importance of reading the contract well before signing.

Sixth: Dealing with the "Tow Truck" and Roadside Assistance 

If the company asks you to wait for roadside assistance, check the estimated time of arrival. In hot weather, do not sit inside the car with the A/C off and windows up. Wait in a safe place or the nearest rest stop if possible. When the tow truck arrives, ensure it was sent by the company or the approved insurance company, and do not hand over the car to any passerby without prior coordination with the rental office.

Prevention is Better than Cure: How to Avoid This Situation Entirely? 

Although breakdowns can be a matter of fate, choosing the "right" rental company significantly reduces the probability of these situations occurring. Companies that prioritize fleet maintenance and constant renewal rarely have their cars break down.

Why is "Alrehaili Car Rental" the Safest Choice? 

When you choose Alrehaili, you are choosing peace of mind before the car. Alrehaili fully understands that the client's time is precious and their safety is a red line. Therefore, they are distinguished by several points that let you drive with confidence:

• A Very Modern Fleet: Alrehaili is keen to provide the latest models (reaching up to 2026). Naturally, new cars are less prone to sudden mechanical breakdowns compared to old and consumed cars.
• Strict Periodic Maintenance: No car is delivered to a customer until its technical readiness has been verified and inspected, reducing the likelihood of unpleasant surprises on the road.
• Technical Support and Continuous Communication: In case you face any problem, you will find the Alrehaili customer service team ready to answer you and direct you quickly and professionally, because they consider the client a partner, not just a renter.
• Credibility in Dealings: If a breakdown occurs beyond your control, you will find sophisticated and fair treatment that guarantees your right to a replacement car or a quick solution to the problem, without the procrastination you might find elsewhere.

In the end, driving is a pleasure; do not allow a rental company that neglects its car maintenance to spoil this pleasure for you. Choose Alrehaili and set off on the Kingdom's roads with safety and confidence.