Don't Panic if Your Rental Car Breaks Down, Here's What to Do

A car breaking down in the middle of a journey is certainly no fun. Though it's a rare occurrence, it can happen to anyone, whether you're behind the wheel of your own vehicle or a rental car. If the unexpected happens and your rental car suddenly breaks down, remember to stay calm and don't panic.

TRAC is here with some handy tips to help you navigate this unpleasant situation, particularly if you've rented a car without a driver and will be driving yourself.

Handy Tips for Assessing and Handling a Broken-Down Car

Check the Radiator for Overheating

An overheated engine, or a temperature that's too high, is often the reason behind a sudden car breakdown. If your car is overheating, you'll typically see an indicator light on the dashboard. Don't ignore this warning! Safely pull over to the side of the road to let the engine cool down and check the radiator.

Inspect the coolant level to make sure it's sufficient and look for any signs of leaks. Forcing the car to continue running while overheating could cause it to break down in the middle of the road, leading to even greater damage.

Inspect the Battery

The battery is the electrical lifeline for your car, and a weak one can often lead to a breakdown. Make sure the battery is in good condition and that all cables are properly connected. If you're using a wet battery, it's also wise to check the battery's water level.

If there is an issue with the battery, you may find that the car won't start, and some parts requiring power, such as the audio system, windows, lights, and remote locks, may be affected.

Keep an Eye on Your Engine Oil

Another common reason for a car breaking down is low or completely exhausted engine oil. You can perform a manual check by opening the hood of the car and locating the oil dipstick. Clean the dipstick by wiping it, returning it to its original position, and then pulling it out again.

Note the condition of the oil on the dipstick, making sure it's between the low and high lines. If it's close to the low line, the oil capacity has reduced and more must be added. Also, check for signs of oil leaks or seepage around the engine, and pay attention to the color of the oil.

If the color is thick and dark, it may be time for an oil change. If there's a problem with the oil, you might smell a pungent burnt oil aroma when you open the hood.

If something feels wrong with your car while you're on the road, it's important to pull over and inspect it right away. For safety, make sure to place a warning triangle at least 5 meters from your car's stopped position and, if possible, turn on the hazard lights to signal that your car is having a problem.

Choose a Safe Car Rental

Being stranded due to a breakdown can be incredibly frustrating, especially when using a rental car. That's why choosing a professional car rental service provider that takes good care of its fleet, like TRAC, can make all the difference.

TRAC offers a wide variety of vehicles to suit your needs, along with a commitment to top-notch and reliable service. To ensure smooth and worry-free travel, TRAC maintains its fleet to the highest standards.

Should you encounter any issues while using TRAC, you can reach out to TRAC’s Customer Assistance Center (CAC) 24/7 at 1500 009.

Booking your car or bus rental with TRAC is made easy through the TRACtoGo app, available on Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Just pick your date, rental duration, and vehicle type you want.

Stay connected with TRAC on social media via Instagram @trac_astra, Facebook TRAC-Astra Rent a Car, and Twitter @TRACastra to catch the latest travel tips, promos, and special offers.

Remember, wherever the road takes you, TRAC has got your back!