How to Avoid Rental Car Breakdowns and Request a Replacement in the UAE

A few simple checks can help keep your rental journey running smoothly, whether you are commuting in Dubai, travelling to Abu Dhabi or heading to the airport. Reporting a small change early also gives the rental team a chance to investigate before it disrupts your plans.

This guide explains how to reduce the chance of a breakdown and how to request assistance or a replacement vehicle from Rental Cars UAE.

Need help with your rental car?

Call 800 22799 within the UAE and ask for maintenance or replacement assistance. You can also contact your assigned rental agent or use our website WhatsApp contact. For an urgent breakdown, call rather than relying on email alone.

Six habits that help prevent a breakdown

1. Check the car at handover

Before setting off, walk around the vehicle with the handover agent. Look for a visibly soft tyre, cuts or bulges, and ask about any dashboard warning that stays on after the engine starts. Check the fuel level, lights and air conditioning, and make sure you know how to contact the rental team. Record any concerns on the handover report.

2. Use the correct fuel and refill in good time

Check the fuel type and grade specified for your vehicle before filling up. If you are unsure, ask your rental agent. Refuel before the tank gets very low, particularly before a longer journey. If the wrong fuel has been added, leave the engine off and call for assistance.

3. Keep an eye on tyre condition and pressure

Look for visible damage before a journey. On longer rentals, check tyre pressure monthly and before a long drive. Use the vehicle manufacturer’s pressure label or handbook, and measure when the tyres are cold. If a tyre repeatedly loses pressure, or you notice a bulge, ask the rental team to arrange an inspection before driving.

4. Report warning lights and changes early

A new warning light, unusual vibration, repeated difficulty starting or a change in braking or steering deserves attention. Once safely parked, send the team a dashboard photo and describe what happened. Warning lights have different meanings: follow the vehicle handbook and ask for guidance instead of guessing or resetting the warning.

5. Coordinate scheduled maintenance

If a service reminder appears during a longer rental, share the current mileage with your rental agent and arrange the next step. Leave servicing, fluid checks and mechanical repairs to the authorised maintenance team. Early reporting helps the team plan around your journey.

6. Avoid draining the battery while parked

Before leaving the car, check that lights and accessories are switched off. Avoid prolonged use of electrical equipment with the engine off. Report slow starting or repeated starting problems so the team can investigate.

What to do if the car develops a problem

Stay calm and focus on reaching a safe position. If the vehicle loses power or develops a problem that affects control, use the hazard lights and move away from moving traffic where you can do so safely. Avoid sudden manoeuvres. Keep passengers clear of traffic; only leave the vehicle when it is safe to do so.

If there is an overheating warning or steam, stop in a safe place, switch off the engine and contact assistance. Never open a hot radiator or coolant cap. Do not attempt roadside repairs beside moving traffic.

For immediate danger, call 999 for police; for a medical emergency, call 998 for an ambulance. Contact the rental team once it is safe. A routine replacement enquiry should go to Rental Cars UAE.

How to request a replacement vehicle

Call 800 22799 or contact your assigned agent. Explain that you need help with an existing rental and would like the team to assess whether a replacement is required.

To help us identify the booking and arrange the next step, provide:

• Your name and booking or rental agreement number.
• The vehicle registration number and your callback number.
• Your location pin, nearest landmark and direction of travel if you are on a road.
• A short description of the issue and when it started.
• Photos of the warning or problem, only if safe to take.
• Any time-sensitive plans, such as an airport departure, and passenger or child-seat requirements.

Ask the team to confirm whether an inspection, recovery or replacement is needed, where the handover will take place and the latest expected timing. Replacement arrangements depend on the assessment, vehicle availability and your rental terms. Confirm any applicable charges before agreeing to additional services.

Before arranging a repair or tow yourself, contact the rental team for instructions, unless emergency services direct otherwise. If an issue remains unresolved, ask for it to be escalated to the maintenance supervisor or duty manager.

Save these contact details before your next journey

Rental Cars UAE: 800 22799
WhatsApp: Message our team
Email for non-urgent follow-up: info@rentalcarsuae.com
Contact page: Rental Cars UAE contact details

Keep your booking reference handy and report concerns as soon as you notice them. Clear details help our team understand the issue and coordinate the right assistance.