A flat tyre on a Greek island, a minor collision, a lost key, the wrong fuel or even an animal suddenly running into the road — rental car problems can happen when you least expect them. If something goes wrong while driving in Greece, don’t panic. Here is what tourists should do in 10 common rental car emergencies, who to call and which mistakes to avoid.
7You Get a Flat Tyre
A flat tyre is one of the most realistic problems you may encounter when exploring beaches, villages and rural roads in Greece.
Reduce your speed gradually, avoid sudden steering movements and find a safe place to stop.
Do not automatically start changing the wheel yourself. First check the rental company’s instructions.
Some vehicles have a normal spare wheel, others have a temporary spare, while newer cars may only have a tyre-repair kit.
Damage to tyres and wheels is also not necessarily covered by every standard rental insurance package.
Call the rental company or roadside assistance and explain what has happened. If they tell you to use the spare wheel, check that you have the correct jack and tools before beginning.
This is also why, when collecting a rental car, I recommend asking where the spare tyre or puncture kit is located rather than discovering it for the first time on an isolated road.
