Imagine how it would feel when you just go out in your favorite luxury car rental for a relaxing weekend, cruising down the Sheikh Zayed Road at night with twinkling stars and a clear night sky in your car.
But before you could wind off your tyre, a thump followed by steering tugs leaves you in the middle of the side of the road, abandoned with a flat tyre.
Driving in Dubai is unlike anywhere else in the world, filled with driving enthusiasts and some of the most premium cars passing by frequently. Amidst this traffic, the hot temperature (for most of the year) can make a small puncture a major issue.
However, the brighter side of the situation is that you can easily solve it by following the right steps, including whom to call, what to do, and how to safely get back on the road without much hassle, allowing you to continue your weekend ride.
How to Deal With a Flat Tire in Dubai?
To resolve flat tyres and related issues in Dubai, follow the steps below in sequence.
- Keep Your Mind Calm
Understandably, it is easy to get stressed and look for random ways to solve a flat tire in Dubai. However, unlike other nations, it will most likely solve the problem in real time.
- Gradually Slow Down
Safety should be your top priority when you suddenly encounter a flat tyre. One of the things most people end up doing is pulling their brakes hard, making abrupt steering moves in a sudden move.
But it can directly put your safety at stake. A much safer alternative is to signal and steer your car to the closest safe spot, such as a service lane, the shoulder of the road, or a nearby petrol pump. Avoid stopping on busy roads or bridges if possible.
- Put Your Hazard Lights to Use
Most cars have an inbuilt hazard lights feature, especially designed for emergency situations. Simply turn on the hazard lights to signal to those following you about a potential warning hazard.
Moreover, the UAE has a standard procedure in place, where carrying and using a warning triangle is a significant safety feature.
P.s: In case anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately. (Police:999, Ambulance:998, Fire/Civil: 997).
Before taking any action, assess the situation to determine whether the flat tyre resulted from a slow puncture or a direct burst. Also, take note of whether you have the necessary tools to deal with the situation, such as a jack, spare tyre, or inflator.
Premium cars, be it sports, SUVs, luxury, or mid-range ones, have certain features that help make it easy to avoid last-minute breakdowns and let you be safe from potential hazards.
Moreover, try to understand if the tyre is repairable quickly or if you will need a replacement. If you are unsure of any of these questions, then don’t try a self-repair. Instead, call and wait for professional help to arrive.
Whom To Call If You Get a Flat Tire in Dubai?
There are several kinds of roadside assistance you can call, and when you get a flat tyre in Dubai, such as:
- RTA/ Road Service Patrol
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) provides services for stranded motorists. You can contact the RTA helpline for assistance and coordination regarding roadside incidents.
However, if you realise that the situation is not urgent, you can contact the RTA call center at 800 9090 to receive a variety of official services.
- Private 24/7 recovery and tyre-changing services
There are multiple private 24/7 local providers across the city who can swiftly reach your vehicle and perform a rapid tyre check.
If the situation does not improve on-site, you can contact a 24/7 towing service. They typically reply and reach within 15-40 minutes in the city, depending on your exact location.
How to Deal With a Flat Tyre With a Luxury Rental Car in Dubai?
Dealing with a flat tire on your regular car is different from dealing with a flat tire on cars like Rolls-Royce Cullinan or Mercedes G63, where you cannot simply step out to change it.
You will need to consider the high replacement costs, model-specific jacks, and stringent rental policies.
Take a look at how the top luxury car rental companies deal with a flat tyre in Dubai:
- Before departing, check whether your luxury car rental company offers 24/7 assistance. Many luxury rental car companies include roadside assistance or offer it as an add-on. Get clarity beforehand on response times and whether callouts are chargeable. (Examples: Phantom Rent a Car, and other premium agencies have included a service of roadside assistance or 24/7 on their websites.)
- Confirm what has been covered under your insurance. Some cover flat tyre damage, while others exclude the situation, incurring additional expenses. Note the coverage acronyms such as CDW, SCW, and TP. Ask specifically about type-related issues and read the Terms and Conditions to find specific details.
- Spare Tyre/ run-tyre specification: Ask whether they provide a spare or run-tyre solution, or whether you will have to get the vehicle towed in case of flat tyres. Several high-end cars do not include a spare tire and require towing, so obtain complete confirmation before you step out to drive.
Once your luxury rental car’s tire is changed or repaired from a third-party, take photos and videos of the flat tire and the surrounding area before anyone touches it.
Alongside, click the pictures of the spare replacement, repair paperwork, or mechanic’s invoice.
Moreover, save the number of roadside technicians and call logs to immediately notify the car rental company. It will help you in case of unexpected disputes over damage or additional charges.
Summing Up
Dubai is synonymous to speed and style. But you must not overlook the significance of driving safety and small things in the run such as a flat tire.
Always keep a basic emergency kit, contact of whom to call and if possible a spare tyre. If you have a luxury rental car, spend some time understanding their policies and T&C because it can otherwise make a stark difference in a case of extended dispute.
Put your and other’s safety at priority and stay calm to deal with unexpected problems like a pro.
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