If the car breaks down on the motorway, do these 5 steps.

We're crossing our fingers that you never need this advice. If you do, you will be glad you saved it. We've been stuck on the motorway ourselves, and the last thing you want in that moment is guesswork.

Run into the lane, climb onto the roof and wave your arms for help? No. Spanish traffic authorities recommend roughly the opposite: get away from the car and behind the barrier as quickly and safely as you can.

Get out of the lane

If the engine cuts out, a warning light comes on, or the car starts behaving badly, try to leave the live lane completely. Aim for the hard shoulder, an emergency bay, a service area or an exit.

Avoid stopping in bends, tunnels or just over the top of a hill if you can still move the car safely. The point is not to find a perfect parking spot. The point is to stop where other drivers can see you in time.

Make the car visible

Put the hazard lights on immediately. At night, use the position lights as well.

Put your high-vis vest on before you step out of the car. Not after. Not while standing beside the boot. Before.

Get everyone behind the barrier

Everyone should leave through the right-hand side if possible, away from traffic. Move behind the safety barrier or to another safe area. Do not stand next to the car.

This is especially important on motorways. A stopped car is worrying. People standing next to a stopped car are the real danger.

Do not repair it yourself

Do not try to fix the car yourself on the motorway. Even if it looks small. Even if someone in the car says they "know engines". Spanish traffic advice is clear because the risk of being hit is high.

Wait in the safe area, not in the lane and not beside the car.

Call for assistance

Call the rental company's breakdown number first if nobody is hurt and there is no immediate danger. It is usually on your voucher, the rental agreement, the key tag, or a sticker in the car.

Call 112 if anyone is injured, the car is in a dangerous place, there is smoke or fire, or you are unsure what to do.

Tell them exactly where you are: motorway name, direction of travel, and the kilometre marker if you can see it. If your mobile has no signal, use an SOS post if there is one nearby and you can reach it safely.