💡 Spanish petrol stations have self-service (pay at the pump by card) and a till: you give the pump number or say lleno (full tank); petrol is gasolina (95 or 98), diesel diésel or gasóleo.
💡 Neumáticos are tyres, aire air, presión pressure; stations have a compresor: sometimes free, sometimes coin-operated; ask at the till.
💡 The car wash is a lavadero or túnel de lavado; you pay at the machine or till; ask ¿Cuánto cuesta el lavado?
💡 Fuel prices are shown on a large board per litre (precio por litro); prices differ between stations in Spain; barato is cheap, caro expensive.
💡 In the station shop you take water, coffee and snacks; remind them of the pump number when paying; prices are higher than in a supermarket.
💡 Services: cambio de aceite (oil change), revisión (check-up), frenos (brakes), neumáticos (tyres), batería; ask for a presupuesto (quote).
💡 Description: hace un ruido (makes a noise), vibra, no arranca (won't start), pierde aceite, se calienta (overheats).
💡 Ask for a quote before work: ¿Cuánto me costaría? and whether VAT (IVA) is included; they may not carry out a pricier repair without your consent.
💡 The time is the plazo; para el viernes is by Friday; ask to be told when ready; you collect the car with the factura (invoice) and keys.
💡 If the mechanic suggests more repairs ask ¿Es urgente? and ¿Cuánto cuesta?; you can decide later and ask in writing.
💡 In Spain winter tyres are usually not obligatory except on mountain roads with a sign; neumáticos de invierno are winter ones, todo tiempo all-season.
💡 The ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is the compulsory inspection: first after four years, then every two, after ten years yearly; you book online or by phone.
💡 At the ITV you need the ficha técnica, permiso de circulación, insurance (seguro) and the previous ITV report; without them no inspection.
💡 ITV result: favorable (passed), desfavorable (defects, fix and repeat), negativo (not allowed on the road); a sticker goes on the windscreen.
💡 A desfavorable gives a period (usually two months) to fix the defects and re-inspect; the first re-inspection is usually free or cheaper.
💡 The ITV price depends on the region and vehicle: usually thirty to fifty euros; paid by card on site; ask ¿Cuánto cuesta la inspección?
💡 Paid zones are zona azul or ORA (blue), zona verde; you pay at a parquímetro (machine) or in an app; the ticket goes behind the windscreen; check the hours.
💡 You can park free on unmarked places or on Sundays and holidays in a blue zone; yellow lines and a vado (driveway) are forbidden; aparcamiento gratuito.
💡 A fine (multa) is paid within ten days at a discount (pronto pago); the notice has a number; pay at a bank, online or at the town hall.
💡 If you disagree you submit alegaciones (objections) in writing within the stated period; explain why the fine is wrong and add proof (photos, ticket).
💡 If your car was towed (grúa) phone the local police (policía local): they tell where the depot is; you pay the fee and fine; take ID and the car papers.
💡 When broken down on a motorway switch on hazards, put on the vest, stand behind the barrier and phone assistance or 112; the Guardia Civil come if it's dangerous.
💡 A flat tyre is a pinchazo; rueda de repuesto is the spare; gato is the jack; Tengo un pinchazo; you can call assistance or change the wheel yourself.
💡 In a minor accident without injuries drivers fill in a parte amistoso or call the police; exchange details (name, number, insurer); take photos and registration numbers.
💡 Compulsory is seguro obligatorio (a terceros); comprehensive is a todo riesgo; the price depends on car, age and experience; ask ¿Qué cubre? (what does it cover).