Garages, servicing and fuel in Spain

Key rules

• Quotes: Ask for a written quote from several garages before agreeing to any work.
• Warranty: Independent servicing keeps your manufacturer warranty if you follow the schedule and keep proof.
• Fuel grade: Use the grade your car's manual specifies, not the priciest option.
• Payment: Most stations are self-service, but some ask you to pay first at night.

Labour rates and pump prices change often, so confirm current figures with local garages and the Ministry for the Ecological Transition.

Garage costs: compare before you commit

Labour rates vary a lot, so get quotes. Independent garages normally charge much less per hour than brand dealers. Big cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and the Balearic Islands cost more than smaller towns. Dealers charge more for brand-specific work and electronics.

Garages must show their hourly rate in a visible place. Ask for a written quote (presupuesto) from several garages before any work starts, and compare the hourly rate as well as the total.

Servicing and your warranty

Servicing at an independent garage does not void your manufacturer's warranty. The service must follow the manufacturer's schedule and use parts and oil of matching quality.

Keep proof. Get the service book stamped, or keep invoices showing the work done, the mileage and the parts used. Choose a garage that is registered, gives written quotes and uses approved or equivalent parts.

The manufacturer's warranty is separate from the legal warranty on new goods, which is three years in Spain.

Fuel grades

Petrol comes in 95 and 98 octane. Diesel comes as standard diesel (Gasóleo A) and an enhanced version (Gasóleo A+ or premium). Some stations also sell 97 or 100 octane premium petrol, LPG (autogas) and CNG.

Match the grade to your car's manual. Pumps mark 95 petrol as E5 or E10, and diesel as B7 or B10.

Paying at the pump

Most stations are self-service. Choose the pump, fill the tank, then pay inside at the till or at the pump with a card. Some stations ask you to pay first, especially at night.

Fuel prices

Prices change weekly with oil prices, taxes and the euro exchange rate. Spain is usually cheaper than the EU average. Diesel is generally a little cheaper than 95 petrol. Island and motorway stations cost more than supermarket or low-cost stations. Check current averages on the Ministry for the Ecological Transition site.

The checklist and FAQ below cover the quick steps and common questions.

Checklist

• Get written quotes (presupuesto) from several garages before any work.

• Look for the hourly labour rate displayed at the garage and compare it between independents and brand dealers.

• Ask for a stamped service book or an invoice showing the work done, mileage and parts used.

• Check the current average pump price for petrol and diesel on the Ministry for the Ecological Transition site before a long trip.

• Check that the fuel grade you choose matches your car's manual, such as 95 or 98 petrol or standard diesel.

Frequently asked questions

Do I pay for fuel before or after filling up in Spain?

No, at most Spanish stations you fill the tank first and then pay inside at the till or at the pump with a card. Some stations require prepayment, especially at night, so keep your card ready.

Is petrol or diesel cheaper at the pump in Spain?

Diesel is generally priced a little lower than 95 petrol in Spain.

What do E5, E10, B7 and B10 mean on Spanish pumps?

They mark the fuel blend: unleaded 95 petrol is labelled E5 or E10, and diesel is labelled B7 or B10. Check your car's manual before filling up with a new blend.