Regarding European breakdown cover, the compressor for the air conditioning unit of my 6-year-old Mercedes-Benz ML 270CDI failed, taking the V-belt and pulley with it. We had just crossed into NW Portugal from Spain and the temperature was 38 to 40 degrees. I contacted the RAC European breakdown number (free cover with my Barclays bank account) and I cannot praise their services highly enough.

Besides recovering the car to the nearest Mercedes-Benz dealer in Viana do Castelo, we were taken by taxi to the garage and on to a four star hotel which would accept my two small dogs, where we stayed for two nights with bed and breakfast paid for by the RAC while a new compressor was sent from Mercedes-Benz central stores. I was even contacted two days later to see if I was happy with their service and the repair.