For people who travel a lot, it isn't uncommon to head to the rental car desk right after you get off the airplane, get the agreement signed, hop in the rented car and drive off. Soon enough after that, you are navigating harrowing traffic and having to interpret the road signs while trying to familiarize yourself with the car's controls. You have to remember that you need to become more familiar with the rental car. You also may not be familiar with your surroundings if you are traveling to a new location, but not being familiar with the car's controls is the biggest cause of accidents. So read on to learn a few safety tips when traveling with a rental car.
What you need to know about rental cars before you leave the lot
Here are some tips to help you when you're looking to rent a car on your next adventure!
Before reserving the rental car
It is important to know that you are getting a good deal before you reserve a rental car. You must also know how to insure the rental car. You need to check with your insurance and credit card provider to know your current coverage when it comes to rental cars. Check with your road service provider to see if rental cars are included in the coverage. If you are picking up your rental car at night, it is best to carry a small flashlight to check around the car.
Things to check at the rental counter
While you are at the rental counter, you need to be sure that you are getting the price that was offered to you. Also, collect the number of the person you need to call in case your rental car breaks down. You should ask the rep about the car's maintenance history; if he is unable to answer the question, check the VIN(Vehicle Identification Number), as it can provide you with important information about the car's repair and maintenance history. You want to avoid a car that might break down soon after you set off with it.
Before leaving the lot
After finding the car, you need to ensure that you won't be held responsible for any damage someone else inflicted. You want to know that the car you are driving off with is well-maintained and safe to drive. Here are a few things to review before driving away from the lot.
- You should take photos of the panel by walking around the car. Mark any damage you discover down in the paperwork. The photos you take will be useful if the rental agency tries to implicate you for any damage.
- You should check the tires visually to make sure that there is no uneven tread that is significant in indicating a problem with the car. Also, check if the tires are inflated properly.
- Check the odometer to see how many miles the car clocked in. Any vehicle is considered a senior rental car if it has more than 25,000 miles to its mileage, and you should definitely be suspicious of it.
- You should check the spare tire by looking for it in the trunk to see if it is inflated properly. You should also check if the lug wrench and jack are in the trunk in case you need to change the tires. It is common for tools to have disappeared from rental cars.
- You should also open the hood to check on the fluid levels. Knowing how to check the antifreeze, oil, and washer fluid will be ideal. If not, you can call in for a quick visual inspection to see if things are in order under the hood. If it's dark, the headlamps you brought along will come in handy here.
- You should get inside the car, turn it on, and let it warm up as you check the gas gauge to see if it reads full. Use this time to adjust the temperature controls.
- Get familiarized with the car. Do this by adjusting the mirrors and seat. See if the window controls are working properly and if the hazard lights turn on or not. See if the headlights, turn signals, and windshield wipers are all in proper condition.
- If you feel ready, you can take the car for a quick spin, not too far, just around the block, making some turns, braking, and listening. This way, you will be able to identify if there is any problem with the car's brakes or if any strange noises are coming from the vehicle. It is better to be able to identify these issues beforehand rather than getting any nasty surprises while you are on the road.
- If you are not very familiar with the area you will be driving in, engage your GPS or check out the map for directions. The airport can be a confusing place to navigate, and if the rental agency is away from the airport, you don't want to drive through baggage claim all over again.
- If you are driving for quite a while and that too alone, you might want some music to accompany you on the way. Check if the car has a running radio or a music player before you pull off the lot if you plan to sing along to some tunes while driving to some beautiful destinations for your holiday.
Knowing what car you are getting when you rent a vehicle for traveling is imperative. Hopefully, the tips we have covered in this article will prepare you for a pleasant journey by letting you check out the essential things that could make or break your rental car experience. Be well prepared and have a safe trip with your rented car.
Have any questions about getting a rental car for your trip? Let me know in the comments!
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