There’s a sense of adventure that comes when renting a car, because you get to try new wheels without necessarily buying them outright. Even those who have business trips will tend to look forward to this, even if they do so multiple times a month.
But no matter if you’re driving for business, heading out on vacation, or just getting from A to B out of convenience, a rental car still requires the same level of attention and care as your own vehicle. It can also be as potentially risky to keep up with, so knowing how to manage the issues that could take place is key.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the guiding principles that allow you to manage your rental with a real sense of responsibility. This way, we hope you can also avoid some of the nasty surprises that may come if you’re not read up on the conditions or haven’t gone through this process beforehand.
Keep It Clean & Organized
A cluttered car makes for an uncomfortable ride, no matter how temporary it is, but you’re also expected to keep it in good condition. Better now than a few moments before you have to return it. Luckily, if you manage your trash well and don’t enter the car with muddy shoes, you shouldn’t have to pay for cleaning before you return it, and risk some of the charges that can be associated with that.
Check for Pre-Existing Damage
Being blamed for any issues you have caused the car is fair game, but you want to make certain past actions haven’t been ascribed to you unfairly. Before you drive off, take a good few moments to inspect the car properly, especially for any dents, scratches, or interior damage. Most rental companies provide a checklist or inspection form, but it doesn’t hurt to document any issues yourself, with photographs on the day. This way you could get a replacement or at least dispute issues that they charge you with when you return them. That might help you avoid added insurance costs or even refusal next time as well.
Stay Mindful of The Keys
The last thing you want is to find yourself locked out of a rental car, as it’s annoying enough even when you own the thing. Now, many will have protocols for having the car collected or a key printed when you do, but make sure you have a service on hand. Moreover, some rental cars come with keyless entry systems, so getting familiar with how they work can be helpful. If you do run into trouble, many rental companies have roadside assistance programs that can help, or having a car lockout service to hand can ensure you get back in, especially if the keys are just mocking you in the ignition and your pet locked you out.
Refuel Before Returning
Returning the car with an empty tank is a common mistake that people make, but it’s one that rental companies often charge extra for because they have to do it themselves. If they give you a full tank, it’s generally appropriate to bring it back with one. This can be much cheaper than paying any surcharges, so be sure to get in that habit. Just make certain you know the exact fuel type it requires – and call up if you’re at all confused.
With this advice, we hope you can manage that rental car with care.
