7 Smart Steps Before You Leave the Rental Car Lot

Once you arrive at your travel destination, you understandably want to get on the road in your rental car as quickly as possible. However, before you start driving, there are several things you should do.

Step 1: Inspect for damage and essential equipment

Check the exterior and interior for damage and stains. If you find anything, report it to the rental car agent and make sure that this damage is listed on the contract so you will not be subjected to repair or cleaning charges when you return the vehicle.

Many overseas rental car companies are extremely strict, noticing even minor paint chips and scratches when a car is returned. Make sure all of these are listed before you take possession of the car. You can take photos for documentation.

Also check to make sure that the car has a spare tire and jack, if so equipped, and that any tool kit is complete.

Step 2: Adjust seats, mirrors, and controls

Make all interior adjustments in the rental company’s lot. These include settings for the driver’s seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and seat belt shoulder mounts. A few vehicles even have adjustable pedals.

Step 3: Learn the car’s controls and features

Familiarize yourself with the controls. Learn how to work the headlights, switch from high beam to low beam, activate the front and rear wipers and washers, and use the heater-ventilation system.

Many cars now have some of these functions controlled by a touch screen; practice using these so you won’t be distracted when you must activate one of these systems while driving.

If your rental car has automatic headlights, automatic high beam-low beam switching, or wipers that sense rain and turn on automatically, decide now whether or not to activate these assists.

In addition, the climate control system may be automatic. Simply set the temperature and leave it alone. However, be sure to note how to activate the defroster when needed. Finally, make sure all the windows and doors work and if adults will be in the rear seat, disable the child safety locks. 

Step 4: Verify fuel level and fuel type

Check the fuel gauge to make sure that the quantity of fuel corresponds to what is listed on the contract. Then, determine which side of the car has the fuel tank filler and how to open the door that covers the fuel cap. Finally, when renting overseas, it is possible that the vehicle will have a diesel engine. Determine that now so you don’t use the wrong fuel.

Step 5: Connect your phone safely

If you are going to link your phone to the car’s infotainment system, do so before starting out. Before pairing, however, make sure that you know how to clear your personal information when returning the car. One rental car customer was shocked to discover a rich trove of personal information left by six previous car rental customers who had paired their phones to the car. Included were contact names, phone numbers and addresses—and even passwords and an account number. 

Step 6: Program your GPS and privacy settings

Enter the addresses you will be needing in the GPS system, if you plan to use this function. Make sure you know how to clear this information when returning the car if privacy is important to you. 

Step 7: Hit the road safely

Enjoy your trip and drive safely.