When renting a car, most people have a mental checklist of things they look for. It probably includes making sure there aren’t any scratches or dings anywhere (and taking pictures of them if there are) and ensuring the gas tank is full or letting the car rental company know if it isn’t.
However, there are several other things you should check before you and your rental car leave the lot. Some will just make things easier for you, but others will ensure your safety.
Tires
Checking the tires is just as important as checking the paint job. So make sure:
- you don’t have any flats or near-flats
- the “low pressure” light isn’t on
- the lug nuts are securely in place
- there’s adequate tread
- they’re appropriate for the weather you’ll be driving in (read: snow tires if you’re in a place/season where there’s a chance of ice/snow, summer tires if not)
- You have a spare tire that’s in good condition. Also, make sure the equipment you’ll need to change your tire is there.
Registration
Make sure you have access to the car’s registration. And while you’re at it, make sure it and any inspection stickers are up to date—unless the car is from Florida. Because Florida.
Windshield
- Check for cracks or pits that can become cracks
- Know where the switch is for the wipers
- Make sure you have windshield wiper fluid (my husband once rented a car and found out too late that it had no windshield washer fluid. He bought some, filled the reservoir, saved the receipt, and they refunded what he had paid for it when he brought the car back)
Air conditioner and/or heat
The last thing you want is to discover that the air conditioning or heat don’t work when you’re going to be driving in particularly hot or cold weather.
Lights
You’d think that all car manufacturers would put some things, like the car’s lights, in the same place. They don’t. Figure out how to use them before it starts getting dark. If the car has lights that automatically turn on, set them correctly. Make sure both headlights, high beams, running lights, blinkers and brake lights work.
Horn
A car’s horn is another thing that should be universal. It’s not. So figure out if it’s the center of the steering wheel, or closer to the side, or what.
Gas cap
Don’t forget to check whether the gas cap is on the driver’s side or the passenger’s side before you start driving. You should also confirm that the car you’ve been assigned is not an electric vehicle (EV).
Key fob
If you have an electronic starter, you’ll easily find out if the key fob works or needs a new battery or other maintenance. But make sure it can lock and unlock the doors, too.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
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