Renting a car can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, but taking care of the vehicle is essential to avoid unexpected issues and fees. Regular maintenance and proper care can help keep your car running smoothly and safely throughout the rental period.

In this article, we list some quick tips to help you maintain your rented car and avoid unnecessary expenses or hassles. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or a first-time renter, these tips will help ensure a stress-free and enjoyable driving experience.

Keep the interior and exterior clean

Regularly clean the interior and exterior of your rented car. Wipe down the dashboard, seats, and steering wheel with a damp cloth, and vacuum the carpets and seats to keep them free of dirt and debris. Additionally, wash the car’s exterior and remove any bird droppings or other debris that can damage the paintwork.

One might question the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of a car’s exterior since it is likely to get dirty soon enough. However, cleaning your car regularly plays a significant role in safeguarding the longevity of its paint and minimise the possibility of corrosion.

Check the tire pressure

Make sure the tires are properly inflated. Low tire pressure can cause decreased fuel efficiency and increase the risk of a blowout.

Driving with underinflated tires is dangerous and negatively impacts your car’s fuel economy. When your car’s tire pressure is low, the engine works harder to move the vehicle, resulting in lower mileage per litre. Additionally, underinflated tires can lead to uneven wear, resulting in the need for premature replacement. Low tire pressure also increases the likelihood of a blowout, which can be dangerous while driving.

On the other hand, overinflated tires can make the vehicle’s ride uncomfortably stiff. Therefore, keeping an eye on your rented car’s tire pressure as a form of basic check is essential to avoid any unwanted consequences.

Avoid overloading the car

Do not overload the rented car with too much weight, as this can cause unnecessary strain on the engine and suspension.

An overloaded car can have difficulty accelerating, braking, and steering, which can be hazardous, especially in emergencies. Carrying too much weight can cause the suspension to bottom out, damaging the shocks and struts. This can result in a bumpy ride and make it more difficult to control the car.

Therefore, adhering to the car’s carrying capacity and avoiding taking more weight than it can handle is highly recommended. This can help you avoid potential problems and ensure a safe and comfortable driving experience.

Drive carefully

Avoid aggressive driving, excessive speeding, and sudden braking. This can help reduce wear and tear and help prevent accidents.

It is essential to prioritise safety and avoid habits that can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicle. Abrupt acceleration and sudden braking for example, can be tough on the car’s engine, brakes, and suspension. This can affect the car’s fuel efficiency, wear out tires and brake pads prematurely. Moreover, speeding may increase the risk of accidents and lead to repair works, which can be a hefty expense.  

Report any issues promptly

If you notice any problems with the car, such as strange noises or warning lights, report them to the rental company immediately.

While renting a car, it is crucial to keep an eye out for any potential issues that may arise. Ignoring such issues can cause further damage to the car, leading to extensive repairs and a longer downtime. Additionally, these issues can pose a safety risk to you and other road users.

Reporting such issues promptly can help the rental company take appropriate action to fix the problem. If the issue cannot be resolved swiftly, the rental company may provide you with a replacement car to continue your journey (which Prime does!).

Conclusion

By treating your rental car with care, you can be more assured of a enjoyable driving experience. Simple tasks like checking tire pressure, avoiding overloading the car, driving carefully, and reporting any issues promptly can prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicle and keep you and other road users safe. By following these quick tips, you can not only improve your fuel efficiency, but also avoid unnecessary hassles, downtime and added costs.