At risk of sounding like a broken record, we here at Zest will always advise that giving your rental car a check-over before you hit the road is one of the most important things to do during collection. We know, we know – the open road is calling, and frankly, it might feel a little awkward to inspect the car. But a few minutes documenting the condition of the vehicle, and getting familiar with its features could potentially save you money if the worst happens.
Check for interior and exterior damage
It’s best to take photos/videos of the vehicle in its entirety, but make sure you’re capturing any scratches and dents on the body of the vehicle (most notably the body and doors). Don’t forget to also check the windscreen and mirrors for chips and cracks.
When it comes to the interior of the vehicle, check the seats, dashboard, floor and boot for any stains, tears or scuffs. You can report any findings to the car rental provider, but it’s important to keep your own records as well!
Inspect the tyres
When it comes to tyre treads, if in doubt get a 20p coin out! You can check whether the outer band of a 20p coin is visible when inserted into the grooves of a tyre. If they are, then the tread depth may be too low. Tyre tread laws vary across different countries, so it may be worth doing some research before the inspection.
We recommend inspecting the inflation of the tyres. It’s safe to assume you won’t have a tyre pressure gauge on you, but a quick visual inspection will suffice. Check for any sagging and compare all 4 tyres to see if there’s any difference in appearances.
You will also need to ensure the car is equipped with a spare tyre, jack, and lug wrench. If the car has a repair kit instead, verify its presence and condition. This can save you a headache in the event of a flat tyre.
Test essential features
Trying out the features of your rental vehicle is not only great for testing to see if they work, but also allows you to get familiar with the controls and where they are located. If you’re driving a hybrid or electric car for the first time, ask the rental staff for a quick tutorial.
- We recommend checking the following features:
- Wiper and washer controls
- Headlights, fog lights and hazard lights
- Demisting
- Cruise control
- Air conditioning and heating
- Brakes (test the brakes in a safe area to confirm they respond smoothly)
- Navigation and entertainment systems
Lastly, don’t forget to ensure the fuel/electric charge level matches what’s indicated in the rental agreement (and document the level with a photo). Most companies require you to return the car with the same amount, so it’s important to start on the right foot!
Top-up insurance
Damage to a rental car with no protection can put a damper on your overall holiday experience, not to mention putting a dent on your bank account! Our Top-up insurance is the top level of cover available with us. This provides reimbursement against charges for loss or damage to the vehicle not covered by the standard insurance. You can find out more in the booking process!
Ready to book?
As the one and only Which? Recommended Car Hire Broker, booking with Zest means you can enjoy the open roads worry-free knowing you’re in good hands. If you encounter an issue, get in touch using our 24/7 customer support phone line!
