Driving a new car can be daunting. How do I start the car? Where’s the light switch? We want to ensure that you have a stress-free holiday. So, we’re going to run through how to start your hire car and get on the road without any hassle.
Photo by: Kwangmoo/Fotolia
Getting to know your car
It’s unlikely you’ll be given an owner’s manual. Even if you are, it’ll probably be in the language of the country that you are visiting. If you’re not fluent in Spanish/ Portuguese/ Italian you might be in trouble!
As a rule of thumb, even though there are hundreds of symbols for use on dashboards, there is a type of industry standard. If you see a symbol in your hire car that looks like one on your own car, the chances are it’ll do the same thing.
How to start your hire car
Photo by: Narong-Jongsirikul/Fotolia
Different manufacturers require you to start the vehicle in different ways. Usually, this involves depressing either the clutch or brake. Depressing the clutch prior to starting the engine helps protect various parts of the system and is a good practice to get into.
Automatics
All automatics require you to depress the brake fully for the car to start.
Ford
Most Ford’s require you to depress the clutch.
Opel/Vauxhall
New Vauxhall’s, such as the Mokka, require you to depress the clutch to start the vehicle.
Peugeot
It’s not uncommon to have to depress the clutch to start a Peugeot.
Renault
Many models of the Scenic and Megane ranges require you to depress the clutch to start the vehicle.
Toyota
Toyota’s usually require the clutch to be depressed.
VW/Seat
Most Volkswagen’s, such as the Passat, require you to depress the clutch (right to the floor) to start the vehicle.
Seat, owned by VW, operate the same systems.
USA
In the States, you have to depress the clutch to start any “stick” vehicle.
What side is the fuel cap?
Look at the fuel gauge, there’ll be an arrow pointing one way or the other. If it points left, that’s where the fuel cap is.
Photo by: Rustam-Shigapov/Fotolia
Electric handbrake
These days, many cars now have an electric handbrake instead of the pull handle next to the seat belt buckle. There are a couple of systems in use:
Setting the brake
- Pull and hold the button and your car is securely parked and a light confirms the brake is on.
- Depress the brake pedal, push the button and your car is securely parked and a light confirms the brake is on.
- The brake will automatically engage when the key is removed from the ignition.
Releasing the brake
- Depress the brake pedal, push the button to release the parking brake and drive away.
- Slowly release the clutch, depress the accelerator and pull away.
Over to you
What are the main differences you’ve come across when driving a hire car? Let us know below and help your fellow renters.
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