Australia is a large and diverse country where there is plenty of opportunity to explore. One of the best ways to do this is to hire a car and set off on a road trip. If you decide to do this, remember to choose a vehicle that is suitable for all of the terrain that you are likely to encounter.
There are many places that you can check for suitable vehicles including the DriveNow Website. Once you have chosen the ideal vehicle for your trip, you need to make sure that you check it before you drive away.
Before going to the rental company’s office, ensure you have done the proper research and find out if they offer what you need. Know all the rental information, including the pickup and return process, information on the damage process just in case, and all other optional extras. You wouldn’t want to be surprised to receive your bill after you have returned the rental vehicle after using it. If you need a rental car in Australia, check out sixt or other local rental companies. They have all types of vehicles for any need you may have. They have luxury cars, sedans, four-wheel drives, compact cars, electric cars, and even trucks.
Why do you need to check a rental vehicle?
When you rent a vehicle, it should be accompanied by a condition report. This report details any damage to the vehicle or marks that are present. It should be an accurate representation of the current condition of the vehicle.
In order to make sure that this is the case, you need to check the vehicle yourself before you drive away. If you notice any damage that is not recorded in the condition report, you should speak to a representative from the car hire company and make sure that a record is made straight away.
It’s also a good idea to take photographs of the vehicle, including a timestamp. This helps to protect you, should there be any issues regarding damage when the vehicle is returned.
When you do return the vehicle, make sure to check it over in the presence of a representative from the car hire company. For this reason, it’s a good idea to try and avoid dropping a vehicle off when the car hire offices are closed.
And, remember not to sign anything right away and not without the presence of a witness. Make sure that the vehicle you’re renting doesn’t have any visible problems, lest you be charged with something you’re not really responsible for.
What else should you check before you drive away?
Aside from the condition of the vehicle, there are other things that it’s worth checking before you drive away.
- What fuel does the vehicle take?
This is important as you do not want to experience problems if you put the wrong fuel into vehicle. You will usually be able to find details about the type of fuel to use on the fuel flap. If ethanol blended fuels are involved, you may also need to check the owner’s handbook. If you have any doubts when it comes to fuel, you should check with the car hire company before you drive off. The cost of this kind of dilemma is huge. Don’t hesitate to ask the rental company so you won’t make a mistake.
- Is the fuel tank full?
Normally, you should expect to have a full fuel tank when you set off. You then need to make sure that the fuel tank is full when you drop the car off after your trip. It’s worth turning on the ignition to make sure that the fuel tank is full when you first hire the car.
- Are you acquainted with the vehicle?
There is a good chance that you will not know everything about the vehicle, unless it’s the same as one that you have owned. It’s worth taking a few minutes to get to know important features such as the indicators, the air-con system and the stereo. If you have problems with operating any of these features, ask the car hire representative for help before you drive away.
Once you have completed all of the necessary checks, it’s time to depart on your Australia road trip. You can do so safe in the knowledge that you have done all that you can to make sure that the vehicle does not cause you trouble during the trip.
Getting a rental vehicle for your trip to a new place should make your life easier and not the opposite. Especially, if you’re with the entire family, you’re supposed to enjoy your time and not worry about anything like engine trouble. Get your preferred vehicle from a trusted and reliable car rental company for the most unforgettable trip.
