When you fly somewhere, it's very unlikely that you are right where you want to be. So the travel industry came up with this really cool idea...CAR RENTALS. That's right. You get to drive someonelses car and it's up to you and your pocketbook as to what you want to drive. Most of these cars have under 5000 miles too. Here are some things to note when renting a car.
DYK? You can and should join car rental awards programs. The coolest part of these programs is the quick check in when you get to the car rental desk. Blue Chip, Gold card, #1....all the clubs have all of your information on file. You go online, make the reservations and in most cases get the keys to the car immediately. No waiting in line. My favorite is www.thrifty.com I LOVE it when they call me by name.
ALWAYS: Get to know your car. Get in and figure out where * The mirrors adjuster is and set your mirror once you have adjusted your seat and put your seat belt on. I think they hire engineers to hide these convenient little adjusters. Sometimes they are on the dash, or either side of the steering wheel, sometimes they are on the door. You WILL have to look for it.
ALWAYS: Check the car over for dents, scrapes, broken mirrors or windows, and doors or locks that don't work. Make sure that everything works...ESPECIALLY the power ports. Report anything you don't find acceptable. If they notice it after you return it, you could be charged for the damage.
And DYK? You do not need to return the car to the same place. You do, have to use the same company, however. You can rent the car for one way trips. It WILL burn a hole in your wallet.....but the wear and tear on you is totally worth not making the return trip.
DYK? That you do not need to take the pro-offered car insurance. In most cases, you're own car insurance will cover accidents etc that will happen to you and your rental car. BE SURE to know ahead of time and carry your personal car insurance card with you. This can save you up to $15 a day.
ALWAYS: Check out the radio before you drive out of the parking lot. They aren't all made the same and one really shouldn't be goofing around with the radio while trying to navigate in traffic.
DYK? Not all cars come with cruise control. If you want it for sure - make sure its listed when you reserve your car.
DYK? In most cars you can change the level of the upper seat belt where it cuts across your neck/shoulder. Look on the center pillar where the belt is mounted. There may be a button or lever or release. Push, pull or pinch this and you can then slide the mount up or down until it's comfortable.
DYK? That gas ports are not in the same location on every car. Before you need to refuel, walk around the car and find which side the gas door is on AND be sure to figure out ahead of time if there is a release lever for the fuel door. They hind this too. It may be on the floor next to the drivers seat, on the dash or somewhere on the drivers door.
DYK? You can order extra equipment for your car, at a price. GPS, bike racks, children seats, as well as ski racks and other pieces of equipment.
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