How to Check a Rental Car Before a Road Trip

Before starting a road trip in a rental car, check the car condition, confirm the fuel or battery level, adjust the controls, and review your route. Also check for toll roads, fuel or charging stops, road conditions, and your estimated driving time. This takes less than 5–10 minutes before your drive and can help you avoid unnecessary surprises once you’re on the road.

What to Check on a Rental Car Before Driving?

Before leaving the rental location, walk around the vehicle and check:

• Exterior: Look for scratches, dents, or other visible damage.
• Tires: Check if they are properly inflated and have no visible damage.
• Windows and mirrors: Make sure they are clean and undamaged.
• Lights: Check headlights, brake lights, and indicators.
• Fuel or battery: Confirm the current level and know the return requirements.
• Interior: Adjust the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel.
• Controls: Locate the indicators, headlights, windshield wipers, and parking brake.
• Dashboard: Check for warning lights after starting the vehicle.
• Existing damage: Make sure any visible damage is recorded in your rental documentation.

Tip: Take a few photos of the rental car when you collect it, particularly if you notice existing scratches or dents.

Check Your Route in Advance

Once you've checked the rental car, take a few extra minutes to review your route before setting off. 

Check the driving distance and time, toll roads or vignettes, fuel or charging stops, and road and traffic conditions. If you're driving somewhere unfamiliar, knowing what type of roads you'll encounter can make the journey much more comfortable.

This is especially important for long road trips and unlimited-mileage rentals where travelers may cover significant distances and encounter mountain roads, narrow streets, or winding coastal routes. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Rental Car?

Before booking, think about where you’re going, how far you’ll drive, who you’re travelling with, and what you’ll be carrying.

The best rental car depends on your destination, route, and travel plans. Consider these options: 

• City exploring: Choose a compact, easy-to-manoeuvre car best for navigating narrow streets and tight parking spaces.
• Coastal road trips: Choose a comfortable vehicle with enough space for your passengers and luggage, considering the roads you'll be driving. (A Compact or SUV works best, but take a Mini if there are narrow roads)
• Mountain roads: Consider a vehicle that feels comfortable and easy to control on winding or uphill roads. If you prefer not to manage manual gear changes, an automatic transmission can make the drive easier.
• Long-distance trips: Look for a spacious car for passengers and luggage, along with features that make driving easier, e.g., GPS Garmin Satellite navigation.
• Island adventures: A mini or economy car can be particularly useful on narrow village roads, while still giving you enough to explore beaches and remote spots.
• Travelling with family or friends: Check the number of seats and boot capacity before booking, and add a car seat for extra child safety. 

Here you can explore the available fleet and its additional features for the country you’d like to visit.

Save Office Contacts

Before setting off, save your rental office’s contact details so you know where to turn if you need support during your trip. Having it by hand is crucial if an unexpected situation or question comes up when you’re on the road. 

If you have a question about a CARWIZ rental, rental agreement, or journey, contact our local office. CARWIZ office teams are available during their working hours, whether you need clarification about your vehicle, have a question about your rental car, or simply need assistance while travelling. 

Other than that, you can find important notes in Rental Information or the Terms and Conditions agreement. 

Don't Forget Your Navigation

Before setting off, download an offline map, make sure your phone is charged, and connect it to the vehicle if supported. 

Check your first destination and planned stops, and remember to make any navigation changes only when you’re safely parked. 

Rental Car Pre-Drive Checklist:

• Inspect the vehicle 

Check for existing damage and photograph the car. 

• Check the essentials 

Confirm the fuel or battery level, lights, tires, and dashboard warnings.

• Get comfortable 

Adjust your seat, mirrors, and steering wheel.

• Check your route 

Set your navigation, review the driving time, and identify fuel or break stops.

Ready to Experience the Road?

If everything from the list is checked, you are ready to start your journey. Get comfortable in your CARWIZ rental, because it’s time to check every viewpoint off the list!