Some tips for choosing a rental car for your summer holiday

Summer is here! We know you have been looking forward to these months of heat, fun, long hours of sunshine and the whole family together and, above all… Holidays! So it’s time to get behind the wheel, head out to enjoy yourself and have a wonderful time. But before setting off, we may consider renting a car to enjoy the journey. We are going to offer you some tips to help you choose the right car for your holiday.

Choose the right type of car you need

Going on holiday to a house near the beach with your partner is not the same as going to the mountains with the whole family or friends. Each destination calls for a different type of vehicle, and before renting you need to know what requirements the car must meet. Normally you can find every type of car for every kind of trip, from an MPV to carry the whole family or friends to the beach, to an SUV to tackle a mountain ascent.

Planning the journey to your destination carefully

In summer you need to be clear about what time to leave, the route to follow, the estimated arrival time and the stops to make along the way to avoid tiredness and other considerations for the trip. As for the departure time, some car rental agencies will deliver the car to your front door at the agreed time, with the contract ready, so you don’t have to waste time completing it. This means the car is ready straight away and you can leave without waiting.

Skip the car service

The car service before hitting the road is very important. If you opt for a rental car, you can skip that stage of the preparations. There is no need for any servicing, as the car is handed over fully serviced, with the guarantee that we won’t come across any surprises during the journey.

Luggage

One of the most important things when going on a holiday trip is luggage. We recommend taking only what is essential and little more, leaving room for “just in case” clothing, such as a raincoat in case it rains one day, some warm clothing in case it gets chilly, and that sort of accessory. When loading the luggage, you need to know how to do it properly. Luggage that moves around in the boot can cause problems while driving. In this article we explain how to stow the load in the best possible way.

Driving assistance

If you are travelling to a place you have never been before, the GPS may become an indispensable ally for reaching your destination and getting around once you have arrived. In that case it is advisable to rent a car that has this service. Also, if you can count on Bluetooth connectivity, you can talk on the phone without problems and safely. Before renting, ask about these services and get a car that has them.

On the road

Before setting off, remember to adjust the headrests, the driver’s seat, the mirrors and the other elements that will allow you to drive safely and comfortably throughout the journey. Your hands should be at “quarter to three” on the steering wheel, a position that lets you react more quickly if necessary. Remember to keep a bottle of water to stay hydrated and to stop every so often to rest and stretch your legs. Light eating is advisable, because a heavy meal can cause drowsiness, and a good playlist can be essential for making the journey more pleasant.

Once you arrive…

When parking and leaving the car, remove from sight anything that might be tempting to “light-fingered” people. It is also preferable to keep it in a sheltered spot. In summer it is hard to find a spot where the sun doesn’t shine on the street at least at some point during the day, but there are places that stay in shade for several hours, which helps keep the car at a comfortable temperature. The brakes and tyres suffer in high temperatures, so check them before getting back behind the wheel. If the car will not be used during your stay, it may be a good idea to return it to the rental agency at that location and so reduce costs.

Source | Europcar