{"id":29126,"date":"2025-01-29T17:07:27","date_gmt":"2025-01-29T17:07:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/?p=29126"},"modified":"2025-01-30T09:19:35","modified_gmt":"2025-01-30T09:19:35","slug":"your-rental-car-check-over-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/your-rental-car-check-over-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Your rental car check-over checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"

At risk of sounding like a broken record, we here at Zest will always advise that giving your rental car a check-over before you hit the road is one of the most important things to do during collection. We know, we know – the open road is calling, and frankly, it might feel a little awkward to inspect the car. But a few minutes documenting the condition of the vehicle, and getting familiar with its features could potentially save you money if the worst happens.<\/p>\n

\"Cars<\/a><\/h3>\n

Check for interior and exterior damage<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s best to take photos\/videos of the vehicle in its entirety, but make sure you\u2019re capturing any scratches and dents on the body of the vehicle (most notably the body and doors). Don\u2019t forget to also check the windscreen and mirrors for chips and cracks.<\/p>\n

When it comes to the interior of the vehicle, check the seats, dashboard, floor and boot for any stains, tears or scuffs. You can report any findings to the car rental provider, but it\u2019s important to keep your own records as well!<\/p>\n

\"Man<\/a><\/p>\n

Inspect the tyres<\/h3>\n

When it comes to tyre treads, if in doubt get a 20p coin out! You can check whether the outer band of a 20p coin is visible when inserted into the grooves of a tyre. If they are, then the tread depth may be too low. Tyre tread laws vary across different countries, so it may be worth doing some research before the inspection.<\/p>\n

We recommend inspecting the inflation of the tyres. It\u2019s safe to assume you won\u2019t have a tyre pressure gauge on you, but a quick visual inspection will suffice. Check for any sagging and compare all 4 tyres to see if there\u2019s any difference in appearances.<\/p>\n

You will also need to ensure the car is equipped with a spare tyre, jack, and lug wrench. If the car has a repair kit instead, verify its presence and condition. This can save you a headache in the event of a flat tyre.<\/p>\n

\"Collision<\/a><\/p>\n

Test essential features<\/h3>\n

Trying out the features of your rental vehicle<\/a> is not only great for testing to see if they work, but also allows you to get familiar with the controls and where they are located. If you\u2019re driving a hybrid or electric car for the first time, ask the rental staff for a quick tutorial.<\/p>\n