It should be fun to rent a car. Getting the keys to a new car that you can use for a few days is exciting, whether you’re going on a business trip, a road trip, or just exploring a new city. But before the fun starts, every smart traveler does one thing: they check the car quickly but thoroughly before they leave.
Most people think that rental cars are always in great shape, but that’s not always the case. A missed scratch, a warning light that wasn’t seen, or an empty fuel tank can quickly lead to extra charges or, even worse, problems on the road. You can save yourself a lot of stress later by taking five minutes to check.
Every time you rent a car, you should go through this simple, useful, and completely non-technical checklist.
1. Start With the Exterior – Look for Anything That Stands Out
Even if the rental agent says everything is “all good,” walk around the car slowly. You don’t have to be an expert; just look for things that interest you.
Look for:
- Scratches on the doors or bumper
- Small dents, especially close to the wheels
- Chips or cracks in the glass of the windshield
Any parts that are loose or broken, like the side mirrors, wipers, or handles
Don’t trust your memory. Take a few quick pictures or a 10-second video tour. It’s the quickest way to avoid having to pay for someone else’s damage. Most rental companies like this because it keeps both sides safe.
Tip: Always check the roof and the underside of the front bumper. These are areas that are often missed but show damage quickly.
2. Examine the Tyres – A Lot of People Skip This
People don’t pay enough attention to tires, but they are one of the most important safety features. You might think a rental car looks great, but worn-out tires can ruin your trip.
Look for:
- Good depth of tread
- No cuts, nails, or bulges that can be seen
- They shouldn’t look flat or saggy when they’re properly inflated.
If one tire looks very different from the others, let the driver know. Uneven wear can mean that your wheels are not aligned properly, which can make driving harder.
3. Make Sure the Lights and Indicators Work
This sounds simple, but it’s often forgotten. Turn on:
- Headlights
- High beams
- Indicators
- Hazard lights
- Brake lights (ask the agent or someone nearby to check)
A non-working brake light or indicator can get you fined on the road, not fun when you’re in an unfamiliar city.
4. Check the Fuel Level And Understand the Company’s Fuel Policy
This is one of the places where people most often get things wrong.
Before you drive away:
- Check the gas gauge
- Check to see if the car is full, half full, or somewhere in between.
- Compare it to what’s written down.
There are usually three kinds of fuel policies:
- Full-to-Full: Pick up a full load and bring it back.
- Same-to-Same: You give back the same amount you got.
- Prepaid Fuel: You pay in advance for a full tank of gas.
Knowing the policy will save you from having to pay extra fees or panic at the gas station.
5. Get Comfortable Inside the Car
Slide into the driver’s seat and take a minute to make sure everything feels right. You don’t want to adjust things after merging into traffic.
Run through this mini-check:
- Adjust the seat and steering wheel
- Adjust mirrors
- Locate the indicators and wipers (every car is different!)
- Find the headlight controls
- Check where the handbrake is traditional or button
- Test the air conditioning
- Make sure the infotainment system works
- Connect your phone via Bluetooth if needed
This helps you avoid fumbling with buttons while driving in a new place.
6. Inspect the Interior for Damage or Missing Items
Look for:
- Stains or tears on seats
- Damaged dashboard or broken air vents
- Non-functioning power windows
- Missing mats or accessories (some agencies include cables or chargers)
- If anything looks odd or out of place, tell the staff immediately.
One more thing: check the odometer reading and ensure it matches what’s listed in your rental agreement, especially if you’re renting under a limited-kilometre plan.
Wrapping It Up
You can explore your destination on your own terms with a rental car, but taking a few minutes to check it out before you leave the lot can make a big difference. It keeps you safe on the road, helps you avoid extra fees, and ensures your trip goes smoothly and is fun.
Use this list as a quick guide to your travel habits. It becomes second nature after you’ve done it a few times. Paying attention at the beginning will make the rest of the trip stress-free.
