How to check your hire car
You are more likely to have an accident when driving abroad than you are at home, even if the roads may be quieter and drivers less aggressive. You will be driving an unfamiliar car, on the “wrong” side of the road, with rules and regulations you are not used to. If you are unlucky, you may also be driving a sub-standard, badly serviced hire car. Before you drive your car away from the rental car park, check the following things, and if they don’t come up to standard, insist on action or a replacement.

- Very importantly, check tyres for bulges, worn areas or nicks in the wall. Find out what pressure they should be, and if you think they might be under-or over-inflated, ask for them to be tested.

- Check the condition of the windscreen wiper blades and that they work properly.

- If there is damage, however slight, to the insides or body of the car, you can photograph it so that you won’t be held liable for it at the end of your holiday.

- Make sure that the seat belts lock properly when jerked sharply, and that the rear seat belts are accessible.

- Test all the lights.

- Look at the petrol cap and check it has a good lock and seal.

- Before you leave the car park, check that the brakes work efficiently and evenly.

Tips on car hire in Europe
Take some advice from Euroconsumer on hiring a car abroad, driving in different countries and insurance issues. There are also hints on booking car rental over the internet.
Euroconsumer Advice >

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