Cheap Car Hire Airports
10 tips for car hire at airports
Once you arrive at your holiday airport, it is normal to want to speed away to your destination as quickly as possible. But if you have booked a hire car or cheap car rentals at the airport, take your time to check the following before you drive away:
1. Check the hire car
Check the vehicle for scratches, dents and tears in upholstery. The car hire representative should note all of the above before you drive away, and you are recommended to do the same. There is nothing worse when you return your car than getting the blame for someone else´s dents or scratches, and it can cost you a lot of money.
2. Start the hire car
Allow the car to warm up and check if it is running properly. If there are any unexplained noises, bring them to the attention of the car hire representative immediately.
3. Check the air conditioning/heating
Find and switch on the air conditioning or heating. Check if it is working properly and if you arrive in summer, turn the key and leave the a/c on for a while before you get in the car.
4. Know your car hire directions
Check your airport maps for car hire pick-ups or drop-offs. Car hire parking at the airport is normally situated just outside the airport terminal. Take out a map and plan your route before leaving the airport.
5. Adjust your mirrors
Before driving away from the car hire lot at the airport, adjust all your mirrors to suit you. You don´t want to find yourself fiddling with mirrors while trying to navigate heavy traffic on the motorway.
6. Work the radio
Find out how to work the radio, switch it on and find a station you like before setting off in your airport hire car. You would be surprised how many drivers of holiday hire cars have accidents after fiddling around with the radio controls while driving.
7. Car hire windows
Find out how to operate the windows of your hire car. This will save you the hassle of pressing all the wrong buttons when you need to stop and ask directions, or pay at a toll booth.
8. Check the windscreen wipers
Check the windscreen wipers before it rains. Check where they are and make sure the wipers are working and that the rubber is intact.
9. Check the lights on your hire car
Find the light switches and also the high-beam switch before it gets dark. The last thing you want is to be driving in near darkness and unable to find the lights.
10. Car hire fuel
Every hire car company has different rules and regulations regarding fuel. You may or may not have to return the car full up, but it is well worth checking these details before you leave the airport.
