If you’ve embraced a car-free lifestyle, renting a car is a great way to get hold of a private vehicle on the occasions you need one. You’re probably expecting the car to come in tip-top shape, ready to serve your needs, but sometimes, oversights can happen. So, it’s best to practice some common sense checks before embarking on your drive, to avoid unnecessary disruptions and stay safe on the road. Use this handy checklist to tick off the key things you should inspect. If you’re booking your ride from a TREVO Host, the Host will go through their own checklist to ensure you have a smooth drive, but as smart TREVO Guests, why not cross check upon receiving your TREVO car.
Check the tyre pressure
Having the right tyre pressure is important when you are going for a long drive as it will ensure that your car brakes, tyre grip and steering wheel work properly. Be a smart TREVO Guest by knowing the correct tyre pressure. It is essential to make sure that the car can brake, grip and steer properly. Even one over- or under-inflated tyre can have a big impact on how the car drives.
Many modern cars feature a tyre pressure monitoring system that alerts you if the pressure is incorrect. If the car you’re driving doesn’t have this, use a tyre pressure gauge (these are inexpensive and widely available) to check the level before you set off on a long journey.
You can find the right tyre pressure for your car in your handbook and usually on a panel just inside the driver’s door. Topping up with more air at your local garage or petrol station is easy, with most pumps allowing you to set the required pressure first.
Check the engine oil level
A TREVO Host will check the car before delivering it to a TREVO Guest. However, as a cautious TREVO Guest, it is advisable to double check your rented car before driving off. Engine oil is absolutely vital for keeping the car’s engine running smoothly. Running out could damage the engine and leave you stranded which is the last thing you want when you’re a long way from your destination!
Traditionally, every car came with a dipstick to allow you to check the engine oil level yourself. Many modern cars no longer have dipsticks, but instead use the car’s computer to monitor the engine oil level and display it on the dashboard. If the car has a dipstick, pull the dipstick fully out from the tube and have a paper towel or tissue handy to wipe any oil off the end of the dipstick. At the tip of the dipstick you will see two lines: the lower one indicates that the oil level is low and the upper line denotes that the car’s engine oil tank is full.
Some dipsticks are also marked with words like “full” and “add.” Insert the dipstick into the tube slowly and push it all the way down. Now withdraw it and look closely at the tip, which should have oil on it. If the level of the oil is between the two lines, the vehicle has enough oil. If it’s at the low mark or below, it’s time for a top up.
Emergency Supplies
Pack anything that may be useful in an emergency if the car were to break down. A red warning triangle is highly recommended in order to alert other drivers of your presence and it’s always worth keeping some spare clothes and snacks in the car in case you get stuck somewhere for a while.
As a TREVO Guest, you’re likely expecting to avoid any incident on the road, but sometimes it is just unavoidable. Do contact your Host and update them if any incident occurs and contact the TREVO customer service team for help if you need any.
