When you rent a self-drive car for your trip, especially in a foreign country like Tanzania, it’s essential to take a few important steps to ensure everything is in order before you set off on your adventure.
Taking the time to properly check your rental vehicle not only ensures your safety but also prevents any misunderstandings or additional charges when you return the car. Whether you are driving through national parks, bustling cities, or rural areas, it’s vital to inspect the car thoroughly. This checklist will help you cover all the basics, from checking for existing damages to understanding the vehicle’s features, ensuring it’s equipped for the journey ahead.
By doing so, you’ll have peace of mind, knowing that your car is in good condition, and you’re prepared for the road. Taking these simple steps can make your self-drive in Tanzania smooth and stress-free, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.
In the guide below, you will find great tips on what to do when inspecting a rental car.
- Stick to a Trusted Renter
Before you choose a renter or even get to the inspection phase, you should figure out which rental services you know and trust. It isn’t always avoidable, but it’s best not to use a random rental service that you don’t know. The very least you can do is research the service a bit before renting from them just so you know a bit about what you’re dealing with.
- Take Your Time
It is understandable that you may want to rush through this process so you can be on your way, but that is inadvisable. You need to be careful and thorough in your inspection so you properly acknowledge and take note of every little detail, dent, scratch, or issue that the rental has. After all, no one wants to be penalized for a defect that they had nothing to do with, right?
- Check the exterior of the car
Look for any visible damages, such as dents and scratches. If any, the rental agent should document them in the rental contract. And if need be, you may also take some digital photos of any noticeable damages at the time of pick up and when dropping off the car. They may help protect you from unfair rental charges. In any case, you don’t want to end up paying for damages inflicted by others.
Check the inflation and condition of the tires for your safety on the road. They should not be worn out or having a shallow treads depth. Any depth below 1.5 mm may be considered unsafe and would require replacement beforehand. Lastly, ensure the door handles, wipers, and lights are working well.
- Check the engine
To check the engine, ignite the car and pay attention to the engine’s sound for any unusual sounds. Any unusual sounds could be a bad signal and should be brought to the attention of the rental agent. Next, look out for any warning lights on the dash prompting you to check the engine. Notify this or any other drivability issues to the rental agent.
- Air conditioning
Air conditioning is a must-have in a rental car, especially when going on an extended road tour. Ensure that the fan settings are working correctly. Additionally, look for any odor inside the car that may trigger allergic reactions to you or your travel companion and notify the rental agent or change the vehicle.
- Check if the gas gauge is full
Much like other aspects, checking the gas gauge of your rental car is equally important. Most rental companies have fuel policies that require you to fill up the tank when dropping off their cars. Generally, the gas tank should be full when picking and dropping off the car. So, on that note, if the gas is not full during the pickup inspection, the rental agent should note it in the rental contract before you leave. This means that you will not fill up the tank when you’re dropping off the car. Lastly, find out where the gas tank is located and how to open the gas tank door before leaving.
- Mind the Inside
Remember, there can be places of interest on the inside of the rental, as well. There could be stains, damage to the seats, burn holes, or even smaller areas of damage on the side of doors that you need to acknowledge. You can even take a few pictures of any spots that you find, should you feel the need. It might feel a bit excessive, but it is better to be safe than sorry, as they say. First, you need to make sure that your driver’s seat is adjusted correctly to allow you easily reach the pedals and for a clear sightline when you’re driving.
- Check the lights
You need to pay attention to the hazard, headlights, high beams, and interior lights. Find out where each of the lights is controlled and how to turn them on and off. Some vehicles have headlights that turn on and off automatically. In other cars, you’ll have to turn them on or off manually.
- Check the vehicle safety features
During this inspection, check the cruise control settings. Cruise control helps to reduce the speed, fuel consumption and prevent any sudden acceleration or deceleration of the car when driving. One other important safety feature to check in a rental car includes the backup cameras and the parking brakes. Generally, the rental agent should show you additional safety features. You can also find more safety features in the owner’s manual.
- Check the glove compartment
Most of the time, you will find the owner’s manual in the glove compartment. The owner’s manual will be vital when you want to find how specific features of car work. Other things you will find in the glove compartment include the vehicle registration card, rental agency address, and emergency contacts in case of a road mishap.
Conclusion: Checking your self-drive rental car carefully before hitting the road is a simple but very important step. It helps you avoid unexpected problems, stay safe, and enjoy a smooth journey. Take time to inspect the car’s condition, test the important features, review the paperwork, and ask questions if anything is unclear. A few careful minutes at the start can save you time, money, and stress later. Whether you are planning a safari or a scenic road trip in Tanzania, making sure your rental car is ready will give you confidence and peace of mind throughout your adventure.
