Information about Cheap Cars, Car Parts, Car Loans and Others

Q. What does “car type” or similar mean?
A.  Car rental companies can never guarantee a specific model or car. When renting a car, companies will give you an idea of what you can expect – you may get the car type that was advertised or you may get one similar in size or model.

Q. How old are rental cars?
A. Depends on the car rental company. Larger suppliers like Hertz and Avis carry cars on their fleet that are about 3-4 months old. Smaller companies can carry cars up to 4 years old.

Q. Can baby seats be requested?
A. Yes, the majority of car rental companies do carry baby or booster seats and can be requested before collection.

Q. What happens if my rental car breaks down?
A. Most car rental companies should include 24 hour roadside assistance in the rental rate. If you do break down, help is only a phone call away.

Q. Can I pick up a rental car in one city and drop it off in another?
A. This is known as a one way rental. It depends on the supplier and the country – sometimes a fee will apply. Ask when booking!

Q. Can cars be driven into countries other than the country the vehicle is collected in?
A. In most cases, yes but conditions and restrictions do apply. In Europe, there are restrictions about travelling into Eastern Europe and some vehicles cannot be driven in Italy. In the USA, cars cannot be driven into Mexico. Always check at the time of booking.

Q. Are there age restrictions on drivers?
A. Yes. Maximum and minimum ages vary depending on suppliers and car type. Additional fees may also apply for younger or older drivers.

Q. Can anyone drive the rental car?
A. Additional drivers must be added to the rental contract before collection. There may be a fee for additional drivers.

Q. Can my prepaid rental be extended after the vehicle is collected?
A. Yes. In most cases, the renter pays the supplier directly for any extensions. However, this is at the local rate which is often higher than the pre-paid rate.

Q. What do I do if I return the vehicle early?

A. This is possible, however no refund of unused rental days is allowed by the car rental companies.

Car maintenance is especially important if you wish to protect your automotive investment. There are several maintenance related items that need to be dealt with on a regular basis in order to keep your car running smoothly. By dealing with these things before they become a problem, you can prevent future damages and increase the longevity of your car.

1. Change the oil regularly. It is an absolute necessity. Many people do not realize that the oil in the engine can become very dirty if it is not changed. Follow the schedule in your manual. Clean oil is important for making sure that everything runs smoothly.

2. Rotate the tires as needed. The outer edge of the tire can become worn down over time so the tires need to be rotated. This puts the unworn edge on the outside so that you can get more use out of the tires. Rotating tires as needed can substantially increase how much you get out of them.

3. Look over the belts inside your engine. If they look worn or frayed then it is time to replace them. You can often buy replacement belts at any auto parts store. Look up the right ones for your type of automobile.

4. Check your tire pressure often. If it is too low or too high, it could pose a problem. Keep this level maintained so that your tires last as long as they should. You can easily check this with an inexpensive tire gauge.

5. Make sure that your brake fluid is always well above the line that indicates a healthy minimum. Your brakes are the lifeline of your vehicle, something that you do not want to overlook.

6. Always run the right type of gasoline for your car or truck. The user manual indicates which type is ideal for the best performance possible. It is not wise to ignore this as it is there for a reason. Do what is best for your vehicle.

7. Keep your paint job new and clean by washing your vehicle on a regular basis. Use materials that are made for a car so that you know it is safe for the paint.

8. Waxing your car every few months is recommended for optimum paint protection. The wax creates a protective barrier from dirt and debris. Test various waxes until you find one that you like.

9. Keep your battery clean and check it regularly to ensure that it is maintaining a proper charge. Allowing the battery to get filthy can be problematic.

10. Check your signal and brake lights. It does not take much for them to burn out and you could be driving around without knowing it.