Useful Tips For Picking Up and Driving Your Hire Car At Night
Driving your car hire at night may be inevitable if you are collecting it from the airport after the arrival of your flight. Also, if you are planning a journey to a country with few daylight hours, you may find yourself collecting your hire car during the night. Here you will learn some useful tips that will ensure that the process of collecting your hire car is as stress-free as possible. Also, you will learn some valuable tips that will come in handy as you drive in a foreign country at night.
Ask about out of hours' charges
Some car rental companies do not operate 24 hours. If you choose to pick up your vehicle during the night, you may be charged an additional fee known as out of hours' charge. This fee covers the rental company's operational cost of ensuring that there is a member of staff available to help you during the collection. If your rental company doesn't offer 24-hour services, you should get a quote on their out of hours' charges. Also have in mind that your day flight may be delayed, and you may end up arriving at your destination after office hours. Liaise with the rental company so that you don't end up experiencing inconveniences as a result of the delays.
Inspect the vehicle
Once you meet the rental company staff for collection, make sure that you thoroughly inspect the vehicle. If you don't note down any pre-existing damage on the vehicle at the time of collection, you may end up paying for it as you return the car to the car rental company. Carry a flashlight with you so that you can be able to inspect the car's body at night. Take photos of any damages, including scratches, dents, and dings on the vehicle. Make sure that the company representative records the damage before you can collect the car so that you don't end up paying for it.
Check the lights
Proper visibility is critical when driving at night, and your safety can be compromised if the lights of the vehicle aren't working properly. Make sure that you inspect the lights before hitting the road. Let the supplier take care of any problems before you leave with the vehicle. Also, make sure that you are aware of any special driving regulations in the new country. For instance, some states require you to carry an additional set of headlights. If this is a requirement, you should make sure that they are available.
Finally, ensure that you observe road safety throughout the journey. Do not stop unnecessarily or leave the vehicle unlocked as you stop at a gas station as you may render yourself an easy target to burglars.
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