Are you renting a car this holiday season? Many people will be, whether they are renting a vehicle at the airport when visiting friends or renting a small van or truck to get trees or other holiday purchases home. If you are planning on renting a vehicle, however, you will want to keep some safety tips in mind to ensure that your rental is safe and takes you where you need to go.
When renting a vehicle, make sure you ask some questions, including:
1) How has this vehicle been maintained?
Unfortunately, some rental trucks and cars have poor safety records. Investigative reports have found mechanical problems with rental vehicles before and some customers have accused rental companies of renting unsafe vehicles. When taking a look at the vehicle with the rental company representative, ask questions about any potential problems and take photos of any signs of damage (this can protect you later on if you are accused of causing the damage). Ask for a new vehicle if you notice poor steering, unexplained noises, or other issues. If you will be traveling in the car for some time, consider taking it to a mechanic to make sure it is safe.
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