Renting a car is inevitable when you are travelling to a new country. Whether you do not know many people at your destination or if the public transport is not up to scratch, it is necessary to have a car to get around. Some great news for the low cost travel industry is that car rental businesses are slowly undergoing an eco-friendly evolution. Businesses and agencies are starting to purchase more hybrid and fuel efficient vehicles. They are realizing that low carbon vehicles are a greener form of driving. They emit fewer toxic and harmful gases than a standard car does and they, to some extent lessen the negative impact that cars have on the environment.
Larger rental agencies are acknowledging consumers growing demands for eco-friendly transport and therefore increasing their car stock to allow for more hybrid and fuel efficient vehicles. This shows us that companies listen to our needs and we therefore need to continue demanding low emission vehicles and environmentally friendly products.
When renting a car there are some things you should find out about the company and choice of car first. Although car rental can be expensive there are ways to cut expenses and get a good deal. If you take the time out to do some research, you are sure to find a car that suits your needs by being cost efficient and eco-friendly. One thing that is sure to save you money is to start your research early. You are more likely to get a better deal and perhaps even a special or discount when you reserve in advance. If you need a car for a few days or a week, you should compare weekly versus daily rates. Weekly rates are often more cost effective. Remember that the only way to find the best rate is to compare. Use the internet and travel professional so that you have a large variety of agencies to choose from. You may find that renting hybrid and fuel efficient cars are slightly more expensive but you will be saving hugely on fuel as well as drastically cutting emissions. This means you are able to spend more time driving at a fraction of the cost.
Here are some important questions to ask when making you choice:
- Inquire about rates, find out operating hours and drop off chargers if the car must be returned to a different location.
- If you have children, check if the agency has car seats and the charge thereof.
- Check if your car insurance covers you or if you need to purchase rental insurance.
- Ask what documents you need to bring along in order to rent a car.
- Find out if the company offers any specials or advance booking discounts.
- Ask about additional fees.
- Ask for a spare car key.
- Remember to fill up the car with fuel before returning the car. This can save you money as they often charge you extra if you do not remember.
- Have a good look at the vehicle before signing anything. Check for damage and look underneath the car for any leakages. Before anything is signed make sure the agency is aware of damage before you take responsibility of the car.
Avoid that feeling of recklessness when renting a car. You still need to look after the car and drive sensibly. Here are some tips on driving more efficiently so that you are able to cut emissions and save on fuel:
- Drive sensibly: Driving aggressively wastes fuel, avoid speeding, rapid acceleration and heavy breaking
- Observe the speed limit: Although different vehicles reach optimal fuel economy at different speeds, fuel mileage rapidly decreases at speeds above 60 mph. Sticking to the speed limit is also far safer.
- Remove excess weight: Try to remove all unnecessary items in you car. Extra weight increases the fuel consumption
- Avoid excess idling: Allowing you vehicle to run idle gives you zero mileage for fuel. Some vehicles use more fuel than others to run idle.
- Use overdrive gears: On long distances, try to keep the gears in the highest level, this keeps the cars engine speed down. This saves fuel and reduces engine wear.
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