4 Easy Tips For After You Rent A Car

So you’ve landed in a new city and you’re ready to hit the road, Already daydreaming about that comfy hotel bed and some delicious room service. But it’s important to take a minute and get to know what will be your only mode of transportation for the next few days.

Follow these four steps before taking off on your adventure and you’ll be sure to have a fun and safe drive.

Adjust the Radio and Check Bluetooth

Start by hooking up your phone to the Bluetooth in the car if it has the option. The last thing you want to do is run a red because you were fiddling with the radio. Not only is Bluetooth useful when your boss calls to discuss tomorrow’s meeting but it will also allow you to play your own music so you don’t have to go digging through all the stations on the radio trying to find something you like.

Adjust Everything

You’ve signed the papers and that means for the next few days that car is yours so adjust the mirrors and the seat like it was your daily driver. This will keep you and everyone around you safer as it gives you maximum visibility, there is a reason why adjusting your mirrors is the first thing you are taught in driving school, It’s very important. Also, not only are you a safer driver when the car is adjusted to fit you but you’ll also be more comfortable.

Know your Route

Planning is very important on any trip and being in a new city means dealing with maps you’ve never had to deal with before. If your cell phone doesn’t have a map feature always remember to pack your own GPS. Position the GPS as low as possible on the windshield while still visible enough that you can get the information you’re looking for at a glance. Also make sure you have the correct destination selected, the last thing you want to do is end up at the wrong Best Western on the other side of town.

Take a Quick Spin

Chances are the car you rented is not the same as your car back home so before leaving it is always a good idea to take a quick drive around the lot, radio off, to get a feel for the car before you hit the highways. Spatial Awareness is a major part of driving and it’s better to get a feel for the size of the car in the parking lot than it is on the roads. Also, be sure to get familiar with the acceleration and the breaks on the car, test to see how sensitive the pedals are and you do not accidentally slam on the breaks or launch forward accelerating too fast.