Blog TRAVEL GUIDE · ROMANIA Every castle tells a story about the country's past, about noble families, kings, and local traditions. 15 places to...
Read the article
AIC RENT A CAR · PRACTICAL GUIDE
Checklist before renting a car
What you should check before pickup, for a safer trip without unpleasant surprises.
Renting a car gives you freedom and flexibility, but before setting off on the road it is important to check a few things. A careful inspection can help you avoid misunderstandings, unexpected costs, and problems during the trip.
Here are the main aspects to keep in mind when renting a car:
The checks below help you know what to look for before signing the documents and setting off on your journey.
01 · INSPECTION
Car exterior
Examine the car's exterior to identify any dents, scratches, or areas where the paint is damaged. Carefully check the windshield and windows for cracks or chips.
Inspect all four tires and check the tread depth, uneven wear, cuts, bulges, or other signs of damage.
Photograph any existing damage and make sure it is recorded in the handover documents.
02 · COMFORT
Car interior
Check the upholstery, seats, carpet, and trunk for stains, tears, or damage. Examine the dashboard and controls to make sure they work properly.
Check that you have received the agreed keys, documents, and accessories, as well as whether the interior matches the condition described at pickup.
03 · VISIBILITY
Lights and turn signals
Before departure, check that all lights are working: headlights, position lights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights.
If you notice a faulty bulb or a light that flickers, notify the rental company before you leave.
04 · MAINTENANCE
Fluid levels
The car should have fluid levels within the manufacturer's recommended limits. Before departure, the check may include engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid, if this can be done safely.
If you notice a low level, a leak, or a warning light, inform the rental company and request that the issue be fixed before setting off. Do not open the coolant system cap when the engine is hot.
05 · SAFETY
Safety features
Check that the seat belts are present, fasten correctly, and retract normally. Make sure there are no warning lights for airbags or other safety systems.
You cannot test all advanced assistance systems with just a visual inspection. If an error message appears or you have doubts about how a system works, notify the company before departure.
06 · COMFORT
Climate control
Check that the air conditioning, heating, and fan are working properly. Also test the windshield and rear window defogging, especially if you are going to drive in cold or wet weather.
Good climate control contributes to comfort and helps maintain visibility during the trip.
07 · BEFORE DEPARTURE
Test drive
If it is permitted and agreed with the company representative, take a short test drive before setting off. Pay attention to unusual noises, vibrations, the response of the brakes, and how the car accelerates and turns.
Do not continue driving if you notice a problem that could affect safety. Stop in a safe place and contact the rental company.
Car Rental Safety
Before you leave, check the seat belts, warning lights, and relevant safety equipment. Make sure you know how to use the car's main controls and that you have the company's contact details in case you need them.
A quick test, when possible, can help you notice early on if something is not working as it should.
Document and report issues
If you notice anything that does not satisfy you during the inspection, take photos or videos of the situation and inform the rental company before you leave. Ask for any damage to be recorded in the handover documents, so that there is a clear record of the car's initial condition.
Read the rental contract carefully. Make sure you understand the terms, the return conditions, the fuel policy, and the situations in which additional charges may apply.
Useful tip: keep the photos and documents until the rental ends and any uncertainties are resolved.
Other useful checks
Roll the windows up and down, test the radio and the other electronic devices, and check that all important controls work.
If the car has GPS or a multimedia system, familiarize yourself with the main functions. If necessary, ask the agent to show you how to use it and how to change the language.
08 · FUEL
Check the fuel type and the tank
Confirm whether the car uses petrol, diesel, or another type of fuel. Do not rely solely on the information from a previous booking: check the vehicle details and the indications on the fuel cap or in the car's documents.
Check the fuel level at pickup and make sure it is recorded in the documents. If the policy is "full to full", confirm the initial level and keep the receipt from the refueling done before return, if applicable.
Familiarize yourself with the dashboard and settings
Before starting, identify the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and main controls. Check whether any warning lights are on and whether the engine temperature shows unusual values after starting.
If you do not recognize a symbol on the dashboard, ask for clarification before setting off. Do not ignore warnings that may indicate a safety or operational problem.
Make sure the tires are suitable and safe
Inspect each tire for wear, cuts, bulges, or other damage and check the pressure according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If the tread appears very worn or you notice damage, request an inspection before departure.
In Romania, on public roads covered with snow, ice, or black ice, the vehicle must be equipped with winter tires that comply with legal requirements. If you are going to drive in winter conditions, confirm that the tires are suitable for the route and the weather conditions.
Find a nearby gas station
If you need to return the car with a full tank, identify a gas station near the drop-off location in advance. This way, you can refuel before returning and more easily comply with the fuel policy in the contract.
Keep in mind: to rent a car in Romania, you need a valid driver's license and an identity document. Check the minimum accepted age, the license's length of validity, the required deposit, the insurance conditions, and the fuel policy. Book in advance to have more options and compare the total price, not just the daily rate.
AIC RENT A CAR · HIT THE ROAD
RENT A CAR NOW →
Drive safely and travel without worries!
Before and during your trip, monitor the weather forecast and alerts for your route. If you are in another country, inform yourself about traffic rules and local customs. Adapt your speed to road conditions, keep your distance from other vehicles, and stop in a safe place if the weather or the condition of the car does not allow you to continue driving.
Freedom
Explore the destinations chosen by you..
Comfort
Travel at your own pace.
Flexibility
Plan your own route.
AIC Rent a Car – your partner for your next adventure in Romania.