If you’re thinking of travelling at some point soon, then you’ve likely considered hiring a rental car to get you from A to B. After all, they are more affordable, practical and more straightforward than public transport in most cases. If you want a holiday at your own pace, then a rental car is your best bet. When it comes to keeping that rental car in the best possible condition, there are a few things you can do to ensure you hand it back to the rental service in the same condition you received it.

Here are just a few of the ways to keep your rental car in top condition, wherever you are in the world:

1. Perform all necessary maintenance – especially if you’re planning to drive long distances

While it’s often the last thing that we think of when we’re on holiday, ensuring you’re doing all the necessary maintenance to keep your car roadworthy is essential. Especially if you’re planning on driving long distances, or even taking a full road-trip across a foreign country. That means making sure the tyres are filled up correctly, that there’s plenty of oil and even that the windscreen wash is full. Getting caught out with a flat tyre, or not being able to access maintenance for your vehicle while you’re on the road, can quickly lead to bigger issues, especially if you’re in a country where you don’t speak the language.

2. Take the roads most travelled, even if it takes you a little longer to get there

It can be tempting to take shortcuts, or the scenic-but-not-so-well-paved route when travelling. But, if at all possible, it pays to stick to proper roads when you’re driving a hire car, especially if you haven’t forked out for a 4×4. Damaging the suspension of your hire car, causing nicks to the paintwork or even getting stuck on a muddy track are all recipes for disaster. So plan out your route and adhere to the roads well-travelled, and you’re far more likely to get where you want to go in one piece – which goes for your vehicle as well. Don’t forget to take breaks, too, no matter what road you choose to drive on.

3. Ensure you follow the local laws for driving, no matter how strict

Keeping your rental car in the best possible condition isn’t just about the ways you go – it’s how you get there too. While it may be tempting to go at top speeds to get where you want to go, or not obey local laws, it’s not worth the hassle when it comes to dealing with local enforcement. Not to mention, if you’re pushing your hire car to the limit, you’re certainly not keeping it in top condition. Cyprus, for example, is an excellent destination for a road trip – but don’t forget that drinking anything while driving is illegal, whether it’s alcoholic or not. Even if the laws don’t make sense to you, following them is what’s best for you – especially if you want to keep that rental car to drive elsewhere too.

4. Make sure you know the specifics, and the requirements, for the hire car you’re driving

If you want to keep your rental car in the best condition, you need to know the requirements of the vehicle from the rental service to do so. Make sure you have all the details you need before you leave. This includes the type of fuel the car takes, the breakdown cover, and anything else that may be relevant. Knowing whether you need to fill up with petrol or diesel is particularly essential; one wrong fill-up and you’ll be left without a vehicle entirely.

However you travel, ensuring your rental car is in top condition when you return it is a must, especially if you’d like to use the same service again in the future. Be sensible, obey local laws, and keep to the roads. That’s all there is to it.

Guest post by Larry Newmann – larrynewmann.media@gmail.com