If you have ever travelled out of state for work or a family vacation, you likely rented a car or other vehicle. When the agency handed you the keys, did you think about how safe the vehicle was?
Most people who rent a car assume that the vehicle they are getting into is safe, but unfortunately, that may not be the case.
The Wall Street Journal reports that older rental cars are causing headaches for many travelers. Others may even have hidden dangers.
Historically, rental car agencies obtained their cars from car manufacturers on a short-term lease. Now, however, many agencies are purchasing their cars and keeping them longer. In 2006, the average mileage of a car when taken off the road was 27,688 miles. In 2011, that mileage jumped to 38,651.
With the extra miles comes more wear and tear on the car. If not maintained properly, these cars could break down. In the best case scenario, a car’s battery may die while parked in the parking lot. In the worst case scenario, however, the car could fail while being driven on a highway, causing accidents and injury.
Before driving off the lot in a rental car, make sure to check the brakes, tires, and other important components. If anything on the car does not seem to be working properly, the Wall Street Journal recommends asking for a replacement vehicle. Taking the time to make sure that your rental car is safe can help you avoid a potential breakdown or accident.