Preparing my car for rentals

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for drivers, it’s crucial to maintain your car in roadworthy condition. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential. Do not rent your car if any of the following conditions are not met.

1.Tire Condition and Inflation

Worn or improperly inflated tires compromise handling, increase braking distances and heighten the risk of hydroplaning or blowouts.

Underinflated Tires

Check Inflation Regularly: Use a tire pressure gauge monthly to ensure tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure (found in the driver’s door frame or owner’s manual). Check when tires are cold; if warm, add 3–4 PSI to the recommended pressure

Worn Tires = Hazard

Tread Inspection: Look for cracks, splits, or embedded objects. Measure tread depth using the wear bars. Tires must have a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inches. Replace any tire with worn treads or visible damage.

Tire Longevity:

The average lifespan of a tire depends on several factors, including driving habits, road conditions, and tire maintenance. Consider the following:

Miles:Most tires last between 50,000 and 70,000 miles under normal driving conditions. High-performance or specialty tires may have shorter lifespans, while touring or all-season tires may last longer.

Time:Tires typically last between 6–10 years, regardless of mileage, due to rubber degradation. Tire manufacturers often recommend replacing them after six years, even if tread depth is still sufficient.

2.Lights and Turn Signals

Inspect All Lights: Headlights (high and low beams), daytime running lights, fog lights, brake lights, reverse lights, hazard lights, turn signals, dashboard lights, and license plate lights.

Replace Bulbs in Pairs: To maintain consistent brightness, replace bulbs on both sides simultaneously. Keep spare bulbs and fuses in the glove compartment.

Alignment Check: Park 30 feet from a wall to ensure the beams are at the same height and aimed correctly to avoid blinding other drivers.

3.Braking System

Your car’s braking system has several components that need regular checks:

Brake Pads: Replace every 30,000 miles or as indicated by your car’s wear warning system. If the brake fluid level is low, it may signal worn pads. Many cars have a warning light for pad wear, or you can manually inspect them by removing the tires. Minimum pad thickness requirements are listed in your car’s manual.

Brake Discs (Rotors): Inspect for grooves, cracks, or abnormal wear. Replace them if they reach the minimum thickness or show damage. Refer to your car’s manual for details.

Warning Signs: Squealing brakes, vibrations, or pulling to one side during braking indicate urgent attention is needed.

3.Cleanliness

Exterior Cleaning: Wash your car before every rental to create a positive first impression.

Interior Cleaning: Vacuum the seats, carpets, and mats. Wipe down the dashboard, console, and door panels. Remove any trash or debris.

Odor Control: Use air fresheners or odor eliminators to ensure the interior smells fresh.

Seats and Upholstery Clean stains or spills promptly. If a child seat is included, ensure it’s clean and in good condition.

Compartments: Empty personal belongings from the glove box, trunk, and other storage areas to provide a professional experience for drivers.

4.Vehicle Documentation

Ensure all necessary documents are up to date and accessible in the car:

Registration: A valid and current vehicle registration.

Insurance Details: Proof of insurance coverage for rentals.

Inspection Records: If required by local regulations, include records of recent maintenance and inspections.

Emergency Contact Information: Clearly display emergency contacts and instructions for drivers. Store these documents securely in the glove compartment or another accessible location.

5.Mandatory Safety Checks

To ensure safety and compliance, these checks are mandatory:

Check Engine Light: Resolve any active maintenance or warning light issues before renting. Address any pending required repairs or service tasks.

Battery Health: Inspect for corrosion, secure connections, and sufficient charge. Replace if it’s nearing the end of its life.

Tires and Pressure: Perform thorough inspections for wear, damage, and proper inflation.

Brakes Confirm the condition of brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels

Additional Checks:

Windshield Condition: Repair chips and replace cracked windshields.

Fluid Levels: Check and top off brake fluid, engine oil, coolant, and washer fluid.

Wipers: Replace wiper blades if they leave streaks or squeak. Replace at least twice a year.

Mirrors: Ensure mirrors are securely attached and in good condition.

Essential Equipment: Ensure your car includes a spare tire, warning triangle, and emergency kit. If renting in an area with snow/ice, consider including a scraper.

Safety Recalls: Verify there are no unresolved safety recalls on your vehicle. Ensure recall-related repairs are completed before renting.

Onboard Devices: Ensure the Getaround Connect device is installed and functioning properly. Notify Getaround immediately if there are any issues.

Remember: If you have any doubts about your car’s safety, cleanliness, or roadworthiness, do not rent it out until issues are resolved. A well-maintained car ensures safety, drivers satisfaction, and upholds trust within the Getaround community.