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CAR RENTAL (BEFORE ACCEPTING A RENTAL VEHICLE) CHECKLIST

My husband and I rented a car at the O’Hare airport over the Christmas holiday. The rental car company, wanting to provide us with a clean vehicle, had it washed right before we picked it up. Which is not a good thing when the outdoor temperature is less than 32 degrees F. We pried on the doors until they finally opened. We warmed up the car and tried to clear the windshield, but the valve to release the fluid onto the windshield was frozen shut. Finally it thawed out and we were on our way. Shortly after leaving the airport, the temperature dropped more and we couldn’t keep the ice off the outside mirrors and windshield and ended up stopping for deicer.

The moral of the story: Floridians shouldn’t travel to Chicago in the winter.

	Check the odometer; if the car has more than 25,000 miles, be thorough with this checklist
	Look at all 4 sides of the car and make note of any dings or dents; ensure there is no obvious damage
	Check tires for inflation, good tread on all 4 tires and even tread wear
	Check the trunk for a spare tire; make sure the spare is inflated (push on it) and check for a jack and lug wrench
	Make sure other safety equipment is included or bring it with you (see Vehicles, Automotive Safety Checklist and Automotive Equipment Checklist
	Make sure the license plate is current
	Check all lights: headlights, turn signals, brake lights, rear lights and interior lights
	Spray the windshield to ensure that the washer system works and is filled with fluid
	Check the gas gauge
	Roll the driver’s side window down to ensure it works.
Before driving:
	Familiarize yourself with the operation of the vehicle; locate light switches, high beam switch, windshield wiper switch and air control
	Check your map or directions so that you know how to get where you want to go
	Fill the gas tank if needed
	Keep the phone number and rental agreement number of your car rental company handy in case you need it
	If you are driving in an area that does not allow you to hold cell phones, have the necessary equipment to use cell phones hand free