Road Warriors

Sourcing a reputable and low-cost rental car company anywhere in the world is not an easy task and finding cheap car rental Cyprus is no different. Although there is an abundance of rental cars in Cyprus, the rental prices can be high and/ or the cars can be a little worse for wear if you don’t do your homework. So, the next time you hire a car for your Summer Holiday in Cyprus, just be extra vigilant.  Most rental companies have a good reputation; however, there are a few questionable ones out there.  If you take note of the pointers below, it should save you a headache.

1- Drivers

Because driving in any nation where the streets are tight and old and the drivers a little less law-conscious is dangerous, you need to make sure that everyone that could potentially be driving your car is listed and that they are all insured. So, check that everyone who wants to drive the hire car is named on the agreement and is eligible to drive it under the rental company conditions.

To hire a car in Cyprus, the minimum age is 25 or must have held a clean driving license for at least 3 years.  If any of your drivers are under 25, find out if they can be included as a named driver on a policy in your name.

If you have excessive tickets or accidents, the car rental agency may not rent to you at all, so be prepared to have a back-up plan (for instance, an alternative driver), if you are rejected.   This is also a great idea if you plan to share the driving, if you fancy having a few drinks at night.  The best thing to do, though, is to ensure that you are qualified to rent and drive before you ever leave home.

2 – Fuel

One aspect of cheap car rental Cyprusthat can turn a cheap rental into an expensive one is the fuel charges. Each car rental agency has its own fuel requirements and you need to pay very close attention to these if you don’t want to pay high surcharges. In most instances, you will be given the car with a full tank of petrol and you will be expected to return it full. If you don’t, you will be billed a surcharge for the amount they have to top up and most probably pay a premium on the petrol price. If a car hire company manages to fit a few more liters in the tank, they will charge you for refueling, so no skimping!

If you choose to pay for the fuel you’ve used, keep all of your receipts.  The good news is, the price of fuel is slightly cheaper in Cyprus compared to the likes of the UK.

3 – Vehicle Damage Cover / Collision Damage Waiver

This isn’t actually insurance and it isn’t compulsory, so don’t be pushed into thinking it is. This covers the renter for the cost of repairs in the event that the vehicle is involved in a road accident, but can push the cost of your rental up considerably.

Usually the waiver will only cover up to a certain amount and doesn’t include broken glass, damaged tyres and damage to the oil sump in Cyprus.  But you will need to check the individual policy to determine this. You will usually have an excess which you will need to pay in the case of a claim – for example, if your excess is £300, then you will need to pay the first £300 of any repairs made.

Personal accident insurance is an optional cover which protects the driver in the case of

an accident caused by them resulting in death or permanent disability. Theft waiver will cover the hirer in the event that the vehicle is lost or stolen.  Loss and damage waiver combines Damage and Theft Cover

The happy news is that you can source cheap car rental Cyprus, which will save you a lot of money over taxis or organized tours. But making sure you choose the right rental company before you leave home is the best way to make sure you have a safe and affordable trip.

Whether your vehicle has a one-year, 12,000-mile warranty or a 100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, experts say it’s important to ensure that your car is properly maintained and all needed repairs are made before your warranty expires.

This is especially important if you are one of the 10 percent of U.S. drivers with a “Check Engine” light on right now. The light can signify a problem that could cost more to repair than a whole month’s car payment. But dealing with the issue while your car is under warranty could mean your car manufacturer foots the bill, instead of you.

Try these suggestions what to do before your car or truck’s warranty is up:

•Consider Extended Warranties In most cases, the newer your vehicle, the lower your extended warranty cost. If you didn’t purchase an extended warranty when you bought the car, don’t worry-you can still get one. Just remember: Not all warranties are created equal. Be sure to ask who administers the policy and if there are limitations. Also, check the fine print. Will the warranty cover the retail labor rate at your favorite dealership or local repair shop?

•Address Intermittent Problems One day your car is driving fine, the next it stalls and your “Check Engine” light comes on. Then, when you finally take it to the repair shop, everything seems fine. The initial problem could be something as minor as a low battery or a broken “Check Engine” lightbulb. But what if it’s a costly catalytic converter or transmission failure? Better to be safe than sorry.

•Fix Big-Ticket Items – Has your car been stalling? Has the transmission been slipping? These symptoms can indicate serious and potentially costly problems, even complete engine failure, which could cost $2,000 or more to fix. It’s best to get such repairs done before your car is out of warranty.

•Keep Car Maintained and tuned up. A regular tune-up is recommended, even with the high-tech performance of today’s vehicles.

What are some things that you can do to make sure you vehicle is well-maintained?

1. At least once per year, test ignition wires, spark plugs, the fuel and air injector, pcv valves, plus the vital sensors that govern most engines.

2. Change engine oil and air filters. The oil and air filters prevent dirt and harmful particles from damaging the engine and they should be changed at twice a year or every 5,000 miles.

3. Check spark plugs. Clean or change spark plugs if they are badly fowled or if the gap shows serious erosion.

4. System Check. Assess brakes, the tires, and the shock absorbers at least twice per year.

Keeping your car in shape with the addition of considering an extended warranty will help you save money in the long run while maintaining a good-running and long lasting vehicle.