Rental cars are the most impactful vehicles on the road. Why? With their promotional vinyl signage proudly on display, they act as self-promoting billboards-on-wheels, while they are hired and cruising around the city. That’s the smartest a branding strategy can get.

Car hire companies go through this one-time-hassle and enjoy years of free and effortless promotion.

Now, if you, as the owner of a car dealership, have a fleet of cars that are vinyl signage-struck that you want to sell, then you might want to remove the decals.

Seeking professional help

Sometimes we don't feel like home fixing some problems, especially if we are looking at taking off decals from an expensive car. The best solution is to take off vinyl signage from your car is to take it to professionals who deal in putting up and taking off auto adhesives. They would know what to do and what to use that would be best depending on your car. Look around for professional signage dealers in your area.

If you do want to do it yourself, here is what to do. But, we recommend to not practice this if your car is incredibly expensive.

Using a heating agent; a heat gun or a blow-dryer

Heating the surface in question, preferably with a heat gun or a hair dryer- heat the graphics/ decals you want to remove. This allows the graphics and the adhesive underneath to de-harden and comes off easily.

Removing the adhesive

Store bought adhesive-remover

Hardware store or car supplies stores nearby you would have one that would do the job. There are different products for different kinds of adhesives; make sure you get the one that is made for the adhesives you are dealing with. If the dissolvent is too strong, then the paint might come off too.

Don't use metal scrapers or dissolvent that might take off the paint.

To avoid scratches, bumps or other marks on your car, it is advisable that you do not use metal scrapers or anything sharp to scrape off the adhesive as it may leave marks on your car. There are scrapers available solely for this purpose; you should use those.

Moreover, depending on the vinyl signage on your vehicle, some dissolvent might be a bit too strong to use. Make sure that the one you are using is compatible with the adhesive and is effective and not harmful for your car.

Vinegar

If all else fails, or if there's little adhesive residue left on the car or the glass, then use Vinegar solution on the area until the sticky residue comes off completely.

To make Vinegar solution:

1 part White Vinegar

2 parts of water.

Keep the solution in a spray bottle and spray the affected area regularly. Leave it for 5-10 minutes before rubbing it in circular motions.

Repeat as needed.

Renting a car is one of our best bets when you think about the hassle-free travel experience. In the interest of the company- client transparency and customer satisfaction, renting a car have been made easy overtime, or so you think.

With car rental companies' presence on digital media and app stores, tactics like "Call now for instant booking" or "Simple one-click reservation" or "book now, pay later" have got us to believe the process would be transparent and straightforward- but somehow it's anything but so.

Questions like Do I need to buy the car rental company's insurance package? Who's paying the refuel charges? What if I am accused of damaging the car? How to go about car inspection? I need to drive across borders, can I do it? Do I need to buy all the extra services/gadgets they offer at the rental counter? Pop up in our heads every time you think about renting a car. The process is quite nerve-wracking.

There are certain do's and don'ts when renting a car. We have listed down 9 of them for you.

1. Prepaying for gas

By prepaying for gas beforehand, we think we are saving ourselves some valuable time. The idea is enticing because you may be renting out a car for a fun, stop-free road-trip or a wedding. Unless you are absolutely sure the tank would be empty upon returning, don't prepay for gas. Instead, suggest to keep count of mileage and pay at the end, or deduct the gas charges so you could fuel up on your own.

2. Failing to check for places to refuel

in continuation of #1, if you have decided to pay for gas yourself, the chances are the tank may be close to empty. So you might need to fill up as soon as possible. The best time to find a place to refuel your ride is immediately after pick-up. If you are somewhere new, familiarize yourself with the local, or the most easily accessible or cheapest gas stations as you go. Figure this when you are not pressed for time. You could avoid major delays if you have a flight to catch or a wedding to go to.

➤ RELATED: Car Renting Tips For Business Travelers

3. Purchasing insurance, #1:

Your own auto insurance covers you.

In case you are offered car insurance at the time of booking, it's recommended that you check with your insurer whether or not your rental car would be covered before turning it down. Because auto insurance policies vary greatly. If you have purchased a basic car insurance plan, chances are, it may not include coverage for rentals, whereas if you have subscribed for "full coverage", it most certainly would.

The basic insurance policy implies that the coverage you get for your main vehicle extends to the rental car because the rental is considered a substitute. So if you have an all-inclusive coverage on your own car, it would be applicable on your rental vehicle just as well.

Most plans would cover you even if the rented car is valued more than that of your own, so there isn't a worrying moment about wanting to rent a better car or get an upgrade.

Note that a car accident in a rental vehicle would likely raise your rates if you have to make a claim on your own insurance policy.

➤ RELATED: How To Avoid Taxi Scams And Other Scams Abroad

4. Purchasing insurance, reason #2: Your credit card covers everything else

Anything your insurance company does not cover would most likely be covered by your credit card. In some cases, the credit card covers just as much or more than your own auto insurance; in others, it is intended to be secondary/ back up plan to help cover should anything go wrong.

Of course, making your car rental payment through a qualifying credit card does not give you any protection.

5. Ignoring one possible red flag: “loss of use” insurance.

When a rental car is in an accident or faces some other damage, “loss of use” charges apply to cover the likely revenue lost when the vehicle is off the road for repairs. This is typically charged in terms of a day’s rental for that unit, and most insurance companies do not cover these charges.

7. Failing to check for a reward program or other discounts.

Many membership programs establish alliances with car rental companies and other such businesses as a member incentive. These include travel companies, frequent flier programs, sports programs, hobby-focused groups or even restaurants. Such discount is typically announced on websites and apps and you would be notified through notifications, pop-ups or emails. If you are a long time member of a car rental company, take a look before pinning down a rental car and you could find a great deal.

➤ RELATED: How You Should Prepare For An Airport Transfer Service

8. Inspecting hastily upon pickup

Upon picking up your rental car, make sure to check it inside and out. This inspection is necessary so you could find anything that could be deemed as damage when you drive away with it. Scratches, loose parts, torn seat covers, working windows, windshields, indicator handles, mirrors and anything else that you could think of.

Keep a sharp eye for details big and small. The wise thing to do is to take a walk around the car and take as many photos as possible, or shooting a video where you can voluntarily shake the bumper and kick the tire to see if anything is wrong. It's possible that you might find something that the company has not previously noticed so you couldn't be held responsible later on.

9. Leaving final inspection to chance.

Returning rental cars is a lot different than checking out of a hotel. You can't just drop your keys, thank the receptionist and leave. Dropping off the car unattended by any agent is just unsettling. You should be content about handing over the car to someone from the company so that they can check it and confirm nothing is off. Customer-Company disputes over damage claims are the most recent epidemic. If no agent is present at drop off, the dispute later becomes your word against theirs.

Again, your best win here is to take photos or a video of the car.

➤ RELATED: Airport Transfer Service And Package Holidays

 

 

Priding on great service and satisfied customers for 7 years and counting. As Surrey Cars Guildford continues to grow and expand, they have a few passenger-friendly tips for you to benefit from.

"You" = Reservation holder

When we say "You" or "Your" during a phone call or in an email, it refers to any individual, family, company or a group that may have reserved with us. It is to be noted that any name, personal or business, provided by the customer will be used in further notifications, emails or calls, billing and invoice, pick up and drop off.

If your reservation is company sponsored, it is advised that they should place the booking under the passenger(s)' name to avoid confusion.

Booking

We strongly recommend that you allow yourself a good amount of time when you have to reach your destination. Specify a pickup time that is at least a few hours before your flight or any other important commitment.

For example, if your flight is in the evening and you are supposed to leave at a time you know will be a rush hour

Surrey Cars will not be held responsible for any delays caused by passengers, traffic, or weather conditions.

Pricing

The rental car requirements specified by the passengers would be the core determinant of the prices quoted by us. You could two identical cars and the prices may vary; if you request additional services or gadgets with either one of them.

Prices are subject to change if there is a request from the passenger(s) about:

• vehicle up-gradation
• up-gradation or down-gradation in the number of passengers
• added services
• updated itinerary

Service

At Surrey Cars, we strive to provide utmost comfort and safety in any vehicle we set out for hire. Hygiene is our utmost priority; we take special measures while maintaining the cleanliness of our fleet, inside and out. We request our passengers to do so as well, for their benefit and others who might hire the same car in the future.

Passengers are responsible for any loss of use, damage, or compromise in standard cleanliness of the vehicle. That is why, we have prohibited food, beverages and cigarettes inside the vehicle to avoid incidences like spilling, staining or vomiting. Passengers may be liable to pay a surcharge should any such occurrences occur.

Cancellations

In case of cancellation, the reservation holder should inform us as soon as possible so that your request could be processed. If the vehicle is dispatched upon your initial request, relevant charges may incur.

Things can get pretty hectic as the big date approaches. Having enough cars at disposal is one of the major concerns at a wedding, which is why we have 10 car hiring tips for a wedding so that your special day goes without a hitch.

1. Leave it to the pros

Hire professional help; Reach out to a well-established, car rental company that rents out great cars for weddings and parties big and small. Choose a firm that knows the whereabouts well and has supplied wedding cars to many in the past. They would also have good churches and reception venues to recommend you.

The firm would plan the chauffeur schedules for you and even do a test-run to and from the venue prior to the actual event.

The cars would be prepared for you a couple of days before the wedding to ensure they are in mint condition and decorated in accordance with your preferences.

2. Be realistic about the timing

Decide on the final route as soon as possible and check with the chauffeur to make sure he knows exactly where you want to go. Sometimes brides want to take a special route to the ceremony, and the newlyweds mostly like to go around for a ride afterwards before the reception. The car hiring company would help you plan the route and the timing but consider what your priorities really are.

3. Think about the distance and the number of people

It is important that you think about where the venue is, where the pickup points are and how many people would actually be in those cars. For example, the number of bridesmaids, best men, maid of honour, and the number of flower girls, page boys, close friends and immediate family. And of course, the bride and the groom itself. This will determine the number of cars you would be needing.

4. Book early

Just like the venue, wedding cars need to be pre-booked just as well. Because surely they would be avalanched with customers calling in to request their services. Especially in summer and on weekends. You want to make sure that you bag yourself a deal you want so nothing spoils your big day.

5. Go for an older model

Renting a Vintage car or a car of an older model adds to the grandeur of the wedding and makes everything appear more luxurious. In addition to that, the car is highly likely to be much more maintained than the usual.

6. Look for tasteful vintage car owners

There are many hobbyists car owners that give out their cars for occasions like weddings and other cocktail parties to a select few. Look them up!

7. Get the colour right

It is important the colour you choose for the car you hire, complements the style and theme of your wedding. Hiring a maroon car when your theme is pastel pink would just be off. Also, you might want to check with the car rental company if they would be able to match the flora and ribbons with the car you are choosing.

8. Think about the style of the car

Ideally, the wedding car should reflect the theme/style of your wedding. It’s not just about picking the right colour, but the right look just as well. If you have chosen to have a vintage wedding theme then you should opt for a Cadillac or a vintage looking Volkswagen. If the look and feel are modern, then why not look into getting a Mercedes Benz or a Rolls Royce?

9. Make sure the car is not double booked

Ask the company if you are getting exclusive use of the car. Ideally, the company should be giving out a certain car on per wedding/ per day basis. You don’t want to go returning your car in the middle of your ceremony. Double booking of a car is not only inconvenient but extremely unprofessional.

10. Think about your comfort above all else

Ensure the bridal dress is at peace with the car. The car should be spacious enough for the bride to fit in her dress properly without ruining it. The car rental company would be happy to advise and show you cars that suit your needs best.

Renting a private car is often the most practical means of transportation during travel. Whether you hire a car to fly to your destination and upon arrival, renting a car is often an easier option to move around. While it seems simple, renting a car can turn into a hassle. There is plenty of paperwork and options that may lead to confusion and delay, and end up costing even the savviest travellers extra money.

So we have put together some practical car renting tips for you to keep in mind the next time you rent a car while you travel for business.

- Have a membership

The ease and benefits of having a car rental company membership cannot go to vain. Upon signing up, the important information like driver’s license number, contact information, insurance details, etc., are jotted down and completed ahead of time, which would take you a lot of time otherwise. From then on, the automated database would take care of the paperwork while you rent a car in no time. No more standing in queues! Additionally, being a member means all the deals and discounts that keep your overall rates lower become applicable.

- Stick with one car renting company

If you don’t have a preferred taxi service or car rental company, it’s time you chose one. Find a car renting company that best fits your company’s needs and be persistent with them.

-Inspect your car

Each car is inspected for damage upon return, then cleaned before making it available again. If there are any signs of damage on the car, it's likely that they went unseen. You could be held responsible for the damage and therefore liable to pay its repair costs.

Car rental employees keep a keen eye, but sometimes, small details can easily fall through the cracks. Be meticulous about the condition of the car before you take charge.

- Understand if you need insurance

You could be asked by your car rental service whether or not insurance or additional coverage if they are already covering. Understand what to accept or decline beforehand by being aware of what your bank, car insurance company and Credit Card Company is offering in terms of insurance coverage. Therefore, confirm these little details prior to booking.

- Make your reservation in advance

. Rental car companies have a fleet of limited cars and can possibly run out, even at large cities and airports. Do not assume to get a rental car without reserving in advance.

- Direct Hiring

Instead of relying on a third-party app or website for car renting, it's always best to rent a car directly from their respective website to minimize the risk of cancellation or any other hitch.

- Confirm the return time

Rentals are generally made in a 24-hour span. If you return a few minutes late, you may be charged for another day. Ask them about the grace time allowance, if at all.

- Include flight information, if any

Be sure to provide flight information upon reservation. This is how the company will know to hold your reservation if you arrive late.

It is to be noted that almost every traveller has a desire to reach his/her destination comfortably, luxuriously and hassle-freely. Travellers’ desire to reach their destination in utmost style, luxury and comfort will not be fulfilled unless they hire chauffeur service. Chauffeur service is all about transporting travellers from one place to another in a comfortable, stylish and luxurious manner. A large number of travellers don’t hire chauffeur driven cars because they have this misconception that hiring a chauffeur driven car is expensive. You should ignore this misconception and hire chauffeur driven cars due to the reasons discussed below.

You get high-quality service

The reliable and professional chauffeur service providers offer high-quality transportation services to clients. They provide their clients state of the art cars, well-dressed chauffeurs and luxurious travelling experience.

You can save your energy

One of the main reasons you should prefer chauffeur service is that it can save your energy. You don’t have to drive a car by yourself, find parking and deal with traffic jam when you hire chauffeur driven cars. Apart from this, it is the responsibility of chauffeur to transfer you to your desired destination quickly, hassle-freely and on time while you can relax or do some work or prepare your speech at the back seat of your hired chauffeur driven car.

You can leave a good first impression on a client  

Transferring clients from one place to another in a chauffeur driven car is a good way to impress them. Clients will not be impressed if you yourself transfer them from one place to another in your car or if you hire a taxi to transfer them one place to another. Chauffeur service can create a great first impression on your clients.

You get knowledgeable, trained & professional drivers

Professional chauffeur driven car service providers only hire professional, knowledgeable and experienced drivers that have a stainless driving record. Their chauffeurs are trained to transfer clients from one place to another safely, efficiently, comfortably and luxuriously. Therefore, when you hire a professional and reliable chauffeur driven car service provider, you arrive at your destination happy, relaxed and safe.