When it comes to renting a van, most people focus only on checking the type of vehicle, rental cost, and the terms of rental. However, experts consider it equally important to conduct a thorough check of the vehicle being rented to avoid any disputes at a later stage. These checks help the renting individuals to ensure that the vehicle is exactly in the condition as specified by the company offering van rental Belfast services. Moreover, it saves them from being charged for any previous damage that the vehicle might have suffered and which might have slipped the notice of the rental company. The brief details of the most important of these checks are as follows.
External Checks
While conducting external checks, individuals should make sure that the vehicle is standing square and is not leaning on one side. They should also check under the front of the van to ensure that there is no fluid leak. Making sure that the exhaust is working properly and not emitting excessive noise or smoke is also essential. The front and rear bumpers should be in good condition and the fuel cap should be sealed in place and good condition. Most importantly, the tires of the vehicle being offered by the Belfast van hire company should not have any bulges, abrasions, or tears.
In-Cab Checks
While performing external checks is important, conducting in-cab checks holds equal significance. The key parameters that need to be checked include the driving control, seat position, and the accessibility and working of safety belts. It is advisable to turn on the engine to verify that all instrument gauges and warning lights are working properly. The tachograph should also be checked for correct calibration besides which the proper working of the steering and brakes should also be verified. Finally, the general cleanliness and housekeeping of the cab’s interior should be checked as it indicates the van rental Belfast company’s commitment to quality and professionalism.
Load Security Checks
Verifying that the vehicle has the exact load bearing capacity as specified by the Belfast van hire company is of utmost importance. It is also important to verify that the axles of the vehicle are strong enough to handle uneven load distribution. The van should also have load restraining equipment such as straps, racking, and harnesses to ensure that it is held in place during transportation. In the case of vans designed for transporting people, the seats should be sturdy enough to bear the burden of individuals who might be having a bigger frame or are somewhat heavily built.
