Ever hopped onto a new vehicle and thought – ‘this feels different’? If yes, you are not alone! A lot of people feel the same way, especially when they hire an SUV or car during their vacation. However, driving something new and better is part of the fun, and in no way do we suggest that you should limit yourself to what you know. In this write-up, we’ll be sharing some useful tips to help you drive a car that is not in line with your usual style or preferences.
Car Type
Whether it’s a compact car, a sedan, or an SUV, cars can differ from each other not only in terms of the features they offer but also in their shape and size. If you are hiring a sedan for the first time, remember that the vehicle is longer, and as such, you need to be extra careful while reversing or shifting lanes. With hatchbacks and SUVs, you will always need to leave some space behind your vehicle, especially when you are parallel parking so that you can easily open the rear door.
Three and Five-Door Cars
The front doors of three-door vehicles are larger than their five-door counterparts, a piece of information that you should keep in mind while you are opening your doors while being parked beside other vehicles.
Manual or Automatic
If you are someone who’s used to driving an automatic, you may find it difficult at first to handle a manual car. Not only will you have to get used to using the stick shift, but you may find the take-off in a manual car to be an entirely different experience. If you are parked in an incline and are trying to stop the rollback, then do not hesitate to use your handbrakes. If you are used to driving a manual, then driving an automatic may not present itself as a big challenge. However, do remember that there are no clutch pedals in these; as such, you might feel something’s amiss at first.
Car Indicator
While most vehicles, irrespective of whether they are automatic, or manual comes with the same set of driving instruments, where these are located can differ from one vehicle to another. Perhaps the biggest culprit in this regard is the indicator switch, which in some cars is located on the left-hand side while on the others, it’s situated on the right. While it can be a bit confusing at first, you should be able to get the hang of things soon enough.
Final Thoughts
Before you embark on your road trip with your newly acquired rental car, be sure to check out where all the key elements are located within the vehicle. Also, be sure to test the functionality of everything from wipers and lights to the indicators. If you do have some specific questions concerning the car you are hoping to hire, do not hesitate to ask the same to your rental provider.