Two factors to consider when choosing a rental car for your holiday

Hiring a car for the duration of your holiday can make it a lot easier to explore the city or town you're visiting. However, it is important to choose one which is suitable for your particular needs. Here are a few things you should take into consideration before making your decision.

Car features

When you first begin looking for a car for rent in the town or city you'll be visiting, you will probably notice that some vehicles are far more expensive than others, even though they are not high-end, luxury models. Their higher price tag can usually be explained by the number of extra features they come with.

Generally speaking, rental cars that have a lot of special features, such as roof racks, DVD players, high-tech air-conditioning systems, GPS and child safety seats are more expensive than those that lack these things.

If you're on a tight budget, the idea of splurging on this type of vehicle may seem frivolous. However, there are circumstances in which it might be worth spending a little more on your rental car.

For example, if you're going on a family road trip with your young children and will, therefore, be spending long periods of time in your hired vehicle, having some entertainment features at your disposal could significantly improve your travel experience. Bored young children stuck in a car for hours on end, with nothing to do, are far more likely to throw a temper tantrum; this type of behaviour will not only make the holiday unpleasant but could also distract you to the point where you cannot drive safely. In this situation, having an inbuilt DVD player and a few of your little ones' favourite films could make all the difference to how enjoyable your trip is.

Similarly, if you'll be driving long distances with a lot of luggage (for example, if you're going to a ski resort and therefore need to bring along a lot of bulky clothing and ski equipment), having some extra storage space and a ski rack on the roof will make the journey to and from your destination a lot more physically comfortable, as you and your passengers won't have to squeeze yourselves into a vehicle that's jam-packed full of luggage.

The environment in which you'll be driving

It's important to choose a vehicle that is suitable for the environment in which you intend to drive it. It should be compatible with both the terrain and the climate of your destination.

If for example, you'll be travelling along icy, wet roads or in snowy conditions, it is vital to choose a rental car that comes equipped with winter tyres; these have special tread patterns and are made from robust materials which enable them to grip the road firmly in icy weather. This, in turn, can significantly reduce braking distances and therefore lessen the likelihood of your vehicle being involved in a collision. A road accident caused by unsuitable tyres could spoil your holiday and leave you with a serious injury; as such, it really is crucial to take this factor into consideration when making your decision.

Likewise, if you'll be driving across rugged, muddy terrain, it would be wise to opt for a four wheel drive car. The increased traction and handling that comes with this type of vehicle means that you'll be able to maintain control of it, even when driving in potentially dangerous conditions, such as in standing water or along rocky, uneven inclines.