Renting a car can feel like borrowing a friend’s car for a road trip. You want it to run well. You want it to be clean and comfortable. And most of all, you want to return it in the same condition you found it. But what happens if something goes wrong? Does your rental car need maintenance? And if so, who handles it?
In this guide, we’ll answer those questions. We’ll also explain common maintenance policies and what renters need to know.
Who Is Responsible for Rental Car Maintenance?
When you rent a car, the rental agency is responsible for routine maintenance. This includes regular oil changes, brake checks, tire rotations, and fluid top-offs. Rental cars are usually on strict maintenance schedules. These schedules are based on manufacturer guidelines and mileage logs.
You do not need to worry about standard car rental maintenance tasks like:
Changing the oil
Rotating the tires
Replacing brake pads
Inspecting belts and hoses
Servicing the transmission
These jobs are done by the company before you rent the vehicle.
What If Something Goes Wrong During My Rental?
Let’s say you start to notice something off. Maybe the brakes feel soft. Or a warning light appears on the dashboard. Should you fix it? In most cases, no.
Call the rental agency right away. Do not take the car to a shop or try to fix the issue yourself unless you’ve been instructed to do so. Doing unauthorized repairs may void your rental agreement. It could also lead to unexpected charges.
Instead, the rental agency may:
Offer to swap the car for another
Send roadside assistance
Ask you to bring the car in for inspection
Communication is key. Let the company know about any issue, no matter how small it seems.
What If I Damage the Car?
Damage is not the same as maintenance. If you get into an accident or hit something, that’s not a maintenance issue. You should report the damage right away. Depending on your rental agreement and insurance, you may be responsible for repair costs.
Flat tires, cracked windshields, and broken mirrors can happen. These aren’t usually part of scheduled car rental maintenance, but the agency still needs to know. Some companies offer optional damage waivers to protect you in these cases.
Can I Do Basic Maintenance Myself?
It’s best not to perform maintenance on a rental car. However, there are a few small things you can do to stay safe on the road:
Add windshield washer fluid if it runs out
Check tire pressure if a warning light comes on
Top off fuel or battery charge as required by your agreement
Always keep receipts and let the rental company know if you do anything beyond refueling.
What Are Common Car Rental Maintenance Policies?
Every agency has slightly different rules, but most car rental maintenance policies follow these basic guidelines:
All maintenance is handled by the company, not the renter
If something breaks, report it immediately
Do not perform repairs unless authorized
Routine inspections happen between rentals
Cars are not rented out if maintenance is overdue
Some agencies keep detailed maintenance logs for every vehicle. These logs help ensure safety and performance.
Do Rental Cars Ever Break Down?
Yes, breakdowns can still happen. Even with strict car rental maintenance, no car is perfect. Things can go wrong unexpectedly. Most rental companies have roadside assistance available 24/7. They may cover towing, flat tire service, and jump-starts.
If you’re worried, check the rental agreement before you leave the lot. Make sure you understand what help is available if something breaks.
What Should I Check Before Driving Off?
Even though car rental maintenance is the agency’s job, you should still give the car a quick look before leaving:
Check for dashboard warning lights
Make sure the tires look inflated
Test the brakes and steering
Turn on the headlights and signals
Listen for strange engine sounds
If anything seems wrong, report it before you leave. Taking photos or video of the car’s condition is also a good idea.
Does Car Rental Maintenance Affect My Rental Experience?
Yes, it does. A well-maintained rental car gives you peace of mind. You won’t need to worry about strange noises or sudden breakdowns. The car will run smoothly, use fuel efficiently, and give you a safer trip.
Proper car rental maintenance also helps you save money. It reduces the chance of unexpected charges or lost time during your trip.
Is Maintenance Different for Long-Term Rentals?
Yes. If you’re renting a car for several weeks or months, the agency may schedule check-ins. You might be asked to bring the car in for inspection or service during the rental period. This is part of keeping up with regular car rental maintenance needs like oil changes and tire checks.
Make sure to follow any instructions about scheduled maintenance visits. Ignoring them could lead to damage or fines.
What Should I Do at the End of My Rental?
When returning the car, let the rental company know if anything happened. Mention any new noises, tire issues, or warning lights. Even if it didn’t affect your trip, this information helps the next renter.
The agency will inspect the car and continue with the next step in its car rental maintenance schedule. They may rotate it out of the fleet for service or send it straight back into rotation if everything checks out.
Reliable Rental Cars in Inglewood and Pasadena
So, does your rental car need maintenance? Not from you. That’s the rental agency’s job. Your role is to drive safely, report issues quickly, and avoid unauthorized repairs. Routine car rental maintenance keeps vehicles in good shape for everyone who rents them. It protects you, the car, and the next driver in line. If you’re looking for a reliable rental experience, Value Rental Car has convenient locations in Inglewood near LAX and also in Pasadena. They take car rental maintenance seriously, so you can hit the road with confidence.