Is Renting A Car For A Road Trip A Good Idea?

Is Renting A Car For A Road Trip A Good Idea?

If you think that rising gas prices and inflation are reasons why Canadians are cutting down on road trips, you would be mistaken. According to the Toyota Canada Summer Road Trip Survey, we love getting out on the road and exploring. Despite rising costs, 74% of those polled are still planning a road trip – just slightly shorter ones. If you’re planning a short break or a longer trip across the border, here’s how a rental car can help make your trip easier, and save some money too. 

Better Mileage, More Savings

If you’re driving an old car which struggles to give you a better mileage than 11.7 L/100 km, then renting a car for your road trip should be at the top of your to-do list. Consider renting an electric vehicle if the distances you’re planning on doing each day are short or choose a hybrid that sips fuel instead of guzzling it. The funds you save on fuel can be put towards more activities on your trip.

Additionally, if you lease a car as opposed to owning one, then you may have a mileage cap on your car which in turn means having to pay a penalty for each mile you drive above the contracted amount.

Reliability

If you’ve been driving your car for a while, then you are familiar with its quirks. Ask yourself questions like: How well has your car been maintained and if it can withstand long days on the road. Are my tires in good shape?  What safety technology does it have?

If there are chances of mechanical failure or you feel there are mechanical problems that can cause a breakdown, then renting a car can be a better choice. Especially since the average repair costs are nearly $500. Rental cars are usually new models that are in great condition. Also, if you are renting and face a mechanical issue, it’s up to the rental company to fix it – not you!  Most rental companies will replace your car wherever you are on the road if you come across mechanical issues. 

Less Wear and Tear On Your Car

The more miles you put on your odometer the more its value depreciates. In fact, every mile you drive puts a certain amount of wear and tear on the engine, the tires and other moving parts which means you get a lower price for your car if you decide to sell it in the future or you’ll need to replace your tires sooner than normally. 

More Space for Passengers

A larger car is always more comfortable when you’re spending hours on the road. There’s space for all the luggage, snacks, gear, and other odds and ends that you just can’t do without on your road trip. Think about it, your personal compact mini won’t suffice if you’re two families going on a snowboarding holiday. Renting a car allows you to choose a vehicle that is big enough to fit everyone and their belongings.

If you’re planning on traveling with a whole group of friends, you can consider renting a passenger van. After all, travelling together is much more fun (and economical!) than traveling in separate vehicles.

Load Up On Additional Features

 Rental cars are usually new models and come loaded with the latest safety features. That means you’ll have some of the best driver assist features, navigation, and more to help you on your journey. Cars at Ascent Car Rental, for example, are all kitted out with winter tires during the colder months, so your safety is assured, no matter what weather conditions you come across. 

You can also choose the specifications of the vehicle you rent according to where you want to go. For example, you can choose a two-wheel or four-wheel drive depending on the terrain. 

Another huge advantage of renting a vehicle over taking your own is being able to rent additional gear like luggage racks, bike racks, or ski racks, instead of buying new ones for your personal car. 

Share The Drive (And the Costs!)

Usually, people tend to split costs for fuel when using a personal vehicle without taking wear and tear into account. When you rent a vehicle, costs can be split evenly across the board. You can also add additional drivers to your rental which means you can share driving duties without worrying about letting someone else drive your car impacting your insurance premium.

Try Something New

Okay, so this one is a bit frivolous, but road trips are all about having fun and trying new things! Renting a car allows you to try out a new ride. It’s much more fun than the short test drive you get at a dealership. 

Travel Further

If you are short on time but want to explore more – one-way rentals make that possible. You can arrange to drive your car to your final destination, drop it off, and fly back home. Something that’s not possible if you’re driving your own car. 

The long and short of it is that renting a car for your road trip can actually work out to be more economical than you think. Renting a vehicle allows you to drive a car with all the space, features, and gear that you need, get better fuel-economy, and save wear and tear on your car. 

Ascent Car Rental offers a wide variety of cars – from mid-size cars to luxuriously large SUVs and passenger vans for you to explore the country by road. We tailor your ride to your needs by offering add on luggage racks, child seats, bike racks, snowboard racks, and a whole lot more. If you’re unsure of the best vehicle for your needs, our staff is happy to help you out with recommendations.

We also offer guided tours if you don’t feel like driving yourself.  

Book your rental car online, or get in touch with us for customized trips and quotes today!