Tips for Choosing the Right Size Hire Car for Your Holiday Needs?

Many of us are gearing up for the holidays and are likely looking to hire a car. If you're unsure what size car is the best fit, find one that's right for you. When it comes to hiring a car, many people just want them big enough so they can cart their family around in comfort and safety. This isn't a bad idea as it keeps your costs down but does require you to fill up the extra space with people or cargo. Below are some tips for choosing the right sized hire car for your needs.

1. Consider How Many People You Are Taking

The best way to ensure your car is big enough is to take into consideration how many people you're planning on traveling with. If it's only the two of you or a family with even 2-5 children, then a midsize or compact might work just fine. If you're a family with 6-9 children or teenagers, then you might need a long car. If you're transporting a lot of luggage, then you need to make sure your hire cars with big boots.

2. Look  At The Car's Interior Dimensions

As well as thinking about how many people will be in the vehicle, you should also take into consideration how tall they are and what they will be sitting on while travelling. If you're taking sports equipment or musical instruments, the amount of space available is important too. While some cars and vans have a height restriction of 6ft 2in (1.9m) and 6ft 4in (1.9m), it's best to check what's allowed on the hire car before you commit to making a booking.

3. Look at The Car's Boot Capacity

It can be deceptive if you mistakenly assume that the size of a car's boot is the only thing that will matter when hiring a car. If you're looking for a bigger boot then it would be sensible to check that your hire cars will accommodate the load. Some cars allow their boot to be extended to hold long items and some even take a portable step that allows the boot to be enlarged. Other vehicles will have enough space for an extra pair of snow boots or skis. You can consider hiring SUVs with the biggest boot space like the Dacia Duster, Mitsubishi Outlander, and the Nissan Qashqai. If you're looking for an even larger boot, consider the Ford Kuga or the Renault Meganne.

4. Look At The Car’s Weight and Co2 Emissions

Not all cars are created equal when it comes to carrying weight, so you may want to look at the car's maximum weight instructions as well as its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions before making any decisions on bookings. Cars that take up more space and have a larger boot will also likely be heavier than those with a smaller boot.

If you're more concerned about the amount of CO2 produced when travelling, then you should consider choosing a car that is eco-fittable. By looking at these four tips, you'll get a clearer idea of what size car you need and if your hire car has been well equipped with extra space and safety features.

5. Make Sure The Car You Want is in Stock

A big factor in choosing the correct size hire car for your needs is whether it's available on the day you want it. Some car hire companies only offer cars that are in their fleet, whereas others don't have a size limit at all. Before committing to making a booking, make sure your preferred hire car will be available on the day you want it to be there.

6. Consider Your Budget

Budgets is also a factor when it comes to monthly car hire, so consider how much you have to spend and make sure the vehicle you want is within your budget. The price of hiring a short journey on a compact car will be much cheaper than doing the same in a long car, for example. The more you have to spend, the more flexibility you have in terms of size and space. Bigger cars tend to cost more but boost your comfort and space when on holiday.

7. Consider If You Need Special Features

If you require special features like cruise control, parking sensors, keyless entry and alloy wheels for a better look and feel, then you need to ensure your hire car is equipped with it before committing yourself to any bookings. There are certain cars that are better equipped with some features than others so make sure you're aware of what you need in your hire car before making a booking.

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8. Nature of The Roads in Your Holiday Destination

If you're going on vacation with your family, then the type of road you'll be traveling can also have an impact. If you're traveling to a city center or town, then there will be more of a need for boot space and extra safety features. If however, you're heading to the countryside, then you hire smaller cars as it is easier to maneuver on the winding, narrow roads. Considering the type of road you'll be traveling on can help you decide what size hire car will best suit your needs.

9. What Kind of Driving Experience Do You Have?

If you've always been a careful driver or stick to highways, then you might be able to get away with hiring a bigger car. On the other hand, if you're a bit of a risk-taker, then you might want to find an option that has been designed to take some knocks. If you're unfamiliar with foreign roads and how they can be driven on, then it's a good idea to get some advice before committing to making any bookings.

If you follow these tips, you'll know what size hire car you need without having to worry about whether it will be available on the day you're supposed to be picking it up! Whether it's a car, minibus, or van that you need for holiday needs, there's usually size for your journey.