rental cars

Driving in the USA and Canada

Features Usually Found in Rental Cars

Adjustable Steering Wheels

Air Conditioning

Automatic Transmission

Some automatic transmission "gear levers" are floor mounted, while in other cars they are on the steering column.

For those not familiar with automatic transmissions, the positions of the "gear lever" are:

P - Park - engages a pinion which acts as a brake. Never push or tow a car with the automatic transmission control in Park.

R - Reverse - the car will creep backwards unless you have your foot on the foot brake.

N - Neutral - use this position if the car has to be pushed or towed.

D - Drive - the normal position for driving; the car will creep forwards unless you have your foot on the foot brake.

2 - Hold in second gear - occasionally useful should you ever need to use the engine as a brake when descending a steep hill.

1 - Hold in first gear - ditto, but for even steeper hills and/or slower descents.

Central Locking

Cruise Control

Electric Mirrors

Electric Windows

Hand brakes

Pedals

Petrol Filler Cap and Boot Release

The controls for releasing the petrol filler cap and the boot from inside the car can be in the form of mechanical levers situated beside the driver's seat, or alternatively in the form of electrical push buttons located inside the glove box.

Power Assisted Steering

Radio/Cassette Player

Rear Window Wipers, Washers and Heaters

Safety and Warning Interlocks

You may need to press a button on the steering column next to the ignition switch before you can turn the ignition key. However, don't confuse this button with the alarm flasher button or the steering wheel tilt adjustment release lever.

You may not be able to shift the automatic transmission out of "Park" until you press the foot brake pedal and/or the engine is running.

You may not be able to shift from Drive into 2 or 1 (hold in second or first gear, to use the engine as a brake when descending a steep hill) when traveling above a certain speed.

You may not be able to start the engine unless the automatic transmission is in "Park". If nothing happens when you turn the ignition key, this is the first thing to check for.

Seat Belts

Sun Shade

Sunroofs

Warning Sounds

If you forget to switch off the lights before taking the ignition key out.

If you forget to remove the ignition key before opening the driver's door.

If you forget to fasten the seat belts.