Renting a car gives you independence and makes moving around easier, especially in a city like Dubai where distances and attractions spread out. Before you drive away, taking a few key steps will reduce surprises and help keep your trip on track.

This short guide highlights the practical checks and preparations you should handle—vehicle inspection, paperwork, insurance choices, and local rules—so you can focus on your plans instead of logistics.

Check the fuel tank

  • Confirm the fuel gauge reads full or note the exact level.
  • Refuel before leaving if it’s not full to avoid higher rental refueling fees.
  • Keep the receipt for return verification.

Check the fuel type

  • Look for the fuel label inside the filler door or on the dash.
  • Confirm the rental agreement or key tag shows petrol, diesel, or E85.
  • Ask staff if unsure before you fill up.

Insurance charges

Check the rental company’s coverage options for damage, theft, and liability. Confirm cost, deductible, and exclusions. Keep proof of any existing coverage from your insurer or credit card to avoid duplicate fees.

Additional acceptable identification

Bring more than your driver’s license when required. Common extras include a passport, national ID, or an international driving permit. If using a debit card, agencies may ask for proof of address or a second photo ID. Keep originals handy; copies may not suffice.

Verify who’s authorized to drive

  • List every person who might drive on the rental agreement before pickup.
  • Confirm each named driver meets age, license, and payment rules.
  • Keep copies of IDs and the contract with all driver names handy while travelling.

Get to know the vehicle’s safety systems

Before you drive away, take a few minutes to locate and test the car’s safety features so you know what to expect. Check that airbags appear intact (no warning lights) and verify seat belts fasten and retract smoothly. Turn the ignition on and confirm ABS and traction/stability indicators extinguish after startup; know that those systems assist braking and lateral control during slippery or emergency maneuvers.

Look for collision alerts or automatic braking settings in the dashboard menus and learn how to enable or mute audible warnings. Briefly practice using the driver-assist controls and the navigation screen so you can operate them without distraction. Keep a quick checklist in the glovebox: airbags, ABS, traction/stability, collision assist, and familiarization with displays and controls.

Find the nearest fuel station

Save nearby petrol stations in your navigation app before you drive.
Use search terms like “fuel,” “gas,” or “petrol” and set stations as waypoints.
Keep a short list of trusted brands, prices, and opening hours in your phone.
Bold or pin the closest stop to avoid last-minute detours.

Full Damage Waiver coverage

Consider adding Full Damage Waiver to limit your out‑of‑pocket liability if the rental vehicle is damaged, stolen, or vandalized.

  • What it does: Caps or eliminates repair/replacement costs.
  • Why it helps: Covers unpredictable incidents beyond your control.
  • Tip: Verify exclusions and any deductible before buying.

Look at the dashboard

Before you pull away, scan the instrument cluster and confirm every gauge reads normally. Check the speedometer, tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges for clear, sensible values.
Note any warning lights (engine, oil, battery, tire pressure) and don’t drive off if a persistent warning remains—ask the rental agent.

Test dashboard illumination and switch operation so controls are visible at night and usable in traffic. Run the climate controls briefly: confirm the heater, air conditioning, fan speeds, and vent direction work and that airflow feels normal.

Inspect steering-mounted controls, the gear lever, and nearby switches for secure attachment and smooth movement. If anything feels loose, sticky, or unresponsive, request a different vehicle.

Inspect the Outside

Walk around the vehicle slowly and scan for dents, scratches, cracked glass, and mismatched paint.
Take clear photos of each issue and note locations.
Check tires, lights, mirrors, and visible fluid leaks before you drive away.

Check tires

Before you drive off, inspect every tire so you can rely on predictable handling and avoid roadside delays. Check tire pressure with a gauge and adjust to the vehicle’s recommended PSI; include the spare.
Visually confirm tread depth—look for uneven or shallow wear—and run your hand over the surface to feel for embedded debris.

Look closely at each sidewall for cuts, bulges, cracking, or other damage that could cause a blowout. Verify wheels sit evenly and there’s no obvious wobble that suggests a balance or alignment issue.

Ensure the spare is present, inflated, and free of damage. Confirm the jack, lug wrench, and any needed tools are in the car and accessible so you can change a tire if necessary.

Be Safe

  • Know local laws before you drive. Check speed limits, lane rules, and any regional differences like roundabout etiquette or sign meanings so you won’t be surprised on the road.
  • Keep a safe following distance. On highways and in heavy traffic, leave extra space to react. A good rule is to increase distance in poor weather or when visibility is limited.
  • Buckle up and require passengers to do the same. Seat belts drastically reduce injury risk. Adjust headrests and mirrors before you start driving.
  • Adjust speed to conditions. Slow down for rain, fog, snow, or unfamiliar roads. Reduce speed well before hazards, not at the last moment.
  • Stay alert to other road users. Watch for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorbikes, especially at intersections and in urban areas.
  • Plan for emergencies. Keep the rental’s paperwork, your ID, a charged phone, a basic first-aid kit, and emergency contact numbers accessible.
  • Respect signage and directions. Follow posted signs and any temporary traffic controls; they reflect local hazards and rules.
  • When in doubt, pull over safely. If you feel uncertain about directions, road conditions, or the vehicle, stop in a safe place to reassess.

Frequently Asked Questions

What paperwork should you bring when renting a car?

Bring a valid driver’s license that meets the rental company’s requirements. Carry a credit card in the primary renter’s name; some companies accept debit cards but may require extra ID or a credit check. If you’re using a foreign license, bring an international driving permit and passport where required. Have proof of prepaid reservation or any membership discounts handy.

How can you check the vehicle’s condition before driving off?

Walk around the car and inspect all sides, roof, and undercarriage area for dents, scratches, and paint damage. Take time-stamped photos or video of every angle, the odometer, and the fuel gauge before you leave the lot. Verify that lights, windshield wipers, horn, AC/heater, mirrors, and tire condition (including the spare) work. Point out any existing damage to the agent and ensure it’s recorded on the rental agreement.

What types of insurance can you choose for a rental car?

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) limits your financial responsibility for damage or theft, but may not cover all situations. Liability coverage protects you if you injure others or damage property; minimums vary by location. Personal Accident Insurance covers medical costs for you and passengers. Personal Effects Coverage protects personal items inside the vehicle. Check your own auto policy and credit card benefits first; they often provide overlap and can reduce what you need to buy at the counter.

Are there limits on miles or rules about crossing borders?

Confirm whether your rate includes unlimited miles or a per-mile charge; long-distance trips may incur extra fees under limited-mileage contracts. Ask the company about crossing state or country borders—many U.S. rentals allow interstate travel but block international crossings without prior approval. If cross-border travel is permitted, you may need additional insurance, documents, or a one-way fee.

How does the fuel policy usually work?

Common fuel options include:

  • Full-to-full: you return the car with the same fuel level; this avoids refueling charges.
  • Prepaid fuel: you pay for a tank upfront and can return empty; often more expensive if you use less fuel.
  • Return-to-full by agent: the company refuels at higher rates and bills you.
    Always note the fuel level at pickup, keep the receipt when you refuel, and aim to match the original level to avoid extra charges.

How do you extend the rental or return the car early?

To extend the rental, contact the rental company before your original return date to update the contract and rates; driving beyond the agreed period without notice can trigger higher charges. For early returns, notify the company to confirm final pricing—some rates penalize early returns, while others simply prorate. Keep records of any confirmations or revised agreements and ask for updated receipts when you drop off the vehicle.