CAA Manitoba Summer 2018 | Page 27

Save with CAA auto IQ Get member-only perks at enterprise, alamo and national car rental caamanitoba.com/ enterprise loose parts and other damages when you return the vehicle. Look for mal- functioning mechanisms, like power windows, mirrors and wipers, as well as loose bumpers, exterior marks or missing parts. It’s also a good idea to take a video or snap photos as you check the car, inside and out. Before you leave the lot Like the inspection, take a few minutes in the car to get to know it. Adjust the heat/AC settings and fiddle with the radio. Locate window and wiper con- trols, lights and high-beam toggle, and turn signals. A little time now will help you avoid distractions when you’re on the road. Wheel and Deal tips and tricks for saving money and scoring exclusive perks on your next car rental By Kellie Davenport When and where to rent If driving a newer make and model is important to you, consider renting at the airport. Most rental companies start new vehicles at airport locations, from which they eventually get distrib- uted throughout the fleet. And for the widest selection and availability, try to rent on a Thursday or Friday. While there’s no exact science to getting the best rate, booking as early as possible is your best bet: As inventory goes down, prices go up. Be mindful of when you return the vehicle as well. Returning it early seems like a helpful thing to do, but some companies charge an early- return fee. Flash your CAA card CAA has teamed up with Enterprise Holdings Inc., which includes Alamo, Enterprise and National Car Rental. Members get exclusive discounts on rentals worldwide and extra perks in Canada and the U.S., including free unlimited mileage, two free additional Cross-Border Rentals three tips for driving and renting abroad 1. Manual transmissions are the norm in many countries. Be prepared to pay a premium for an automatic. drivers, discounts on GPS rentals, free child seat and 10 percent off prepaid fuel. Members also earn CAA Dollars on full-size or larger vehicle rentals. 2. Going to the U.k., australia or Jamaica? Make sure you—and any additional drivers—are comfortable driving on the left-hand side of the road. Do a thorough inspection You know you should pay attention during the inspection, but it’s tempt- ing to rush through it to get on the road quicker. But if you don’t point out existing damage before you drive, you will be dinged for any dents, scratches, 3. consider getting an international Driving Permit (iDP), a translation of your Manitoba driver’s licence into ten languages. if you’re renting a car abroad, you may be asked to show it along with your regular licence. apply for an iDP through caa: caamanitoba.com/IDP Does everyone mumble? If so, it’s time to get your hearing checked. Book a FREE hearing test * today! 1.888.486.0177 caa.connecthearing.ca *Free hearing tests are only applicable for customers over 50 years of age. No purchase required. Some conditions may apply. †Based on national physician referrals over the tenure of the corporation’s Canadian business operations compared to the disclosed referral count of leading competitors. ®CAA, CAA logo and CAA Rewards trademarks owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association. cAA MANITOBA SuMMer 2018 27