Driving an unknown car

Frits Pieper
Aug 17 2019

When you borrow or rent a car, the first few kilometers in the new car are often awkward. What do you need to take into account when switching from your own car to a loaner or rental car?

From the dimensions to the road holding and the road behavior: one car is not the other. What obstacles can you encounter when you switch cars?

Hatchback/sedan

If you drive a sedan and upgrade to a hatchback, you’ll have to get used to the fact that your car practically stops at your rear window. Many people find that a hatchback is easier to parallel park than a sedan. But don’t park too close to another vehicle. To get into the trunk of a hatchback, you need to have enough room to open the tailgate.

Are you used to a hatchback and are you switching to a sedan? Then you have to take into account the extra length of the trunk, among other things, when turning and parking. 

3/5 doors

Another difference you may encounter is the difference in the number of doors. A sedan always has four doors. A hatchback has three or five, with the tailgate being considered the third or fifth door. Besides the fact that a three-door hatchback looks a bit nicer than its more practical five-door counterpart, the front doors are usually a bit larger than the five-door variant. Something to keep in mind when parking next to other vehicles.

2WD / 4WD

Many people drive a four-wheel drive car these days. Something that used to be only equipped with off-road vehicles, but which you now see more and more often in SUVs, MPVs, crossovers and even smaller models. Yet most cars in the A, B and C segment two-wheel drive. If you are used to a 4WD, the road holding and handling of a 2WD can take some getting used to.

Manual/automatic

Have you been driving an automatic for a while? Then a manual car might take some getting used to. The reverse is also true, albeit to a lesser extent. Drivers of automatic transmissions might have some difficulty with the hill test in a manual transmission car, because they lack the finesse in their left foot. Conversely, drivers who normally drive a manual transmission car will have to get used to the missing clutch pedal in an automatic.

Controls and instruments

The basic controls of every car are almost the same, although steering, clutch, shifting and braking feel different in every car of course. The differences are greater in the operation of the indicators, windscreen wipers and lights. Make sure you know where these levers are located and how they function exactly. The instrumentation also differs from model to model and from brand to brand.


If possible, rent a car in the Geleen region that is similar in type and operation to your own car. Do you need help choosing the right one? auto, van of passenger bus? take contact Contact us and we will be happy to help you on your way!

 

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