Travel Tips

Travel Tip: New Rental Car Technology

chevy_volt_electric_carIf there’s one cool thing about renting a car, it’s getting to test out features your own car may not have. Plus, the technology is getting even better. Check out this new rental car technology.

You’ve heard of Hertz Neverlost, which is the in-car, touch-screen device for directions and other information.

Now there’s the NeverLost Companion app. It’s got 40 downloadable city guides that connect to your car.

Enterprise has something called OnRamp Concierge. Just point your smartphone to the QR code on your car window or key tag. Then you’ll be connected to an app that gives information like the closest gas stations and restaurants.

Alamo has the TravelTab, which connects up to five devices to a Wi-Fi hotspot, makes international calls, translates languages and it also has GPS.

But, be careful. Technology can also give the car rental companies more information than you intended.

There are now tools that can tell the company whether your fuel tank is really full, or just close to full. If there’s a discrepancy, they can charge you for it—sometimes as much as $9 a gallon!

For more information, visit the Car Travel Archives.

Keep reading for more travel tips.