Most people want to minimize problems with Car Rentals when on vacation or traveling abroad. The U.S. Government provides some tips to help you avoid such a issues. The following is excerpted from DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 10217: Security Awareness Overseas, An Overview [Bureau of Diplomatic Security - United States Department of State Overseas Security Advisory Council].
For more travel safety tips check out the links on the right.
Have a safe trip!!
Car Rentals
Ideally, choose a conservative model car with locking trunk, hood, and gas cap; power brakes and steering; seat belts; quick accelerating engine; heavy duty bumpers; smooth interior locks. In a hot climate, choose air conditioning. Keep the gas tank at least half full.
Before getting into the car, examine it for strange objects or wires inside, around, or underneath it. If found, do not touch; clear the area and call police.
When driving, lock the doors, keep windows rolled up. Neither you nor a passenger should have an arm hanging out of a window, especially not if you are wearing a watch or jewelry and you are in stop-and-go traffic. Also, do not display a purse, hand-bag or briefcase on a seat in the car-if they can't be kept out of view, lock them in the trunk.
Avoid being boxed in by other cars. Vary routes. Check for suspicious individuals before getting out of the car.
Lock the car when unattended. Never let anyone place a package inside or enter the car unless you are present.