Smarter Car Renting

Here are car rental tips from the road trip-seasoned editors of RoadsideAmerica.com:

•  Damaged: Always carefully eyeball your vehicle before leaving the rental agency, whether you're in Van Nuys or East Podunkville. The last renter may have pulled in after a meteor shower! Prior scratches, dents, and other vehicle damage can cause extra headaches and costs if not noted before you leave the rental car lot. If you see any damage on the car's exterior and interior before you leave, make sure it's noted on the rental car papers, and point it out to an agency employee. This will resolve any questions that could arise when you return. And avoid meteor showers.

•  Car Types: When selecting a car type, remember it's not just about how cool you'll appear. The car selection page details show an average of how many people and how many pieces of luggage can comfortably fit in each car type. Pay attention to the specifics to be certain they meet your needs before booking.

•  Special Requests: Special requests can be noted at the time you make your Van Nuys rental car reservation. Nothing too crazy, though. If you are in need of an infant or toddler car seat, navigation system, ski rack or more, be sure to make note of it when booking online. Keep in mind that requests are not guaranteed and additional fees may apply.

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Van Nuys CA Area Attractions

• Great Wall of Los Angeles
• Kaiser Foundation Hospital - Panorama
• Law Dogs - Scooby-Doo in a Judge's Wig
• Northridge Hospital & Medical Center
• Valley Presbyterian Hospital
• Sherman Oaks Hospital & Health Center (1.85 miles)
• The Master's Seminary (2.84 miles)
• Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center (3.00 miles)
• Weiss Mc Graw Publishing (3.03 miles)
• Wat Thai of Los Angeles (3.16 miles)
• Hallowed Haunting Grounds (3.52 miles)
• University of Judaism (4.20 miles)
• NoHo Arts District (4.83 miles)
• Pacifica Hospital of the Valley (4.83 miles)
• Giant Hand Car Wash (4.94 miles)
• Northridge Hospital Medical Center (5.29 miles)
• California State University-Northridge (5.63 miles)
• Aliens Crash Landed-Fry's Electronics (5.66 miles)

Van Nuys rental guide