Preparing to rent a car in Germany, what do I need to pay special attention to? Such as filling up the gas, parking, etc ?
18 Answers
The streets in the city area of Germany are not wide, and most cars accelerate quickly when starting, so driving requires attention.
Germans drive very orderly. Generally, remember: when entering an intersection without a signal light, you must let the car on your left go first. The car on the right will definitely let you go first at the intersection. Other rules are similar to those in China.
Each city's roadside parking spots are equipped with self-service ticket machines, all relying on self-discipline. However, the parking regulations in each place are different. Some spots allow free parking for half an hour, while others allow parking for a maximum of 1-2 hours. If you can't understand the words on the parking machine, it's best to ask the locals. Otherwise, you might end up with a fine, which will definitely be more expensive than the parking fee...
Remember three points for friends with insufficient information: buy full insurance, rent a well-rated navigation device, and drive according to the rules, and there will be no problems!
It is recommended to understand the local driving habits (road priorities, speed limits, etc.) in advance, and to understand the parking fees. It is advisable to choose a hotel that offers free parking if possible.
When renting a car in Germany, parking is relatively troublesome. Generally, cars are parked at the hotel and the parking fees are paid together at checkout, usually without free parking. When refueling, be sure to check what type of fuel to use, as there are too many diesel car models in Germany.
Strictly abide by traffic rules, be civilized and courteous, drive fast when necessary, stop when necessary, driving is easier than in China, not tiring! Make sure to check if parking is charged and how it is charged, otherwise you may easily get a ticket.
In Germany, don't change lanes casually when driving. Everyone drives very fast, with speed limits of 100, 120, 130 on the highways and some sections with no speed limit. It depends on how good your car is. The speed limit in towns is 50, and 30 in residential areas. There are many cameras, so don't be careless.
When driving, you should give way to other vehicles and pedestrians, strictly abide by local traffic rules, do not park randomly, and be conscious of purchasing parking fees in paid parking lots.
It is recommended that friends renting cars abroad can check the driving habits abroad in advance, after all, there are still some differences in driving habits between domestic and foreign countries.
To consciously give way to pedestrians and strictly abide by local traffic rules. (Regardless of whether there is a traffic signal, it is important to remember that pedestrians have the right of way, to yield to straight-going traffic when turning, to yield to main roads at side roads, and not to occupy the overtaking lane on highways, etc., these are habits that should be consciously followed but are not commonly seen in China).
There's not much difference from driving in China, just need to pay attention to stopping at STOP signs and giving way.
Driving in Germany is convenient, but parking is a hassle, plain and simple.
Remember not to occupy the overtaking lane and give way when passing the roundabout.
The gas station usually fills up before paying (if it is cash refueling). Some traffic lights in the city have sensitive lines. You need to stop the car slightly forward, otherwise the red light will not turn green.
In public areas, if you enter the wrong parking lot, you need to pay to get the car out.
If you go to Germany, it is recommended to rent a high-level diesel car, which has great power and lower fuel prices, making the trip more enjoyable.
Before driving, be sure to learn more about local traffic rules and habits, try to comply as much as possible, otherwise it is easy to get into trouble and cause unhappiness. German highways have no speed limit, but this only applies to one-third of the highways and small car models.