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Additional considerations when returning a Specialist Vehicle
This page explains the specific additional equipment available for specialist vehicles and the potential end of contract charges.
Rear shutters and tail boards
Acceptable:
- Minor dents in tail boards and paint deterioration subject to wear and tear tolerances as highlighted in the Green Zone information.
- Scratches to the paintwork on shutters if due to normal usage.
Not acceptable:
- Movement or impact of a load that has caused damage is not acceptable.
- Distortion to uprights and channels.
- Cracks and other damage.
Tail lifts
Acceptable:
- Minor dents and paint deterioration on tail lift platforms subject to wear and tear tolerances as highlighted in the Green Zone information.
Not acceptable:
- No distortion or failure to the mechanical components of the tail lift including the platform.
- Tail lift must be in full mechanical working order.
Platform bodies, tippers and drop-sided bodies
- Must be free of any gaps or holes where the load could escape.
- Must have no distortion to bodies resulting from collision or load impact.
- Must have no damage preventing correct operation and security of the tail board or drop-sides.
Curtain-side bodies
- Curtains should be free of any damage or holes, run freely and appear tidy. Curtains should be replaced if there are a large number of repairs or any unrepaired split.
- Load retaining straps should be returned in good condition.
- Straps and tensioners should operate properly, and none should be missing.
Temperature-controlled bodies and box bodies
- Monitoring devices, temperature controls and fridge engines should work correctly.
- Evidence of swelling or delamination of panels is unacceptable as is water contamination of insulation.
- There must be no damage to interior or exterior panels and floors.
- Brackets, straps and any load-restraining devices must be free of damage.
- There should be no interior water leaks to box-bodies or temperature-controlled vehicles and they must be clean.
- The body of the vehicle must be free of distortion and cracking and be securely mounted to the chassis.
- Fridge Calibration must be compliant and up to date.
As part of your daily check you should check windows and light lenses,
including fog lights, for cracks, scratches or large chips.
Lenses and lamps
Small glass chips (under 1cm) are acceptable on headlamps.
Any cracks or holes in the glass or plastic covers of lamp units are not acceptable. Any beacon lights, lamps or reflectors must be as originally fitted and operational.
Door mirrors
Adjustable or heated mirrors must be fully functioning. Damaged, cracked or missing door mirrors are not acceptable.
Windscreens
Small glass chips (under 10mm) are acceptable on windscreens.
Light scratching of the windscreen is acceptable so long as it does not impede the driver’s sight line however the windscreen must be watertight and secure. Additional equipment like electronic driver assistance cameras and heating elements must be in fully functioning order.
Windows
Windows must operate freely through their full travel and be free of cracks.
Wheel trims and wheels
Damage to the hub of an alloy wheel or steel wheel spokes, corrosion, holes or dents on steel wheel trims, alloy wheels or wheel trims are not acceptable.
The total circumference of scuffs on a steel wheel trim or alloy wheel must not total more than 2 cm all together. Jacks, other tools, ‘spacesaver’ wheels and spare wheels must be stowed properly, be intact and in good working order.
Tyre wear and damage
Sidewalls and treads must be damage-free. All tyre management must be handled by Europcar.
Mechanical condition including engine, driveline and transmission
All vehicles should be regularly inspected and any mechanical faults should be reported immediately to avoid further unnecessary damage.
On return of the vehicle there must be no warning lights showing on the engine management system, indicating problems with AdBlue or oil pressure, or the diesel particulate filter.
Advisory illuminated alerts like countdowns to next service are acceptable but an illuminated warning light would mean the collection process would need to be abandoned as the vehicle may not be driveable. In this situation a fee
can be charged for a recovery vehicle.
Tow bars, if required, must be fitted by one of Europcar’s approved suppliers.
Roof racks and ladders
The approval of Europcar must be sought before temporary ladders or roof racks are fitted to a vehicle and if they are fitted they must meet the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended load specification and design, be fit for purpose and fitted correctly with pads and anti-rust mounting clamps.
The roof, panels, and gutter rails must have no distortion. No holes can be drilled in our vehicles unless expressly undertaken by ourselves.
No permanent ladders or roof racks can be fitted unless by a Europcar-approved supplier.