Hire Smarter — Our Rental Guides
Practical advice to help you choose the right vehicle and get the most out of your short-term hire from VOD and Practical Car & Van Rental Enfield.
How to choose the right van size
Booking a van that's too small costs you a second trip. Booking one too large means wrestling with an unfamiliar, oversized vehicle. Use this guide to get it right first time.
Small Van
Ford Transit Connect, Vauxhall Combo
Payload
Up to 600 kg
Load volume
2.4 – 3.0 m³
Overall length
~4.7 m overall
Best for:
- Single room / studio move
- Courier or parcel deliveries
- Tradespeople with light tools
- IKEA or superstore runs
Not ideal for:
- –Large furniture (sofas, wardrobes)
- –Multi-room house moves
- –Heavy pallet loads
Medium Van
Ford Transit Custom, VW Transporter
Payload
Up to 1,000 kg
Load volume
5.0 – 6.5 m³
Overall length
~4.9 m overall
Best for:
- 1–2 bedroom moves
- Regular trade / contractor use
- Market stalls & event kit
- Bulky appliance deliveries
Not ideal for:
- –Full 3+ bed house contents
- –Very long or oversized loads
Large / Luton Van
Ford Transit LWB, Luton box van
Payload
Up to 1,500 kg
Load volume
13 – 16 m³
Overall length
~6.5 m overall
Best for:
- 3–4 bedroom house moves
- Large furniture & mattresses
- Business stock transport
- Clearance & skip-alternative loads
Not ideal for:
- –Tight city centre streets or low car parks
- –Solo driver — a helper is strongly recommended
Extra tips when choosing a van
Measure your largest item before you book — a 3-seater sofa can be 2.2 m long, which only fits a medium van or larger.
Check kerb weight and payload. Overloading a van voids cover and is illegal. Add up the weight of all items before collecting.
Large vans can struggle in multi-storey car parks (typical height limit 2.0–2.1 m). Plan your route and destination access in advance.
Luton vans are much easier with a second person. Plan for loading time — a 3-bed move typically takes 4–6 hours with two people.
Tips for a smooth self-drive rental experience
A little preparation before, during, and after your hire avoids stress, unexpected charges, and disputes. Follow these steps for a hassle-free experience every time.
Remember: All VOD short-term hires are operated through Practical Car & Van Rental Enfield. Hire conditions, vehicle availability, and excess options are confirmed at the branch. Always read your hire agreement carefully before signing.
How to check a vehicle for damage at collection
A thorough pre-hire inspection takes less than 10 minutes and protects you from being held responsible for damage you didn't cause. Don't skip it — even if you're in a rush.
Start at the front
- Check the bumper for cracks, scuffs, and missing clips.
- Inspect headlights and fog lights for cracks or moisture inside.
- Look at the bonnet edges and along the front wings for dents or paint chips.
- Check the windscreen for chips, cracks, or scratches — especially in the driver's eyeline.
Both sides
- Run your hand along the door panels — dents are easier to feel than see.
- Check door mirror housings for cracks and confirm both mirrors adjust correctly.
- Inspect the sills (the panels below the doors) for scrapes or rust.
- Look at each tyre: check for cuts, bulges, or uneven wear. Press with your thumb — they should feel firm.
Rear and roof
- Inspect the rear bumper and boot lid for dents or scratches.
- Check both rear lights and reversing lights are intact.
- If safe to do so, look at the roof for dents or aerial damage.
- For vans, open the rear doors and check door seals, hinges, and locking bars.
Inside and underfoot
- Check the interior trim, seats, and headlining for tears, stains, or burns.
- Confirm the spare tyre or tyre repair kit is present and in good condition.
- Check all windows operate and that the central locking works on all doors.
- Note the fuel level and take a photo of the dashboard gauges.
Key rules for a watertight inspection
Take time-stamped photos from every angle before driving away — front, rear, both sides, roof, and all four tyres. This is your strongest protection against false claims.
Ensure any pre-existing damage is recorded on the condition report before you sign. Never drive away if the form is blank — ask for it to be completed.
Check in good lighting. If collecting at night or in a dark car park, use your phone torch and ask if you can move the vehicle to a lit area.
If you find damage not on the condition report, point it out to branch staff immediately and ask them to update the paperwork before you depart.
What to do if you get a flat tyre
A flat tyre is stressful — especially in a hire vehicle. Follow these steps in order and you'll handle it safely and without unnecessary cost.
Stay calm and pull over safely
Stay calm and pull over safely
If you feel a sudden pull to one side, hear a flapping noise, or the steering feels heavy, ease off the accelerator gradually — do not brake sharply. Signal and move to the nearest safe place: a lay-by, car park, or wide hard shoulder. Switch on your hazard lights as soon as you decide to stop.
Make yourself visible
Make yourself visible
Once stopped, keep hazard lights on. If you have a warning triangle, place it at least 45 metres behind the vehicle on the same side of the road. On a motorway hard shoulder, exit from the passenger side and stand behind the barrier — never stand between the vehicle and live traffic.
On a motorway, do not attempt to change the tyre yourself. Call for recovery immediately.
Check what's in the vehicle
Check what's in the vehicle
Open the boot or under the floor to find the spare wheel and jack, or a tyre inflation/sealant kit. Not all hire vehicles carry a full spare — some have a space-saver spare (max 50 mph, short distances only) or a sealant kit only. Check the vehicle handbook if unsure.
Call the branch first
Call the branch first
Before attempting anything yourself, call the branch on 0203 888 0022. All VOD hires include breakdown assistance, and in many cases recovery can be arranged without any charge to you. The branch can also advise on the correct procedure for your specific vehicle.
If changing the tyre yourself (on a safe, flat surface)
If changing the tyre yourself (on a safe, flat surface)
Loosen the wheel nuts slightly before jacking the car. Position the jack under the designated jack point (check the handbook). Raise the vehicle, remove the flat, fit the spare, and hand-tighten the nuts in a star pattern. Lower the car, then torque the nuts fully. Drive to a tyre centre promptly.
A space-saver spare is for emergency use only — maximum 50 mph and no more than 50 miles. Have it replaced at the earliest opportunity.
Report the incident to the branch
Report the incident to the branch
Even if you handled it yourself, call the branch to let them know. Tyre damage is noted at vehicle return and should be declared upfront. Depending on circumstances and your hire agreement, tyre damage may or may not be covered — check your terms.
Breakdown assistance is included with all VOD short-term hires. If in doubt about any tyre issue — blowout, slow puncture, or sidewall damage — call 0203 888 0022 and let us arrange recovery rather than risking further damage to the vehicle.