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 Petaluma 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.

•  Credit Cards for Pick-Up: Many agencies require a credit card upon pick-up. Yes, Opie, we live in that kind of world. So make sure you are in good standing with your "plastic." Call the car rental agency in Petaluma before arrival or verify in the rental policy and rules to see which forms of payment they accept.

•  Leave Nothing Behind: At a road trip's end, we find we've accumulated souvenirs, kitschy mementoes, and piles of brochures from tourist attractions. These treasures prove you really traveled -- that it wasn't just some wacky delusion. When dropping off your rental car, carefully check every door pocket, drink holder and storage bin for these keepsakes. The rental car company sure doesn't have any use for them.

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Petaluma CA Area Attractions

• Petaluma Valley Hospital
• University of Northern California
• Sonoma State University (6.74 miles)
• Train Town (9.55 miles)
• Infineon Raceway (11.71 miles)
• Lake Sonoma Resort (12.08 miles)
• Deerfield Ranch Winery (12.22 miles)
• Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital (14.19 miles)
• Northwestern Railway Museum (14.24 miles)
• John Medica's Castles & Gardens (14.36 miles)
• Demented But Beloved Dog Statue (14.55 miles)
• Santa Rosa Junior College (15.23 miles)
• Heald College of Bus and Tech (15.86 miles)
• Charles M Schulz Museum (16.24 miles)
• Empire College - Business School (16.47 miles)
• La Famiglia di Robert Mondavi (16.92 miles)
• Fountaingrove Country Club (16.95 miles)
• Veterans Home of California (18.05 miles)

Petaluma rental guide