A rental car company attempted to charge a customer for "tire damage" on tires that were already illegally worn past safety limits when the vehicle was rented—highlighting a troubling practice where companies defer maintenance then pass costs to unsuspecting renters.
The incident, detailed on r/TravelHacks, reveals how rental car scams work and what documentation travelers need to protect themselves.
What Happened
After picking up a full-size SUV from Avis, the renters discovered the next morning that one tire had a slow leak. The leak was clearly pre-existing—the tire pressure menu was already open on the vehicle screen at startup, and closer inspection revealed erased agency writing on the rear window indicating the tire needed replacement.
Both rear tires were worn down past their wear bars, meaning they'd likely never been replaced over the vehicle's 67,000 miles. A consulted mechanic confirmed the tires were not street legal and the leak could not be legally patched.
"We had no choice but to use the spare, which was also provided to us without air," the renter reported. "If our tire had broken in the middle of the desert, we would not have been able to self-rescue."
After reporting all this to the manager at return, Avis still sent a damage report attempting to charge for a "flat" tire that was both illegal and already leaking at pickup.
The Scam Pattern
This case illustrates a broader problem in the rental car industry:
1. Deferred maintenance: Companies push vehicles beyond safe tire life to avoid replacement costs 2. Pre-existing damage obscured: Issues aren't noted in rental paperwork 3. Customer blamed: Normal wear or pre-existing problems charged as customer-caused damage 4. Difficult disputes: Burden of proof falls on customers to document vehicle condition
Consumer protection attorney Brian Kabateck told the Los Angeles Times that rental car damage disputes have increased significantly, with companies becoming "more aggressive" about pursuing questionable claims.
How to Protect Yourself
The r/TravelHacks community offered specific strategies:
At Pickup: 1. Photograph everything: All four sides, top, bottom, interior, dashboard, wheels/tires, any existing damage 2. Check tire tread depth: Use the "penny test"—insert a penny into tread grooves with Lincoln's head upside down; if you can see all of his head, tires are worn beyond legal limits 3. Video walk-around: Timestamp video showing complete vehicle condition 4. Note pre-existing issues in writing: Make the agent initial any damage, tire wear, or warning lights 5. Check the spare tire: Ensure it's inflated and accessible 6. Inspect for hidden messages: Look for maintenance notes or markings left by previous renters or staff
During Rental: 1. Save all communication: Keep records of any issues reported to the company 2. Get mechanic documentation: If problems arise, have a mechanic document pre-existing condition (as this renter did) 3. Don't drive unsafe vehicles: If tires are illegal or vehicle is unsafe, refuse it and document why
At Return: 1. Photograph again: Same thoroughness as pickup 2. Get written acknowledgment: Have agent confirm no new damage 3. Keep all documentation: Don't throw away rental agreement or photos
Fighting the Charge
For the Avis customer, commenters recommended:
1. Dispute in writing with evidence: Send photos, mechanic statement, and timeline showing tire was illegal at pickup 2. Contact credit card company: File a dispute if charged—credit card companies often side with cardholders in documented disputes 3. File complaints with: Better Business Bureau, State Attorney General's consumer protection division, and Federal Trade Commission 4. Social media pressure: Companies often respond faster to public complaints on Twitter/X 5. Small claims court: If charges go through despite evidence
One commenter noted: "The mechanic's statement that the tires were illegally worn is gold. That proves Avis rented you an unsafe vehicle, which shifts liability entirely to them."
Industry-Wide Problem
According to Consumer Reports, rental car damage disputes have become increasingly common, with major companies accused of charging for pre-existing damage, using "damage detection technology" that flags normal wear, sending claims weeks after rental, and making dispute processes deliberately difficult.
Best Defense: Documentation
The overwhelming consensus: 5 minutes of photos and video at pickup can save hours of dispute headaches and hundreds of dollars in false charges.
Several travelers recommended creating a phone album specifically for rental car documentation, organized by date and rental company, making it easy to locate evidence if disputes arise weeks later.
As one commenter put it: "Rental car companies are banking on you not having proof. Don't give them that advantage."
