Tips & Tricks: Choosing Add-Ons, Avoiding Fees, and Caring for Your Vehicle
Car subscription services are transforming how Australians access vehicles. Instead of locking into loans, depreciation, or rigid leases, subscriptions offer flexibility, convenience, and cost predictability — everything modern drivers and businesses value.
Whether you’re using a personal subscription for everyday mobility or a corporate fleet subscription for projects and staff mobility, knowing how to get the most value from your plan makes all the difference.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore practical ways to save money, avoid unnecessary charges, and use extras smartly while keeping your subscription vehicle in top shape.
🌟 Why Car Subscriptions Are the Future of Mobility
Car subscriptions are the perfect middle ground between owning and renting. They offer access to vehicles on flexible terms, usually including:
- Insurance
- Registration and servicing
- Maintenance and roadside assistance
- Flexible swap or cancellation options
Providers like Trend Rentals allow you to enjoy the benefits of mobility without the burdens of ownership.
This makes subscriptions ideal for:
- Project-based professionals
- Businesses with rotating staff
- Remote site workers
- Families who need seasonal flexibility
- Individuals who prefer no long-term commitments
However, the true value comes when you strategically manage your subscription — not just use it.
🧭 1. Choose the Right Subscription Plan for Your Needs
Before you start, assess your lifestyle, usage patterns, and budget. Subscriptions can vary by:
- Vehicle type (SUV, ute, hatchback, 4WD)
- Duration (monthly, quarterly, or ongoing)
- Mileage limits
- Inclusions/exclusions
💡 Tip: Align the plan with your driving habits
If you drive occasionally or live in a city, a short-term or lower-mileage plan may save money.
But if you’re a frequent traveller or have a regional role, choose higher kilometre allowances to avoid excess charges.
You can explore options from Trend Rentals’ car subscription range to find vehicles and packages that best match your work or lifestyle demands.
🧰 2. Understand What’s Included (and What’s Not)
Every provider structures their inclusions differently. Before signing up, review:
✅ What’s covered:
- Registration
- Comprehensive insurance
- Maintenance and servicing
- Roadside assistance
❌ What’s not covered:
- Fuel
- Fines and tolls
- Excess damage
- Cleaning fees
- Optional add-ons (e.g. child seats, GPS, roof racks)
💡 Tip: Know your responsibilities
Many users assume everything is “all-inclusive,” but small oversights like unreported scratches or late payments can lead to surprise fees.
Check Trend Rentals’ subscription terms for clear details on what’s included and what to maintain during your contract.
⚙️ 3. Pick Smart Add-Ons — Not Just Any Add-Ons
Add-ons can make your experience smoother or unnecessarily expensive. The goal is to select only those that genuinely add value.
🔍 Recommended Add-Ons That Are Worth It
- Comprehensive Insurance Upgrade: Reduces your out-of-pocket excess in case of damage.
- Additional Driver Option: Perfect for family members or rotating staff.
- Mine Spec Upgrade: For operations in mining or off-road sites — available from Trend Rentals’ mine spec fleet.
- Roadside Assistance Extension: For longer trips or rural operations.
- Vehicle Swap Privilege: Useful if your needs change (e.g., switching from sedan to ute).
🚫 Add-Ons You Might Skip
- Luxury accessories you won’t use often
- Unnecessary mileage extensions
- High-tech infotainment upgrades (if you mainly use basic navigation)
Remember: The best add-ons enhance utility, not just aesthetics.
💸 4. Avoid Hidden Fees and Common Traps
Even flexible car subscriptions come with potential costs if you’re not careful. Understanding where fees arise can help you prevent unnecessary charges.
⚠️ Common Hidden Fees to Watch
| Fee Type | Description | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Excess Kilometre Fees | Charged for driving beyond your monthly limit | Track mileage weekly |
| Damage & Cleaning Fees | Charged for interior or exterior wear | Keep the car clean; report issues early |
| Late Payment Fees | For delayed billing | Set automatic payments |
| Early Cancellation | For ending contract too soon | Choose a shorter plan if unsure |
| Unreported Incident Fees | Not reporting minor accidents | Always notify your provider |
💡 Tip: Stay proactive
Trend Rentals’ transparent subscription model helps clients avoid surprises — clear pricing, flexible terms, and detailed vehicle condition reports are all part of the package.
🧼 5. Care for Your Vehicle Like It’s Your Own
Treating your subscription car with care helps you avoid damage fees and ensures you stay eligible for premium vehicle upgrades in the future.
🚗 Basic Vehicle Care Tips
- Wash and vacuum regularly
- Avoid eating or smoking in the vehicle
- Park in shaded or secure areas
- Check tyre pressure and fluid levels monthly
- Immediately report minor damage
🧩 Advanced Tip: Track maintenance alerts
Modern fleets (like those from Trend Rentals) use telematics to monitor vehicle health, fuel use, and service needs.
This helps catch issues early — saving you repair costs later.
⛽ 6. Use Included Services & Extras Efficiently
Many subscribers overlook the included services that could save money or time.
🔋 Make the Most of:
- Roadside Assistance: Call for tyre changes, jump-starts, or lockouts — it’s often included!
- Maintenance Scheduling: Book servicing through your provider’s network; it’s pre-paid and keeps warranty valid.
- App-based Tracking: Use fleet or driver apps (offered by providers like Trend Rentals) to monitor fuel use and mileage.
Using these features ensures your subscription remains cost-effective — and your vehicle stays in excellent condition.
🏎️ 7. Know When to Swap or Upgrade
One of the biggest advantages of subscriptions is flexibility — but it’s only valuable if you use it strategically.
💡 When to Swap Vehicles
- Seasonal Needs: Swap from a sedan to an SUV for holiday trips or projects.
- Project Completion: Return larger vehicles when site work ends.
- Fuel Efficiency Goals: Move to hybrid or electric options to save on running costs.
With Trend Rentals’ car subscription service, you can swap vehicles easily without long-term contracts — perfect for evolving work or lifestyle needs.
🧾 8. Keep Digital Records and Inspections
Every time you collect or return a vehicle, complete an inspection checklist. Keep photos or reports of the car’s condition.
This protects you from incorrect damage claims and ensures transparency on both sides.
📷 Pro Tip:
Take photos of:
- Exterior panels and bumpers
- Windscreen and lights
- Tyres and rims
- Interior upholstery
Upload or store them digitally — especially for corporate fleet users or shared drivers.
Trend Rentals provides digital handover records and condition reports with each subscription to simplify accountability.
🛡️ 9. Leverage Fleet Support (for Businesses)
If your company uses car subscriptions for employees, fleet support and analytics can maximise ROI.
Benefits of Corporate Fleet Subscriptions
- Centralised billing and management
- Maintenance and service tracking
- Automatic replacements and upgrades
- Compliance with mine spec and site safety standards
Through Trend Rentals’ corporate fleet management solutions, businesses can access real-time data on usage, efficiency, and costs — turning mobility into a measurable asset.
📊 10. Track Usage & Feedback for Continuous Savings
Whether you’re an individual or business customer, tracking how you use your subscription reveals opportunities to save.
🧩 For Individuals:
- Monitor average monthly distance
- Check if you consistently use add-ons or can downsize
- Identify underused subscription periods
🧠 For Businesses:
- Compare subscription vs. ownership costs
- Identify vehicles that are idle or overused
- Review employee satisfaction and productivity impacts
With Trend Rentals’ smart subscription solutions, customers can integrate usage analytics and performance insights to optimise fleet size and cost.
💬 11. Communicate with Your Provider
Transparency goes both ways. The best way to maximise value is to maintain open communication with your subscription provider.
Ask questions like:
- Can I pause my subscription during downtime?
- Are there discounts for long-term commitments?
- Can I upgrade mid-contract without penalties?
- What new models or EV options are available?
Trend Rentals offers customised subscription flexibility, helping both individuals and organisations scale up or down as needs change.
🧠 12. Adopt Sustainable Driving Habits
Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet — it’s also great for your wallet. By driving smartly, you reduce wear and tear, improve fuel efficiency, and stay aligned with emerging EV-friendly subscription models.
🌿 Eco-Friendly Tips:
- Drive smoothly and avoid harsh braking
- Use eco or cruise modes
- Limit idling
- Keep tyres inflated properly
- Consider hybrid or EV options when available
🧩 13. Plan Ahead for Returns
The return process is often where hidden costs arise. A few simple steps can ensure a smooth and cost-free return.
🧽 Pre-Return Checklist:
- Clean and vacuum the car
- Top up fluids and refuel if required
- Remove personal belongings
- Check for scratches or chips
- Return all keys and accessories
Returning the vehicle in good condition helps you avoid damage charges and ensures faster eligibility for your next subscription.
🚀 14. Compare Providers Regularly
Even if you love your current plan, compare providers periodically. New promotions or vehicle types may offer better value or flexibility.
Trend Rentals stands out by offering:
- Transparent pricing
- Site-compliant vehicles
- Flexible terms
- National support coverage
- Personalised fleet assistance
Regular reviews ensure you’re getting the best combination of flexibility, features, and price.
🔮 15. Use Your Subscription Strategically
Car subscriptions can support far more than personal convenience. Businesses, freelancers, and project managers can leverage them as:
- Temporary fleet extensions
- Seasonal vehicles for contractors
- Employee perks for retention (read: Car Subscriptions as Employee Perks)
- Trial vehicles before ownership decisions
This versatility makes subscriptions not just a product — but a mobility strategy.
🧾 Final Thoughts
Car subscriptions represent a new era of smart, flexible mobility — but true value comes from knowing how to make the most of your plan.
By choosing the right options, avoiding hidden fees, and caring for your vehicle, you can enjoy stress-free, cost-efficient driving without the long-term burden of ownership.
At Trend Rentals, we help individuals and businesses maximise their car subscription experience through:
- Flexible packages
- Fully serviced fleets
- Transparent pricing
- Smart telematics tracking
- EV-ready and mine spec options
Whether you need a single SUV or a full remote operations fleet, we’ve got the vehicle solution to fit your journey — efficiently, safely, and sustainably.