The fuel policy is one of the details you need to understand before driving off with a rental car. Expressions like full-to-full, full-to-empty or same-to-same may sound technical, but they describe a very simple rule: how much fuel you get the car with and how much you have to return it with.
Wise Cars uses the same-to-same policy. You receive the car with the existing fuel level when you hand it over and return it with the same level. If the gauge shows half a tank when you leave, the goal is to come back with about half a tank. You don't have to fill up if you didn't get the car with a full tank.
What does same-to-same mean
Same-to-same can be translated as "same on pickup, same on return." The agent checks the fuel level with you before departure and the value is recorded in the handover documents.
The rule refers to the level, not the amount spent at the gas station, nor the exact number of liters consumed. The car indicator is the practical reference used for delivery and return.
Simple examples:
- you receive the car with a full tank and return it full;
- you receive the car with three quarters and return it with approximately three quarters;
- you receive the car with half a tank and return it with approximately half;
- you get the car for a quarter and return it for about a quarter.
Difference between same-to-same and full-to-full
In the full-to-full system, the car is delivered with a full tank and must be returned with a full tank as well. The rule is easy to understand, but requires each car to be fully fueled before the next rental.
In the same-to-same system, the level may be different from one booking to another. The customer is not obliged to buy fuel that he will not use, nor to fill up a car received with a partially filled tank.
Both systems can be correct if explained transparently. It is important that the policy is communicated before departure and checked with the agent.
What do you check when taking over the car
Before leaving the parking lot, turn on the ignition and look at the fuel gauge. Check if the level corresponds to the one passed in the teaching document.
If you notice a difference, tell the agent before you leave. It is much easier to clarify the situation next to the car than at the end of the rental.
You can also take a photo of the board. It is not mandatory, but it gives you an additional benchmark, especially on cars that display the estimated range or the level through digital segments.
At the same stage it is good to check:
- the correct type of fuel;
- the position of the tank flap;
- the way the flap opens;
- if the car uses petrol, diesel or another system;
- the recorded level iin the teaching document.
Never refuel before you are sure of the type of fuel. If you have any concerns, contact the Wise Cars team before fueling up.
How do you estimate the feed before the return
Don't leave the power up for the last minute. Check the level well before you reach the return point and use a petrol station en route.
If you got the car with half a tank and the gauge shows a quarter, fill up gradually. There is no need to fill up and leave extra fuel in the tank that you didn't get at the start.
The autonomy displayed on the board is not always an accurate indicator. It changes depending on recent consumption, traffic, temperature and driving style. For the same-to-same policy, the main benchmark remains the fuel level, not the number of kilometers estimated by the car's computer.
What happens if you return more fuel
If you return the car with a higher level than when you picked it up, the extra fuel does not automatically become a reimbursable service. That's why it's more efficient to feed progressively and watch the indicator.
A small difference may occur due to the shape of the tank, the tilt of the machine or the way the gauge updates the level. The goal is not to achieve a mathematical equality, but to correctly and reasonably return the received level.
What happens if you return less fuel
If the level is visibly lower, discuss the situation with the return agent. The conditions applicable to the reservation and the difference found determine the way of settlement.
The easiest way to avoid costs and delays is to check the level before you arrive at the drop-off point. A gas station stop is faster than clearing the difference after the trip is over.
Same-to-same on return in another city
The rule remains the same if you return the car to another Wise Cars location. The level received at the beginning is the benchmark for the agent who picks up the car at the destination.
Return to another city is a separate service and may incur a relocation fee. This is not related to the fuel policy. Select the actual return location in the booking system to see the correct cost.
Quick Fuel Checklist
- Check the indicator before you go.
- Compare the level with the teaching document.
- Confirm fuel type.
- Take a photo of the dashboard if you want an additional reference.
- Do not use estimated range as the only indicator.
- Fuel up before the return, not at the last minute.
- Tracks the same level, not a mandatory full tank.
A clear booking starts with explained rules
The same-to-same policy is simple when the level is checked together and ccorrectly communicated. At Wise Cars, the agent shows you your fuel situation before you leave and can answer your questions before you start your journey.
You can consult the Wise Cars fleet, the answers on the FAQ page or you can check the price for your period. The price and conditions are presented before the booking is confirmed.