Oil policy — what you need to know
Engine oil keeps your camper running safely. This article explains what to expect, what to do if an oil warning light comes on, and who covers the cost. For the full terms, see Clause 18 (Oil Policy) in your Rental Agreement.
What to expect at pick-up
Your camper is handed over with the oil level within the manufacturer's range — between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick — and with no oil warning light on the dashboard. Making sure of this is our responsibility.
Please check the vehicle at pick-up and raise anything that looks off — including oil — during the vehicle validation, so we can note it before you set off.
If an oil warning light comes on during your trip
This is the most important part. If you see an oil warning light — or notice a leak, unusual oil consumption, or anything that feels mechanically wrong — do this, in order:
- Stop as soon as it's safe to do so. Don't keep driving with an oil warning light on.
- Contact our Support Team before doing anything else — before refilling oil, and before continuing your trip. You can reach us through the channels in How to get assistance.
- Follow the guidance we give you. If our roadside team asks you to top up the oil, use the correct oil for your vehicle and fill only to the right level.
Two things to know:
- Using the wrong oil, or refilling without following the procedure, can damage the engine — and you'd be responsible for those repair costs. That's why we ask you to check with us first.
- If the warning isn't resolved, don't drive on without our OK. Continuing to drive an unresolved oil warning can cause engine damage you'd be liable for.
Who pays for oil
As a rule, topping up oil during your trip is the traveller's cost — it's part of normal running, like fuel.
If we've asked you to buy oil during roadside assistance, we'll reimburse it, as long as:
- the expense was approved by us beforehand, and
- you keep the receipt or invoice as proof.
Approved oil costs are credited to your account and settled through the Account Closing Process at the end of your rental, so you'll see the amount reflected once that's complete.
When oil issues aren't your cost
If the problem is a mechanical fault with the vehicle — for example, the engine is burning oil abnormally — and you reported it to us during your trip with evidence, then the oil costs aren't yours to carry. In these cases we may, at our discretion, waive related charges and cover reasonable extra costs the fault caused you, such as accommodation or time spent waiting at a workshop.
The key is reporting it while it's happening. If we have no record of you flagging it in-trip, we can't treat it as a mechanical fault after the fact.
What we check at return
Your camper should come back with the oil level within the manufacturer's range and no oil warning light on.
If it doesn't:
- We top the oil back up to a safe level and apply the Oil Replenishment Fee set out in the Fee Document.
- If there's no record that you reported an oil warning to our roadside team during the trip, you may also be liable for engine repair costs that arise within the following period.
This is why reporting matters: a quick call at the first warning light protects you from the larger charge later.
If you disagree with a charge
If you think an oil-related charge shouldn't apply, our Support Team will review it. You may be asked to share supporting documents. The process follows our Complaints and Dispute Resolution terms in the Rental Agreement.