The Benefits of Shade Structures for Car Rental Facilities

Protective parking structures on a consolidated rental car center (ConRAC) preserve vehicle inventory while maintaining a positive business reputation. Here are some further reasons why it is worth investing in shade structures for car rental facilities.

Protecting Against Hail

Hail typically ranges from the size of a dime to the size of a softball in major hail-prone areas — no matter the location, storms can be unpredictable. Larger hailstones can deliver the same impact to a vehicle as a sledgehammer. Smaller hail pellets can result in the following:

• Significant dents
• Chipped paint
• Broken glass

When cars sustain damage, rental facilities have to pour substantial funds into repairing or replacing their vehicles, and they may also lose business while waiting for an adjuster to examine the vehicles.

For car rental lots in areas where hail is a formidable weather concern, shield cars from damage with ConRAC parking structures from VPS. We design our unique steel and fabric systems to protect against hail, enabling facilities to get the most revenue for their rental cars while avoiding expensive repair costs and increased insurance premiums.

Shielding Vehicles from the Sun

Car rental facility shade structures offer defense against the sun’s rays, even on the brightest and hottest days. Extended sun exposure can oxidize, fade and peel automobile paint, making cars look worn and damaged before their time. Our parking protection structures block harmful UV rays while also protecting car rental inventory from hail.

An added benefit of hail protection for rental car facilities is keeping vehicles cool throughout the day. Even a short 20-minute stint in the sun on an 80-degree Fahrenheit day results in an interior vehicle temperature of 109 degrees. When automobiles are sheltered from the sun, customers can test drive their rental vehicle off the lot without getting into a sweltering, uncomfortable car.

Adding Visual Appeal

Car parking structures can also add visual appeal to a car rental lot, boosting the property value. Commercial hail protection from VPS comes in a variety of styles, designs, and colors, offering a sleek look that exudes quality and professionalism.

Our ConRAC parking structures also allow businesses to implement electrical upgrades such as lighting elements, surveillance, and more, further enhancing their products.

Leading to Cost Savings for Customers

When customers hop in a hot rental car, their first instinct is to crank up the air conditioning. However, using the AC can reduce fuel economy and cause the car to burn more fuel more quickly. While drivers are likely used to having to replace the fuel they use, it’s important for companies to make every effort to provide value for customers.

Keeping cars under shade structures decreases the overall temperature of the car and reduces a driver’s reliance on AC systems, ultimately resulting in lower fuel bills.

Improving the Customer Experience

When customers collect or return their rental cars, they often need to wait for an employee to inspect the vehicle. Providing a shaded area for customers to sit during inspections protects them from UV rays.

Additionally, shade structures extend waiting areas for greater customer comfort. Peak travel times — such as Thanksgiving and Christmas — lead to an influx of people renting cars. Providing a larger, covered waiting area enables everyone to sit in their own space while they wait for assistance. Taking the time to improve the overall customer experience will lead to better reviews and repeat business.

5 Hail Protection Structure Options for Car Rental Facilities

Car rental shade and hail protection are critical tools for preventing catastrophic damage from hail storms and shielding customers from the elements. Learn more about the VPS solutions that safeguard car rental assets and offer greater peace of mind.

1. Solid Membrane

VPS has a wide selection of solid membrane fabrics that we customize to fit various structures for protecting car rental facilities from hail. We currently offer PFTE, HDPE scrim, and PVC options and follow a three-step manufacturing process — fabric patterning, welding, and attaching.

PFTE is available exclusively in white, but PVC and HDPE scrim come in a wide variety of color options. Choosing a fabric in a color that matches the facility’s branding helps to distinguish one facility from another.

2. Covered Walkways

Covered walkways offer a convenient rental experience and protect customers from the sun and hail. These walkways also encourage guests to walk around and browse the selection to find their ideal solution. A walkway also makes the area easier to maintain since less exposure to hail and rain can help prevent falling incidents on the lot.

Additionally, many covered walkway designs are compatible with lighting solutions. Car facilities near airports are often open beyond the standard business hours — providing well-lit walkways helps customers easily navigate the facility, even after dark.

3. Cantilevers

A cantilever is an ideal parking shade structure for car rental facilities that want to save space and control the flow of traffic for cars and pedestrians. The cantilever’s free-standing design takes up less room than the traditional shade structure with support structures like bracing, columns, or posts.

Aside from allowing more cars to park under a structure, cantilevers ensure fewer obstructions for drivers. A reduced number of poles and columns help drivers park and reverse safely.

4. Solar and Hail Protection

VPS combines solar power and hail protection into a single, integrated design. Car rental facilities can receive the benefits of renewable energy, such as increased perception of eco-friendly practices with the public and lowered utility bills. Paying less for electricity each month helps to offset the cost of the solar and hail structure over time.

Aside from increased energy savings, businesses that install solar structures may also qualify for tax incentives.

5. Mass Coverage

Mass coverage is a choice for car rental facilities that need to cover a large area with mid- to large-scale hail protection. A modular design allows dealerships to customize the unit to fit the unique width and length of their structure. Shape options also include the Panama Protector and Diamond Protector designs to fit any rental area.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

Correct installation and regular maintenance help extend the life span of shade structures. Here are some tips to get the best value:

• Identify high sun exposure areas: Even though the sun will be at different positions during the day, one area is likely to get more exposure. Locating this area will help position the structures where they’re needed most.
• Consider the space: Car rental facilities that optimize their space set the stage for expansion. Using structures without columns or poles will enable maximum space.
• Set a maintenance schedule: Shade structures require minimal maintenance, but it’s still important to clean and inspect them for wear and tear. Establishing a regular maintenance timetable will help extend their longevity.

Invest in Rental Care Facility Parking Protection Structures at VPS

Businesses looking to protect their rental vehicles while adding practical functionality and design to their properties should consider investing in parking protection structures from VPS. As the leading supplier of automotive hail protection systems, we offer nothing less than the highest quality products and services delivered by some of the most experienced and highly trained professionals in the industry.

Contact us to get started!