[keithwalton]

Going back to the original point of this thread,

if its a hire car its not your responsibility to fix it, take it back imediatly as they may try and charge you for the damage!
The car should of gone through a check list before they let it out!
As for the poor condition of the vehicle ... its a hire car, they are notorious for being mistreated by the temporay owners who really dont care about how much they wear the clutch and brakes. and also rev / race the engine when its cold. As long as it lasts the few days they have it, its fine!