Is the tank full when I pick up the car?
ser-ba-TO-io — stress on third syllable. ri-TI-ro — stress on second syllable.
When collecting the rental car and clarifying the fuel policy.
'Serbatoio' (fuel tank) is the standard Italian word. 'Pieno' (full) — the same word used in 'fare il pieno' (to fill up). Most rental companies use a full-to-full policy (consegna e restituzione con il pieno). Some cheaper rentals use full-to-empty, which is less favourable for customers.
La politica del carburante è pieno-pieno o pieno-vuoto?
Is the fuel policy full-full or full-empty?
Always clarify before driving away
Devo fare il pieno prima di restituire la macchina?
Do I have to fill up before returning the car?
With full-full policy, yes — or face expensive refuelling fee
Il gasolio è incluso nel prezzo?
Is diesel included in the price?
Never — fuel is always at the customer's expense
The 'pieno-pieno' (full-full) fuel policy is standard and fairest for the customer. Some companies offer a 'prepaid fuel' option where you pay for a full tank upfront and return empty — this is rarely good value unless you're certain to use all the fuel. Always photograph the fuel gauge when collecting and returning the car.