Full-tank return requirements, receipt validation, fuel charges and important precautions during your rental.
All Sunrise Rentacar vehicles are delivered with a full fuel tank (満タン / “mantan”). The vehicle must also be returned with a full tank, using the correct fuel type and following the location, time and receipt requirements explained below.
These rules allow us to verify the fuel level objectively and apply fair charges only when fuel is actually missing.
Refueling must be completed at a gas station located within a 1 km radius of the agreed return location.
Refueling outside this area may not be accepted because fuel can be consumed while driving to the return location.
Refueling must be completed no more than 30 minutes before the vehicle is returned.
An earlier refueling may be considered invalid if the vehicle was driven or kept running afterward.
The original gas station receipt (給油レシート) must be presented together with the vehicle key at return.
Keep the receipt in a safe place after refueling.
If a valid original receipt is not presented, or if the receipt does not meet the location and time requirements, Sunrise Rentacar may verify the vehicle’s digital remaining range and charge for the estimated missing fuel.
This procedure normally satisfies the full-tank return requirements.
Even if the station was nearby and the gauge still shows “FULL,” the vehicle may have consumed fuel during those four hours. The proper procedure is to refuel again after the final stop and immediately before returning.
At self-service gas stations in Japan, select 満タン (mantan), meaning full fill-up. Do not select a preset amount such as ¥1,000, ¥2,000 or ¥5,000.
A fixed payment limit can stop the pump before the tank is actually full. The fuel gauge may temporarily appear to show “FULL,” but the vehicle’s digital remaining-range display can reveal the shortage.
Receipts showing exact round totals such as ¥1,000, ¥2,000 or ¥5,000 commonly indicate preset refueling rather than a true full-tank fill. Sunrise Rentacar may verify the remaining range before accepting the refueling as complete.
Fuel validation is based primarily on the vehicle’s digital remaining-range indicator (残り距離 / remaining range).
The displayed range is compared with the vehicle’s expected full-tank range, average consumption and normal operating conditions.
The analog fuel needle is not sufficiently precise for measuring small shortages. Looking into the fuel opening also does not confirm the actual amount inside the tank.
A needle showing “FULL” does not automatically prove that the full-tank requirement was satisfied.
The digital range may vary slightly depending on driving conditions, air-conditioner use, traffic and recent fuel consumption. Sunrise Rentacar considers these factors when checking the vehicle and may tolerate minor natural differences at its discretion.
If fuel is missing, or if the refueling cannot be validated, the estimated amount may be calculated using the following formula:
| Expected maximum range | 800 km |
|---|---|
| Range shown at return | 600 km |
| Estimated missing range | 200 km |
| Average consumption | 16 km/L |
| Fuel price | ¥180/L |
| Calculation | ((800 − 600) ÷ 16) × ¥180 = ¥2,250 |
| Final amount with 10% tax | ¥2,475 |
Applicable administrative, service or penalty fees listed in the current penalty table may be added when appropriate.
Sunrise Rentacar may, at its discretion, waive a very small unintentional difference, generally under one liter. This tolerance is not guaranteed and does not apply to intentional partial refueling, gauge manipulation or repeated non-compliance.
Before refueling, confirm the required fuel type shown in the rental instructions, vehicle information or fuel-door label. If you are uncertain, contact Sunrise Rentacar before operating the pump.
Starting or driving the vehicle after incorrect refueling can cause severe engine and fuel-system damage and substantially increase the repair cost.
The analog gauge may remain at “FULL” even when several liters are missing. Sunrise Rentacar uses measurable vehicle data and the refueling receipt for validation.
A pump may stop because the selected prepaid amount was reached. This does not prove that the tank was filled in mantan mode.
Refueling several hours before return is not valid if the vehicle was driven or operated afterward. Refuel after your final stop and within 30 minutes of return.
The fuel opening does not provide an accurate measurement of the fuel inside the tank. The receipt and vehicle data are the appropriate references.
Some rental companies use fixed fuel brackets, such as charging half a tank when the displayed level is between 51% and 99%. This can result in a charge much higher than the amount actually missing.
Sunrise Rentacar uses the vehicle’s range, average consumption and applicable fuel price to make the calculation more transparent and proportional for both the customer and the company.
