Car sharing is becoming popular with many people who like to try out new cars and don't want to risk buying one. For those new to car sharing, it is a relatively new lifestyle trend that lets you get behind the wheel without all the hassles of owning a car.

Before you take the plunge, however, make sure you know what it involves. If your automotive path isn't clear, read this article to learn what car sharing is, who it's for, and whether it's right for you.

What Is Car Sharing?

Car sharing is quickly growing in popularity, and while you may have heard the term before, you might not know exactly what it means. Many people are under the impression that car sharing is just for those who don't own a car already. This isn't entirely true.

If you love the idea of owning a car or even if you love your car, why not try something new? Car sharing is an innovative and growing way to get around town. It's a great option for regular citizens, but it can also be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for companies.

Car Sharing vs. Car Rental: What's the Difference?

cars parked on roadside

Whether you are doing it for the environment or getting from point A to point B, car sharing is a great alternative to traditional renting. A car-sharing service is a form of car rental that allows a person to rent a vehicle on an hourly basis.

Unlike traditional car rental companies, which bill users based on the length of time they have the car or the distance they drive, car-sharers are typically billed by the hour, based on usage. The flexibility offered by a car-sharing service, in which members can rent cars anytime, makes this option more appealing to people who don't have a car.

How Does Car Sharing Work?

The process of car sharing is relatively straightforward. As a first step, you need to find out whether your city has car-sharing services and, if so, which operators they're affiliated with. A quick internet search may be all it takes.

To find car-sharing options in your area, complete an internet search for "car-sharing" plus the name of your city or town. Another resource for locating car-sharing programs is Wikipedia's list of car-sharing operators by country.

Related: The Best Car Rental Apps

When joining a car-sharing service, you may be asked to sign a contract that outlines the membership rules. Signing up for car sharing is easy. Most services have online sign-up forms to register yourself and pick a rate plan that works best for you.

Once you are accepted into the program, you'll need to know how to reserve cars and where to find them.

The Benefits of Car Sharing

Whether you're trying to avoid high parking rates, want to save money, or don't want to deal with the hassle of having your car, there are many reasons why car sharing is the future. While car-sharing programs aren't ubiquitous in every city just yet, they are growing in popularity and availability. So, let's take a look at the benefits of joining a car-sharing service.

car sharing is flexible

1. Cost-Effective

Owning a car is expensive. From gas to parking, to the cost of maintenance and insurance, owning a car costs thousands of dollars per year. Add that cost the many other related expenses, and it's easy to see why car sharing is beneficial.

Car sharing makes it possible to rent many types of vehicles by the hour or the day and only pay for the time you use. Membership rates are low, and there are no maintenance or upkeep costs involved either, making it easy to get behind the wheel in more ways than one.

2. Environmentally Friendly

Most people are eager to reduce their carbon footprint. Car sharing can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road, the number of kilometers driven, and overall car ownership.

The fewer vehicles on the road, the less congestion and carbon dioxide emissions. It also reduces the need for additional parking. This allows for more green spaces.

3. Reduced Stress

For people who live in urban areas, owning a car can be taxing, and having limited storage space can be inconvenient.

A major benefit of car sharing is its convenience; members can quickly grab a vehicle to suit their needs at a moment's notice. With its large selection of vehicles, car sharing is perfect for making quick trips across town or going on weekend-long excursions. You can rent an SUV or a bigger car for important errands, while you can hop in a compact car for a quick ride to the restaurant.

Related: The Best Calming Apps to Relax, Destress, and Clear Your Mind

Some people have only one car in their household; in such cases, owning a car can feel like a burden. Car sharing affords the ability to borrow the use of a vehicle for a period ranging from several hours to several days without having to worry about maintenance or storage.

4. Increased Access

Car sharing makes it more affordable and easier to get around. It reduces congestion and pollution in the city. It is a great opportunity for people thinking of getting a car but are not sure how they can afford one. Those with bad credit scores can also take advantage of car-sharing services.

Car sharing programs increase the number of people who have access to cars because they eliminate the need to purchase a car.

The Drawbacks of Car Sharing

Nowadays, more and more people are opting to use car-sharing services. However, while the idea behind car sharing is great, there are a few drawbacks you should be aware of.

people waiting for car at peak hour

1. Surge Pricing at Peak Times

One of the major problems with car-sharing is its surge pricing in rush hours. Since people tend to use their cars at similar times—rush hour, school runs, and holidays, for example—costs are higher when the demand is higher.

2. Unavailability of Vehicles

Finding a car when you need it can be difficult because many people want to use cars simultaneously or because there are few car-sharing companies in a particular region.

3. Mileage Limits

Another reason why car-sharing is bad is that it can restrict some of your personal freedom. Car-sharing programs impose mileage limits and other restrictions that can make them expensive and impractical for use on long trips.

Car Sharing Is the Future

Despite what some people think, car sharing is not a fad—this is our future. While it's normal to have questions like, "Is car sharing safe?" or "Is car sharing bad?" there is no doubt that the future of mobility will be car sharing. This industry will only continue to grow as more services spring up, and more users decide to pursue an eco-friendly lifestyle.