Wintry conditions such as low sun, heavy rainfall, frozen roads, fog and snow severely reduce visibility and stopping distances and this gives cause for careful driving. Peoples’ fear of winter driving is not without reason. Of the 154,414 road accidents that occurred during 2010, 10,928 fatalities occurred on snowy or icy roads, and 38,844 fatalities occurred during wet or flooded road conditions. Driving safely at all times is imperative, but it’s good practice to take extra care during winter. So, without further ado, here are some top tips from the MD of Economy Car Hire, Rory Sexton, to increase your confidence in your winter driving:

• Make sure that before you set off, you’re fully de-misted, de-iced and good to go. Don’t just clear a small hole in your windshield and drive off – you want to have clear visibility at all times. Use your heaters, de-icer and an ice scraper, and wake up 15 minutes earlier so you have time to fully defrost your car.
• Make sure your mobile is fully charged before setting off on a long journey, and if the weather has been very poor recently, make sure you only make unavoidable journeys.
• If you’re living in an area where some roads may not have been gritted, try to plan your route so you will be driving on busier roads that may have been cleared.
• If you find your route blocked by heavy snowfall or fallen trees, try to let your local traffic         radio station know so others can avoid the route until it’s cleared.
• If you want to get traffic alerts on your Twitter account, you should follow @BBCTravelAlert and @UK_Traffic_News, or check out the Highways Agency site for localised feeds.
• Make sure your car insurance is up to date and you’re registered with a reputable breakdown company. In case you do break down and you’re stuck on the side of the road for hours in the cold, make sure you’ve got blankets, bottled water and some snacks in the car to tide you over.
• If you do find yourself stranded and you have to sleep in the car, make sure you slightly open one of your windows to ensure air flow.
• Manoeuvre gently in icy conditions; stopping distances are up to ten times longer when driving on snow and ice. If you do find yourself skidding, try to avoid braking sharply. Instead, try and drive into the direction of the skid so you can gradually gain control of the car.
• Automatic drivers should drive in ‘2’, as opposed to ‘D’. This means that you’ll rely less upon your brakes less, and also limits the gear changes that your car will make.

Finally, if you do get stuck in snow, don’t panic, rev your engine and lodge your wheels even deeper. Just clear your wheels, and straighten up your steering. Place cat mats or rugs under the front of your wheels to give you some grip. Once you start moving again, don’t stop until you’re on less snowy ground

In most instances, choosing car hire for a holiday leads to greater peace of mind and a sense of full control over the trip, but as with anything in life, car hire can take a foul turn when approached from a bad angle. Preparing properly for car hire is an important part of ensuring that the experience is enjoyable and lends a positive quality to the holiday, and part of the preparation process is taking care to avoid the most common mistakes. Even when common sense is applied to hiring a car, a bit of inattention or neglecting to ask a key question can result in potentially frustrating –or even embarrassing– situations for drivers. By keeping these frequent mistakes in mind, travelers can save themselves a fair amount of hassle and enjoy car hire for the fun and helpful service it’s intended to be.

a bit of inattention or neglecting to ask a key question can result in potentially frustrating –or even embarrassing– situations for drivers

What type of fuel should I use?

With so many variables for modern vehicles in terms of petrol type and tank location, it’s not too surprising that some of the most common car hire mistakes revolve around fueling. Though it’s easy to assume a given car will take the same type of fuel one would use for their own vehicle at home, it’s best to ask the car hire company in advance when not absolutely sure of the right type. Using the wrong type of fuel may lead to performance issues with the vehicle, and rectifying the matter can quickly become very expensive.

Where the %@#! is the fuel tank?

Knowing which side of the car is home to the fuel tank input is also imperative before taking a rental out on the road. Indecision at the pump and the necessity of turning the vehicle around if the wrong choice is made can add many minutes to a fuel stop, and may cause unwanted attention from staff and other patrons. Taking a few minutes to note these important aspects of the vehicle’s fuel system can keep such unwanted experiences at bay and avoid an unnecessary red face.

What side of the road should I drive on?

We’ve all driven the wrong way down a one way street at some time, but driving on the wrong side of the road on a busy motorway is something a little more serious.  Incidents where people have taken the wrong exit to join oncoming traffic are not unheard of and this can lead to a serious accident.  Even if you are lucky enough to avoid any scrapes, you will still be left feeling like an idiot after doing it.  Always check which side of the road you should be driving, and if the steering wheel is on the other side of the car from your car at home, then you are going to have to drive on the opposite side of the road.

What car do I need?

Variety is also an element of a common car hire mistake that people make as regards the size and type of vehicle. When selecting a vehicle type, such as a sedan, sports car, van, or SUV, car hire clients opt for the least expensive option or for the sort of car they’re used to driving, without first considering the requirements of their luggage or travel group size. Though some car hire companies are able to accommodate clients with car changes on the spot, many operate busy lots and may not have a more suitable model available on arrival, or may charge an exorbitant fee for the exchange. Ensuring that the vehicle selected has proper trunk space for luggage and has enough seats for everyone enjoying the holiday is a crucial step.

Taking care to avoid these typical mistakes may seem like a small matter, but travelers who heed the lessons of those who have experienced chaotic holidays before them will find that keeping these pitfalls in mind can make for a less stressful trip.

Advantages of one way car hire

Some people may dream of holidays that involve long hotel stays or languid days spent hanging out at a pool or beach, but for others, the fast pace and limitless opportunities of a road trip are ideal. The United States has long been one of the most beloved countries visited by road trip enthusiasts. Boasting climates, natural features, and cities that span an incredible spectrum, the US can set the stage for an unforgettable road trip that can quickly create a great diversity of memories. Car hire for a road trip is by far the most popular and the easiest way to enjoy this unique type of holiday, and matching a car with personal preferences can be an enjoyable first step towards the vacation of a lifetime.

The powerful feeling of freedom afforded by car hire is a great asset for any holiday, but it is absolutely essential when planning on a road trip. Whether traveling coast to coast, staying central to a specific region, tracing history along Route 66 or another historic highway, or simply letting fate decide how one gets from the pick-up point to the drop-off station, having a vehicle at one’s disposal means travelers will never have to wait around for a bus or be corralled to set destinations with a touring agency. Feeling the wind and taking in the sunshine in a dream convertible or enjoying a comfortable ride in a modern sedan, travelers on a road trip can experience a holiday like no other when they take advantage of the endless possibilities of car hire.

As the excitement of a road trip catches on and greater numbers of travelers consider this fun option for sight-seeing and visiting all the top cities on one’s list, care hire companies are developing more convenient and easy-to-use options for one-way hire service. Most agencies allow for picking the vehicle up at a given location and dropping it off at another without any penalty fees, and many operate extensive networks that ensure the last stop on a road trip is likely home to a drop-off point. Some agencies may even offer special discounts for bringing the car back to a specific location; checking into such possibilities at the point of booking can help travelers save money on their trip.

Leaving the tourist traps to others and taking to the road in a hired car is sure to help build a holiday that goes beyond the usual activities and takes on an extraordinary character that will be cherished for a lifetime. Discovering the many beautiful natural areas, exciting metropolitan cities, charming country towns, and little-known highlights strewn throughout the United States in a hired car is an experience unlike any other, and can transform a simple holiday into one that packs in all of a traveler’s favorite sights and activities. When vacation time calls, considering a road trip with car hire is bound to make any break better.

Avoid car hire shortages this summer

Each week there seems to be news coming from car hire suppliers warning tourists of possible car hire shortages this summer.  Last year car hire in Portugal and car hire in Spain saw shortages which left tourists disappointed and without transport for their long awaited holidays.  Shortages are even more likely this year due to economic pressures forcing some suppliers to reduce the size of their fleets during the quieter winter season.

Therefore the obvious advice for tourists is to check availability at the same time when searching for flights, change your dates if necessary and book online as early as you can.  If you search online using a car hire broker you will be able to search for availability across suppliers quickly and check prices to find the best deal at the same time.

Also check the local legislation, if you are travelling with kids, they might be required by law to travel using an approved child seat.  Again in the high season child seats might be in high demand and if you don’t plan to travel with a child seat in your suitcase, you better request them at the same time you hire your car.  Without a seat you might have a car but will not be permitted to drive.

Lastly, don’t plan your entire holiday around being able to drive.  There are still many alternatives to car hire to travel around. Albeit can be more restrictive and less convenient, trains, buses and taxis are always an option if car hire is unavailable.  Don’t let any shortages spoil your summer vacation.

When booking car hire for any type of holiday, travelers are bound to encounter a number of extra options upon finalising the agreement. From specifying various add-ons such as navigation systems to picking the number of seats or amount of trunk storage, arranging for the ideal car hire situation is worth a bit of time and patience.  Some car hire companies offer people to purchase their damage excess refund policy often referred to as DER.   This article will discuss DER policies and you should learn what a DER policy is, what it covers and why you should consider this option.

Avoiding paying excess costs with DER puts your mind at ease

Car Hire Insurance

Of special importance is the process of selecting insurance options for the car. Even in the best conditions with experienced drivers, accidents can occur, and it’s essential to step into a rented vehicle with the protection of an insurance policy. Travelers investigating car hire and insurance options may have the choice to purchase a damage excess refund, which can significantly cut costs in the event of a crash. Understanding this component of insurance can lead to a more secure and confident car hire experience.

Though car hire insurance is normally covered in the price of your rental agreement, it is important you ask what exactly you are covered for.  More often than not insurance policies that are included in your agreement are very basic leaving you to pay excess fees on costs that aren’t covered.  This could leave you faced with a bill for a large sum of money. This is where DER policies prove to be useful.

What is Damage Excess Refund

Damage excess describes the amount for which travelers are liable in case of accident. This means that while the insurance policy will pay for some damages to the car, an initial amount will be incurred by the policy holder. The specific amount varies depending on the car hire company and insurance carrier used, and different countries tend to allot different damage excess figures. In most cases, however, the amount is significant, and drivers can find themselves at a considerable financial disadvantage if something goes wrong during the rental period. Just as health insurance costs cover various visits and procedures after a certain sum has been paid out of pocket by the patient, car hire insurance comes with a figure for which the driver is responsible, and minimising this figure is a sound way to avoid extra costs.

Purchasing a damage excess refund waives this amount, allowing for little to no monetary burden should the unexpected occur. Though it can be tempting to consider the damage excess refund as an unnecessary expense, those drivers who decide to opt for this policy can relax in the knowledge that they won’t be held accountable for large sums of money.  Car hire brokers such as car hire 3000 offer good deals on DER, always ask whoever you book with about their DER.

How Does Damage Excess Refund Policies Work?

By accepting to pay extra for DER at the time of rental will mean that any excess costs will be refunded but the holder of the DER policy will be required to initially cover the costs of excess damage.  This cost will then be refunded to the policy holder after producing the receipt of excess costs.  Some types of damages, of course, and crashes that occur in certain situations such as during illegal drinking and driving episodes are typically not covered by damage excess refunds.   Other things often not covered with such policies include, damages to windscreens, tyres, the cars undercarriage and in some cases personal injury.  Asking car hire company representatives about the limitations of their refund policy will provide peace of mind for concerned motorists.

Summary

Planning for the worst-case scenario might not be the easiest or most popular way to prepare for a trip, but when working with car hire, purchasing a damage excess refund is a step that costs little and can result in major savings. Car hire clients who take advantage of a refund offer can typically expect to provide a package of report documents should they need to claim the refund, and should be able to obtain a prompt reimbursement for the funds charged. With the security of this refund as part of a trip’s safety net, travelers can focus on enjoying themselves and leaving anxiety behind.

Find more advice on travel insurance

Choose the right vehicle for the right terrain:

This may be obvious to some, however many in the past have chosen a vehicle that cannot handle the challenges some terrain throws at them during their trip. For example, if you are likely to be off-road a lot, you will need a vehicle with the versatility to handle every situation. A prime example is when driving in snow. In many Scandinavian countries, snow tires are actually compulsory in winter months. Also, don’t be fooled by the appearance of a vehicle that appears to be four-wheel drive. Vehicle manufacturers are aware people buy into the four-wheel drive market for city driving alone. Such vehicles are in-fact practically useless in actual off-road situations. Research the vehicles your car hire company is offering you before merely plumping for the one that looks up to the job. Climate is also something to think about. If you are travelling to a hot country, ensure your vehicle has sufficient air conditioning. The same works in reverse for cold countries.

Make sure your car has enough storage for your equipment:

Looks can often deceive. Just because a vehicle appears to be large in size, it doesn’t mean it can carry all your stuff. If taking ski equipment, hiking gear, tents or other essentials it is important you research the vehicle’s storage space. Consider things like the number of people in your party and whether the car has fold-down seats etc. The last thing you need is to be pulled over by the authorities because your rear-view window is blocked with gear.

Plan your route before leaving:

Adventure holidays will often find you leaving the beaten track. Make sure your map reading skills are up to scratch and know exactly the route you are going to take before just heading out into the great outdoors to see where the adventure takes you. Sat-nav’s are great when on the road, but sometimes not so great at getting you back on track when you’re off it!

Check petrol levels:

True adventure is all about venturing into the great unknown. Therefore, if you are unfortunate enough to get yourself lost, don’t get into the situation where you are about to run out of petrol when trying to get your bearings together. This could be extremely problematic on an adventure holiday to somewhere like the Australian Outback not knowing where on Earth the next petrol station is. If you’re the forgetful type, fill a petrol can before setting off!

Don’t drink and drive!

Probably the most obvious tip of all, but one some people have chosen to ignore in the past. If you are off the beaten track, it doesn’t mean you have totally escaped the eyes of the law and are exempt from driving regulations. Don’t let the liberation of an adventure holiday obscure your senses. Not only is it extremely dangerous, if caught you could end up with more than just a criminal record.
With many car hire firms to choose from, your best bet is to use a car hire broker, who will not only help you find the right vehicle, but also search out the best deal from a selection of car hire companies.