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Snow Socks, Are They Any Good?

October 31, 2019 Winter, winter car rental Comments Off on Snow Socks, Are They Any Good?
Snow Socks, Are They Any Good?

Every year we update our content on winter driving to keep it relevant with today’s motoring and the products available to help us. Snow Socks are a relatively new idea and something we haven’t covered before. Essentially they do what it says on the tin, they are a kevlar cover (Sock) that you can place on your drive wheels to improve grip when driving on snow and ice at speeds of up to 25/30 mph.

There are a few different ones on the market at the moment and a quick google search will show you the options available to you. They all tend to do a similar job performance wise but from what I can see the higher end big-brand ones look a little easier to fit.

Do Snow Socks Work?

All of the research I have seen online suggests that yes they do, they can improve grip when travelling in snowy conditions and are a light weight and mostly cheaper alternative to heavy snow chains.

Take a look at this video from Which? that shows a real life review of the AutoSock.

What Are The Benefits When Hiring A Car?

I can see these being useful for rental car drivers in a few ways.

Firstly they are lightweight and do not take up a lot of space, so if you are travelling abroad and are limited on space and weight then these are ideal.

Secondly is the cost, those that have hired a car in winter before will know that costs can inflate quite a lot, not just because suppliers like increasing prices but because of the additional products you may need. Snow chains and winter tyres can set you back between £50 and £120 per week on top of your rental, you may want to avoid paying these by hiring a car that is fit for the conditions but renting a 4×4 isn’t cheap and even a 4 wheel drive vehicle can come unstuck in wintry weather if they do not have the correct winter tyres fitted. By purchasing a set of snow socks, you can keep the cost down and they are yours to reuse as many times as you like.

Lastly is their practicality, if you are not heading to a destination with a huge chance of snow and maybe just hiring a car in the UK with winter tyres just because we may get some snow could be seen as overkill, especially when the weatherman has a 50/50 shot at getting his prediction right. So by having a pair of these tucked away in the boot could be the best answer, just in case snowmageddon does arrive.

What Are The Draw Backs Of Snow Socks?

From what I have seen in the above video and other research they are not as straight forward to fit in real life as the manufacturers make out. By design they fit snug to the wheel so are quite tight and hard to pull and push into place. If you are caught out by a snow shower then you may find yourself on your knees in the cold and wet trying to fit them while getting pretty dirty.

They are designed to work when driving on snow and ice alone and will be damaged if used on defrosted, gritted roads. So once you have freed yourself from the side streets and hit the clear main road, you need to jump back out and take them off, otherwise you may be back to buy some more sooner than you thought.

Lastly, they come in different sizes because wheels and tyres come in different sizes. So if your sole use for them is when you are travelling and driving a hire car then you would need to consider which size to buy. Most suppliers we deal with have varied fleets of vehicles but would do what they can to find a car for you to suit your needs but there is always that chance that when you arrive you end up with a car that your snow socks just wont fit.

Would I Buy Snow Socks?

I think they are a good option for your own car, if you know the size of the drive wheels you can buy a set to chuck in the boot safe in the knowledge they are there when needed. The practicality of these for a hire car however isn’t great. I can see they have a use and are a low cost alternative to winter tyres but where you gain in cost saving you lose in time, effort and dry cleaning bills.

If you have any questions regarding car hire in winter, snow socks, chains or winter tyres then please get in touch. Our team are on hand to take you through all options available to you.

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Car Hire In France With Winter Tyres

October 30, 2019 France Offers, Winter, winter car rental Comments Off on Car Hire In France With Winter Tyres
Hiring A car in Holland with Winter Tyres

Hiring a car in France is pretty straight forward, as a country with huge tourism numbers you can imagaine that processes are pretty streamlined. However, if you are looking for a rental car with winter tyres in France then you could be in for one hell of a research project.

Of all of the suppliers we deal with, everyone of them is different when publishing information around winter tyres, snow chains and ski racks. We have done a lot of research with all major car hire suppliers in France and have come up with the below list of facts that you should be aware of when hiring a car in France in Winter.

Are Winter Tyres A Legal Requirement In France?

No, there are no areas in France where winter tyres are required by law, even if you are heading to a ski resort. There are some roads that you are only allowed to travel on if you are carrying snow chains, these can be requested through your supplier and cost around £40 per week.

Can Winter Tyres Be Requested When Hiring A Car In France?

Yes, winter tyres can be requested as an optional extra with some suppliers. This is only available with certain vehicle groups and can cost around €110 per week, if you are hiring for a longer period then its around €150 per month. Winter tyres are not available for one way hires.

What Else Should I Consider?

If you are hiring a car for a ski trip then you may need a ski rack, these are readily available from all suppliers in countries like France but do come at an additional cost. Bear in mind that Ski racks are made for a specific number of skis. if there is a large group of you, then one ski rack may not be enough. On the whole you will be looking at a cost of around €50 per week for a ski rack. If you are a small group, would it be worth while hiring a larger car to accommodate the skis?

If you plan on leaving France during your rental and have arranged cross border travel then the main thing you need to consider is the legal requirements of the country or countries you intend to visit. If by law you are required to have winter tyres, snow chains or anything else specific then you will need to arrange this when booking the vehicle. Not doing this could void your insurance and leave you open to legal problems with the local law enforcement. Always check local driving laws before travelling.

THIS IS VERY RELEVANT WHEN HIRING FROM GENEVA AIRPORT. AS YOU MAY KNOW GENEVA AIRPORT HAS TWO SIDES, ONE IN FRANCE AND ONE IN SWITZERLAND. MANY PEOPLE HIRE IN FRANCE AND CROSS THE BORDER INTO SWITZERLAND TO SAVE MONEY. IF YOU ARE DRIVING IN SWITZERLAND BETWEEN NOVEMBER AND MARCH THEN BY LAW YOU MUST HAVE WINTER TYRES ON THE CAR, DO NOT GET CAUGHT OUT BY THIS.

We always suggest speaking to our dedicated team of reservations specialists when hiring a car, especially when it is something out of the ordinary. We are here to help and have all of the latest information at our finger tips. Contact our team today!

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Do Hired Cars Come With Snow Chains?

October 22, 2019 Car Hire Tips, winter car rental Comments Off on Do Hired Cars Come With Snow Chains?
Do Hired Cars Come With Snow Chains?

Do Hired Cars Come With Snow Chains?

You may be surprised to find that hire cars do not come with free snow chains, they are an optional extra. it is always up to you, the driver to research your desired destination and check if you need snow chains when renting a car.

In many European countries including Andorra, Austria, France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Italy you will find that the law dictates you must carry snow chains in your vehicle as local road signs may indicate that you need to equip them, despite this you don’t get them for free.

Snow tyres are different, during sometimes of the year in some locations, so when they are law the car hire companies must equip them free of charge, snow chains however are not.

You will also find that if legislation dictates in Italy between a certain time period that the weather is getting harsh and you need to equip snow chains, the rental companies still don’t equip them for free. The problem with this is it could be illegal if you drive away in the hired vehicle without them on, the company will supply you with them but at an extra daily cost as they are considered an additional extra.

People often prefer driving with snow chains especially to their winter sport destinations as the surface on the roads can be very dangerous at times. It’s comforting to have snow chains but is it worth it? Snow chains will set you back about 10-20 Euros a day, usually this is capped but it’s still an expensive pay no matter what way you look at it. Here at Indigo there is unfortunately not much we can do about this unless it becomes law, if you do want snow chains however we will always try and find you the best OVERALL deal, with snow chains included as well.

If you want advice on whether to get snow chains or not, and want to know more details about our Winter Car Hire Services contact us on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or email us on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk and we will help you in every way we can, whether that’s finding you the best deal or giving you advice.

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Hiring A Car In Austria With Winter Tyres

October 21, 2019 Austria, winter car rental Comments Off on Hiring A Car In Austria With Winter Tyres
Winter tyres in Belgium

Austria attracts over 20 million tourists annually, whether that is to visit the old castles and palaces or to hit the slopes. Although a lot of people visit Austria in the summer, there is a large amount who visit in the Winter season. With ski resorts and other places of interest a considerable distance from the airport, a lot of tourists choose to hire a car for their holiday.

If you are travelling in Winter, there is a lot you need to know. Luckily for you, we have done all the research for you and compiled it into one blog. All the information you need related to winter tyres, snow chains and ski racks in Austria is in this blog.

Is It A Legal Requirement To Have Winter Tyres In Austria?

Yes, if you travel between the 1st November and the 15th April you must have winter tyres equipped on your car. The good news for you is that the cost of Winter tyres is included in the cost of your rental and are fit as standard.

Do I Need Snow Chains In Austria?

Yes, in some areas, in particular mountainous regions, you will be required to use snow chains. Although it is possible to travel in Austria and not use snow chains once, it is always best to have them just in case. Failure to use snow chains in the required areas can result in a hefty fine. On top of that, if you have an accident and you should have used snow chains but didn’t, it is automatically considered to be your fault. Snow chains can be requested with your supplier for around £40 for 1 week.

What Else Should I Consider?

If you are planning to use your hire car for a ski trip, you may need a ski rack, these are available from the supplier, but will incur an extra cost of around £40 per week. Please be aware that the ski racks are made to hold a maximum of 2 sets of skis, if you are travelling as a family this may not be suitable. Alternatively, it might work better to hire a larger car in order to fit the skis in.

If you plan on going across the border with cross border car hire, you need to research the legal requirements of the countries you intend to visit. If any of the countries you plan to visit by law require you to have snow chains, winter tyres or anything else specific, this must be arranged when booking the hire car. Failure to meet these laws can void your insurance and get you in trouble with the local law enforcement. Always check local driving laws before you travel to avoid any problems.

When hiring a car, we always recommend that you call us, especially when you have specific requirements. Our dedicated team of specialists can answer any questions you have and ensure you have a stress-free car hire. Contact our team today!

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Top 5 Ski Locations In Europe

October 15, 2019 Europe, France Offers, Italy, Switzerland, winter car rental Comments Off on Top 5 Ski Locations In Europe
Top 5 Ski Locations In Europe

Top 5 Ski Locations In Europe For 2019/20

As it comes to the time of year where Winter hits Europe, it is now the perfect time to be booking a ski holiday. Whether you have never touched the slopes or visit every year, there is something for everyone, with many different locations to choose from. The problem is which locations are the best for skiing, here are my Top 5 ski locations in Europe.

Courchevel, France

Courchevel is the biggest and best known of the Les Trois Vallées (Three Valleys), a group of interlinked ski resorts. This resort has so much to offer, with 150km of its own mountainous runs that can be accessed by the resorts 60 lifts. Not to mention the surrounding ski runs that are connected, bringing you to a total of 600km of ski runs, that’s a lot of places to ski. With 4 glaciers, 10 summits, and heights of over 2,500 meters, you can’t ask for much more for the perfect ski resort. Whether you are a complete novice or an expert, there is something for everyone, with a quarter of all the ski runs at the resort been for beginners and a third for intermediates.

How to get to Courchevel

There are several airports that are all a similar distance away from the resort. Depending on your location and day of departure one airport might be more suited for your travel. Once you have landed at the airport you will need to travel between 2 to 3 hours depending on which airport you choose. The quickest and best way to do this is hire a car. Don’t worry we have your ski car hire covered, with ski racks, snow chains and GPS all available to make your travel as smooth as possible. If you fly to any of these airports, get in contact with us to discuss the best options for your needs.

Geneva Airport (149km) – 3 hours
Lyon Airport (187km) – 3 hours
Chambery Airport (110km) – 2 hours
Grenoble Airport (174km) – 2 hours

Zermatt, Switzerland

Want to go even higher? Zermatt is home to a ski run with altitudes of 3900 meters, making it Switzerland’s largest vertical drop. The scenic backdrop of the iconic Matterhorn that can be seen from most of the 350km alpine system makes this a favourite for many top skiers. Zermatt is renowned for it’s long runs, some are so long that they finish in the village, meaning you can ski home! There is a range of slopes at different skill levels to suit everyone. One for the more experienced skiers is to take the newly reopened, Matterhorn Glacier Ride all the way up to nearly 3900 meters. To make this trail network even safer and more accessible you can download a free app which gives you live updates of all the information you will need.

How To Get To Zermatt

Like with many ski resorts, due to their isolated location there is a long travel after your flight. There are several options of varying distances, below are all the ones in the surrounding area, so you can decide which is best for you. As you will be travelling anywhere between 1 hour and 4 hours, the best method of transportation is by having your own car. This allows you to travel at your own pace and gives you the freedom to stop off at any points of interests. We offer ski car hire at most airports, if you need to hire a car get in touch with our team who will make sure you have everything you need for your skiing holiday. Please be aware that Zermatt itself is a car free zone and the town is served by trains every 20 minutes from Täsch or by electric taxis.
Bern Airport (126km) – 2 ½ hours
Geneva Airport (230km) – 2 ½ hours
Basel Airport (232km) – 3 ½ hours
Zurich Airport (229km) – 3 ½ hours
Milan-Malpensa Airport (192km) – 3 hours

Val d’Isere, France

Due to its location, you can be sure Val d’Isere will be open well into May and some areas are even open until July. With the lowest slopes at 1,550 meters, and the highest reaching over 3,400 meters, you are guaranteed to have lots of snow. Here you can try over 300km of slopes that can be reached by over 150 ski lifts. Val d’Isere is home to an Olympic triple gold medal winner, Jean-Claude Killy, Espace Killy is even named for him. The slopes are suited to all skiers including covered magic carpet lifts for kids and some of the best instructors in the industry. Val d’Isere itself is car-free and known for its high-quality restaurants and welcoming après-ski events.

How to get to Val d’Isere

There are a few options when travelling to Val d’Isere, however some are less suitable. For example, although Chambery and Grenoble Airport are closer, finding flights and ones that are reasonably priced is a lot harder. Also, options for car hire are limited at these locations. However, the other 2 airports are slightly further but as they are bigger airports you can hire a car with all your ski car hire needs. That includes a ski rack, snow chains and a GPS to help you find your way there. Once you arrive at the resort there is a free shuttle service that takes you to all the main lifts.
Chambery Airport (144km) – 2 hours
Geneva International Airport (222km) – 2 ½ hours
Grenoble Isere Airport (217km) – 2 ½ hours
Lyon St. Exupery Airport (221km) – 2 ½ hours

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Once home to the Winter Olympics, all the way back in 1956, Cortina d’Ampezzo is still a superb ski resort. At the resort you will find shops and entertainment venues that you can make use of in between time on the slopes. Let’s not forget that the main purpose is to be skiing and with Olympic standard slopes with high altitude snowfields it’s hard to do anything but ski. Even if you’re a beginner or intermediate there is plenty of snow for you to enjoy. Unlike other resorts, Cortina d’Ampezzo, comes with cross-country ski trails with scenic views, a bobsled run, and an Olympic rink for ice skaters. There really isn’t much more you can ask for.

How to get to Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina d’Ampezzo can be best reached by one of the nearest airports. Despite the distance from the airport to the resort been marginally closer than others on this list, you are still looking at a minimum travel time of just under 2 hours. Things to be aware of are that some of the airports below are in Austria and if you wish to hire a car you will need to contact us to arrange cross border car hire. Other than that, if you would like a car, contact us today so we can arrange stress free ski car hire, with everything you need for the perfect ski holiday.

Canova di Treviso airport (136km) – 1 ½ hours
Venice Marco Polo airport (148km) – 2 hours
Innsbruck airport (164km) – 2 hours
Klagenfurt airport (228km) – 3 hours
Verona airport (265km) – 3 hours

Chamonix, France

Chamonix can be found on Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, that stands at 4,807 meters high. The altitude of the glaciers and the mountain itself cool the surrounding area preserving the snow. This means you will find some of the best and most long-lasting snow conditions in the alps here. Chamonix is best known for hosting the first Winter Olympics. Since it’s original fame, people still visit year after year to tackle some of the worlds most challenging terrain. There is a good mix of slopes for everyone, at Grands Montets, you can ski the slope with the world’s greatest height differential. Whereas, at Domaine Skiable des Planards or La Vormaine areas, beginners and families can make use of the great learning facilities.

How To Get to Chamonix

Chamonix is one of the easiest resorts to get to on this list. Nevertheless, you will still need to find a method of transportation once you land. We think hiring a car and exploring the beautiful surrounding areas is the best way to do it, but that choice is up to you. If you decide to opt for car hire, get in touch with our team who can discuss your requirements and make sure you have everything you need when going on a ski holiday. This could be snow chains, a GPS or ski racks.
Geneva Airport (101km) – 1 hour
Chambery Airport (142km) – 1 ½ hours
Lyon St Exupery Airport (220km) – 2 hours
Grenoble-Isere Airport (220km) – 2 hours

Contact us for your ski car hire

If you are looking to go on holiday to one of the locations above or any other location for that matter, we have your car hire covered. We offer Ski car hire with optional extras that include everything you could need for skiing such as:
– 4×4’s
– Winter Tyres
– Ski Rack
– GPS
– Snow Chains
Not all of these services are available at every airport, for this reason we recommend that you contact our team to find the best deal for you. You can contact us via call, email or by using the live chat function.

For more fantastic articles on Travelling in Europe, check out our friends at bookmarktravel.com – Travel Directory.

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Car Hire In Czech Republic With Winter Tyres

October 13, 2019 Czech Republic, Winter, winter car rental Comments Off on Car Hire In Czech Republic With Winter Tyres
Winter tyres in Belgium

About Czech Republic

Czech Republic has become increasingly popular with tourists and now attracts 20 million tourists every year. The capital city, Prague is the most popular place among tourists which accommodates a preserved medieval old town, 9th century castle and countless other historic point of interest. In Czech Republic, you can also take to the slopes and visit one of the many resorts that offer ski holidays.

If you are going skiing or visiting in the Winter for any other reason, you need to make sure you are aware of the laws that are in place. We have researched and managed to fit all the information you need into one blog. Beneath is all the information you will need to know about winter tyres, snow chains and ski racks.

Are Winter Tyres A Legal Requirement In Czech Republic?

Yes, between 1st November and 1st April, it is a legal requirement that your car is equipped with winter tyres. As it is a legal requirement, when you hire a car, winter tyres will be fit as standard and the price will automatically reflect this.

Do I Need Snow Chains In Czech Republic?

Yes, where it is instructed you are required to use snow chains. It might be possible to divert and travel a different way to avoid any roads that require snow chains. If you are not sure if you will need them, sometimes it is better to take them as you might regret it later. Snow chains can be added to your rental for 25 EUR for the duration of your rental.

What Else Should I Consider?

If you are planning to take your skis with you, you will need a way to transport your skis. The easiest way to do this is to hire a ski rack when you book your car. A ski rack can be added to your rental from 25 EUR for the rental period. This price is subject to availability and if the supplier who offer this price is not available, we will place you with the next cheapest option. Please keep in mind that the ski racks can only hold 2 sets of skis. Should you need to take more than 2 sets of skis it might be worth considering hiring a larger car to accommodate your skis. If you have any questions of concerns in regards to ski car hire, please get in contact with us.

If you make use of our cross border car hire offer, it is important to know the laws of any country you will be visiting. It is your responsibility to make sure you comply with any laws, failure to do so may result in complications with the local law enforcement and could also make your insurance void. If you need to add anything extra, you must to this when booking your car.

We always recommend calling us if you wish to book a car, especially if you have exact requirements. Our team is always happy to help with any questions or concerns to make sure you have the smoothest car hire experience. Get in touch with us today!

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Hiring A Car In Italy With Winter Tyres

October 4, 2019 Italy, winter car rental Comments Off on Hiring A Car In Italy With Winter Tyres
Winter car hire Lithuania

Italy attracts around 60 million visitors every year; many people enjoy the ancient sites, like the Colosseum or the Leaning Tower of Pisa. However, a large number of tourists flock to northeastern Italy to visit the amazing mountains that lie there. These mountains make great ski slopes and on them you can enjoy a variety of snow-based activities.

If you are travelling up the mountains in the winter, you want to make sure that you are complying with the law when it comes to driving. We have gathered all the information you need to avoid any complications when you are hiring a car in Italy in Winter. Below you will find everything you need to know about winter tyres, snow chains and ski racks.

Are Winter Tyres A Legal Requirement In Italy?

Yes, in some areas of Italy winter tyres are a legal requirement, however in other areas it is just a recommendation that you have winter tyres. Winter tyres do not come as standard with your hire car, but you can request this when booking for, but it will cost you an extra £70.

Do I Need Snow Chains In Italy?

Yes, between 15th October and 15th April, you must have snow chains in your car. Also, certain areas may require you to have them at other times so be sure to research where you plan to travel before you go. Luckily for you snow chains are included in the cost so you don’t have to worry about them.

What Else Do I Need To Consider?

If you plan to go skiing, you will need to accommodate your skis. The easiest way to do this is to hire a ski rack with your car which can be done around £35 per week. If you hire a ski rack, keep in mind that the racks can only hold 2 sets of skis. If you need to carry more than 2 sets, it could be worth hiring a larger car and folding down the seats to fit all your skis in.

If you are planning to travel across the border with our cross border travel, it is imperative that you check the laws of any country you plan to visit. If it is a legal requirement to have winter tyres of anything else in any country you visit, you must arrange this when you book your hire car. Failure to comply with another countries law could get you in trouble with the local law enforcement and could make your insurance void.

If you are interested in hiring a car, we always recommend that you call us, especially if you have specific needs. Our team are always ready to answer any and every question that you may have to allow you to hire a car with peace of mind and ease. Get in contact with us today!

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4×4’s & Winter Tyres: Which do I need?

January 3, 2019 Winter, winter car rental Comments Off on 4×4’s & Winter Tyres: Which do I need?
4x4 with winter tyres

Hiring a car in the winter period can be quite an arduous task, with conflicting information all over the internet on what is mandatory when and where. Hopefully the below will help clear this up and simplify it for you.

Winter Tyres:

Winter Tyres are tyres made from a different compound that prevents the rubber from hardening in low temperatures – ideal for driving in harsh conditions. There are quite a lot of countries that do indeed require winter tyres throughout the winter period (typically 30th November – 1st March). It is important to note that when collecting a car in certain countries during this time the car will come already fully equipped with winter tyres, here is a list of those countries:

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If you are collecting a car elsewhere and taking the car into one of the above countries then you need to make sure you hire a car with guaranteed winter tyres – for example winter tyres are not often guaranteed in France, even near the Alps, but we can arrange an option with them if you speak to us directly, allowing you to take the car into Switzerland. One that trips a lot of people up in particular is Geneva Airport, as you can end up hiring a car from the French side without winter tyres and then take it directly into Switzerland – which can cause huge problems! There are also countries that don’t require winter tyres but do require at least snow chains, such as most of Northern Italy. If in doubt, it’s worth just contacting us directly so we can advise you on what is and what isn’t necessary.

Another important distinction to make is that winter tyres and all-weather tyres are not the same thing. When they are fully sold out of winter tyre options some suppliers will encourage you to take all-weather tyres instead, however these would not be accepted if you are taking the car into a country that requires fitted winter tyres.

4×4 Rental Cars

4×4’s on the other hand are not mandatory anywhere really, except for very niche cases like specific roads in Iceland during the summer months. This means that when you are renting a car with winter tyres it’s not guaranteed to be a 4×4 also. That being said, it’s undeniable that a 4×4 is much preferred if you do have to drive in winter conditions, so while not necessary we can still arrange these at most locations on request. In countries like France where winter tyres are not mandatory it can also be an easier / cheaper option to rent a 4×4 instead of a car with winter tyres.

Hopefully this has provided some clarity on winter tyres for you, but again feel free to contact us directly if you have any further questions, or if you are looking for a hire with guaranteed winter tyres or 4WD. You can contact us directly via email to sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk or by phone on 0113 88 00 748.

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Top 10 Hazards While Driving In Winter

December 12, 2018 Travel Advice, Winter, winter car rental Comments Off on Top 10 Hazards While Driving In Winter
Winter Driving Hazards

Top 10 Winter Driving Hazards

Almost a quarter of all car accidents can be attributed in some measure to the weather, and winter driving can be particularly treacherous. Here are the top 10 winter driving hazards, and what you can do to stay safe.

  • 1. Black Ice

    • This is the deadliest of all winter driving hazards, and the hardest to prepare for. Black ice is formed when water freezes on the surface of a dark asphalt, making it almost impossible to see by motorists. It is often found on bridges, under overpasses and wherever the roadway is lined with trees. If temperatures are close to freezing, slow down, don’t tailgate, and take your foot off the accelerator (don’t slam on the brakes) if you hit a patch of ice.

  • 2. Poor Visibility

    • If you can’t see, you can’t drive. Clear all snow and ice off the windshield before your turn the key, and make sure your washer fluid is topped up.

  • 3. Blizzard Conditions

    • If you’re caught on the road in a blizzard, pull over and wait it out. Better to be late than never to arrive.

  • 4. Dead Batteries

    • It is harder for the current to pass through your battery in colder temperatures, so make sure yours is in good shape before you set off.

  • 5. Unpreparedness

    • Expect the worst and hope for the best. Carry an emergency kit which includes replacement fuses, flashlight, first aid equipment, blanket, gloves, hat and tools.

  • 6. Leaving the Vehicle

    • If you are stranded in a storm, stay in your car. You are far more likely to suffer from exposure by walking to find help than you are from waiting for help to find you.

  • 7. Speed

    • Just slow down. Always factor in additional time to reach your destination in winter, and adjust your speed for ice, snow and freeing rain. This is a winter driving hazard that is entirely within your control to manage.

  • 8. Poor Traction

    • If you live in a cold climate, invest in winter tyres. Nothing is more important when it comes to starting, stopping and staying on the road in wintery conditions. You can use snow chains or snow socks as an alternative.

  • 9. Cruise Control

    • Using cruise control will decrease your ability to make sudden adjustments to road conditions and increase your risk of aquaplaning on wet surfaces. Don’t use it in winter.

  • 10. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

    • If your tailpipe is clogged with snow and ice, fumes can leak into the car and causes severe illness or death. Check your pipe, especially if you are parked for a considerable period or waiting out a storm in your car.

Being aware, prepared and conscientious should help you avoid these most common winter driving hazards and get you safely home.

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Winters Around The Corner, Drive Carefully

December 5, 2018 Car Hire Tips, Winter, winter car rental Comments Off on Winters Around The Corner, Drive Carefully
Winters Around The Corner – Drive Carefully

The cold weather wave which is due to hit Britain this week reminds me winter is just around the corner. You’re probably used to it by now, the constant “drive safe” warnings you get over the winter period but it’s important to raise awareness and do our bit here at Indigo Car Hire to ensure that drivers are safe for this cold snap. It’s important to make sure that your cars can cope with the cold weather, it’s not too long until the roads become a more dangerous place.

Ice, snow, wind and rain are all factors that increase the amount of accidents, the figures in 2017 showed that 32 people were killed and 3912 injured when there was snow or ice on the road surface, that’s a significant figure. To avoid being one of these statistics make sure you keep your vehicle adequate to tackle the cold snap.

Make sure if you are the owner of a vehicle that the tyre treads are of adequate size, you should also consider winter tyres! Another few things to keep in mind include tyre pressure, vehicles brakes, steering, electrics and keeping your fluids topped up such as oil and water. If you are unsure on how to check all these its worth visiting a SEAT retailer as they will offer you a full winter tailored check for £29 where they will advise you on any parts that may require replacing. On top of which for doing so as a reward you will be given a one litre Castrol Edge oil top up kit which is valued at £18, free of cost.

Stay safe this winter in the sub-zero temperatures make sure your car gets checked, for £29 its worth that peace of mind. There are also a couple of precautions you can take, the usual drive slowly, consider winter tyres and possibly chains, make sure you are signed up to breakdown service and ensure that you have a blanket and some previsions in your car in case of a breakdown.

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