Ever since Las Vegas was built it was tradition to travel to the city by car. A fast connection through freeways and an extensive road system make it easy to find your way to and around Sin City. If you want to consider driving to Las Vegas, Fox Rent A Car has a few tips for you that you should follow to get there timely and safely. Have a great drive to Las Vegas!

Driving in Las Vegas: How to get to Las Vegas

The main freeway to Las Vegas is the I-15, which leads to Los Angeles in the Southwest and to Salt Lake City in the Northeast. The driving times from Los Angeles are about 5 hours and from Salt Lake City 7 hours, depending on traffic. A piece of advice: never drive to Las Vegas on a Friday after work; you will for sure get into very heavy traffic. Try to reach on Thursday night, the drive will be much easier and faster. If you prefer not to take the 15 freeway from Los Angeles, try the I-40 and hit the 93 or 95. The speed limit on freeways are 65 mph on two-lane freeways, and multiple-lane freeways may have a speed limit if 75 mph. If you are not sure, stay down at 65 mph until you see a sign, you can’t go wrong with that.

Driving in Las Vegas: Getting around in the city

Las Vegas rush hours usually are from 8am to 10am and 4.30pm to 7pm. It affects the main streets into the suburbs, as well as the freeways. If you get into traffic, stay calm. Las Vegas drivers love to honk, don’t get upset about it. On Friday nights and every time there is a big event in one of the hotels on the Strip, you also have to expect traffic. If you don’t want to go to those events, consider taking the streets behind the Strip, this will get you to your destination much faster and easier. If you are visiting Las Vegas as a tourist, be careful and patient and plan your route before you leave.

Driving in Las Vegas: Parking on the Strip

Driving on the strip can be messy already, but so is parking too. Most hotels offer both, free parking and valet parking. Once you got out of your car, consider walking up and down the Strip. This way you can have more fun and spend less time on the road and parking garage.

Driving in Las Vegas: General Rules and Laws

Nevada law allows you to drive at the age of 15 ¾, you need to have a co-driver who is older than 21 and has a valid driver’s license. Having insurance and being able to prove it is mandatory. You must wear your seat belts at all time and legal alcohol limits are restricted and strongly enforced. Drivers over the age of 21 can have an alcohol to blood ratio of 0.08%, younger drivers may only have 0.02% at maximum. Never drink and drive! You can find all Nevada traffic rules and regulations at the driver’s license manual of the Nevada DMV.

Fox Rent A Car wants to know – what is the worst traffic event you have had on your way or in Las Vegas? Tell us your stories to get others better prepared.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

One of the worst things that can happen to you on your vacation trip is to experience jetlag during your first days abroad or back home. The more time zones you pass on your flight, the worse your jetlag can be. To make sure that you can fully enjoy your trip from arrival to departure without jetlag, Fox Rent A Car today lists some travel tips to avoid jetlag without reaching to melatonin & co:

How to Avoid Jetlag – Drink Water

Drinking water to keep enough fluids in your body is the best thing you can do when you are on a long flight. As the air on the aircraft is extremely dry, your body needs plenty of fluids such as water and tea. Avoid caffeine or alcohol, as this will worsen any jetlag symptoms due to the fact that it dehydrates your body.

How to Avoid Jetlag – Set your clock

Most passengers set their clocks to the new time zone once they arrive at the destination. This is the wrong way for your body, since it cannot adjust to the new time zone that quickly, but rather needs time to realize the new cycle. There is an easy solution: set your clock to the new time as soon as you are on board, this way your body and mind slowly get prepared to the new sleeping schedule.

How to Avoid Jetlag – Only sleep at the right time

Especially when you are traveling very long distances you must be careful about your sleeping schedule. Even if it is hard, do not sleep when it is daytime at your destination! This way, you will be tired enough at the local night time and be able to sleep. Your body can more easily adjust to the new cycle. Sleep only when it is night-time at your destination.

How to Avoid Jetlag – Get yourself comfortable

Use earplugs, eye covers, a small pillow and good music to get yourself comfortable if you need to sleep. Try to get a seat that fits your body size, if you are tall you do not want to sit on the window seat. There are also some exercise that you can do during your flight, such as stretching arms and legs regularly, walking in the aisle (when allowed!), squeezing a soft ball in your hands to keep blood circulating, or lifting up one knee at a time and flexing the foot for 10 seconds. This way you will keep your body intact and your blood circulating. Do those exercises if you need to stay up during your flight.

How to Avoid Jetlag – Eat healthy

Airplane food most of the time is quite horrible, but at least most of the time you have a choice of your meal. Depending on what to do you should choose your meals. Proteins will help to keep you awake, carbs make you rather sleepy. In any way – avoid fatty foods! Also do not eat foods that promote gas or foods that cause irregularities, those can make your flight really uncomfortable. Rather pack some high-fiber snacks, those will supplement with the water you need to drink.

Once you arrive, try to only go to bed when its night-time. If you land earlier, go outside, walk, get some fresh air and sun. If you cannot fall asleep, take a long hot bath and then rush to bed right away. Fox Rent A Car wishes you a good flight and a great time abroad!

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Everybody loves to travel and especially in the United States, road trips are very famous and duly beloved. But what should you as a traveler consider to make your road trip a success? Fox Rent A Car prepared a list with advises and rules to a successful road trip.

Successful Road Trip: How To Be Prepared

Again, be prepared as much as you can. This does not only include getting the most comfortable car. You must make sure that your car is fully functioning and will not break down during the trip. Get all liquids of the car changed and check the air on your tires. If you decide to take a rental car, this will of course get done for you. Also get the essential road-safety gadgets in case something happens and you need to change a tire or refill cooling water. If you are not a member of AAA or a similar road assistance provider yet, you may want to consider it if you go on a long trip. In case of an emergency this can save you a lot of trouble and money.

You may also want to plan and schedule your route and stops, so that you can follow a time table and will reach your destination quickly and easily. Doing will also allow you to calculate how much money you should plan for gas.

Make sure you have some food items and enough to drink with you. Getting fast food or eat out is expensive, so bring your own food, eat it at resting places off the highways. Also make sure that you bring healthy snacks that are easy to eat. Especially your driver will thank you for it!

Another tip for a successful road trip is to dress comfortably. A road trip is not a fashion show and you will sit in the car for several hours. Don’t wear something that is not allowed to knit or makes you sweat easily. Spoil yourself in some comfy pants and shirts and the long drive will become much more fun.

Entertainment is very important on a road trip. Whether you are traveling with kids, family or friends – don’t get them bored. The fun or your trip already starts on the road, so get some games, books, music you like, quizzes or whatever you enjoy. Just make you don’t distract your driver.

So if you go on a road trip, keep those advises in mind. However spontaneous you may be, your safety and the safety of other travelers comes first, so get your car checked and make sure you are not a danger on the road. Drive safely and have fun!

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

As much as you love your children, there is nothing worse than being in a car with crying, screaming and yelling kids on a long trip. But there is a solution for all parents, grand parents, family members and friends: Car Travel Games! We have prepared a list of the Top 10 Best Car Travel Games for keeping kids entertained on a road trip.

Top 10 Best Car Travel Game #1: Songs

Singing songs on a road trip together is great. Children can learn easily and sing new lyrics, practice new melodies and share their learning adventure with the ones they love! Also sing songs that the kids already know and like to keep them entertained.

Top 10 Best Car Travel Game #2: Puzzles

Bring some puzzles with large pieces. This will keep the kids entertained for a while, if you get lucky they will play it over and over again! Avoid small puzzle pieces though, as you may have to crawl through the car looking for hidden pieces.

Top 10 Best Car Travel Game #3: Regular stops

Even if this is not considered a car game, regular stops will keep your children busy. Let them go to a playground to run around and use up their energy. In the end you will even keep them calm back in the car as they can talk about the adventures they just had, and are tired from running and playing.

Top 10 Best Car Travel Game #4: Books

Bring some nice and new books with pictures and large letters. Let your child read the story and repeat pages using own words. Talk to your kids about the story! This game will definitely take a while and your child can imagine the story. Make sure though that the kid does not suffer from motion sickness, as reading in the car will make it just worse.

Top 10 Best Car Travel Game #5: The License Plate Game

This game may be so old, but on every generation it keeps children happy and entertained. Let your kids find license plates that start with each letter of the alphabet, or that come from all states. You ca easily print out lists that you can complete with them while they are on the watch out for new plates!

Top 10 Best Car Travel Game #6: Travel Toys

Let your kid decide which toy to take on the trip. This way you can make sure that will not pack the wrong one! However, kids love to change their minds to it is better to have some nice and safe toy as a reserve – eventually even wrapped up that the kids can guess and unpack?

Top 10 Best Car Travel Game #7: An activity book

The activity book can combine various games, such as hidden items, words or pictures, drawings, dot-to-dot games, crosswords and so much more. There are actually backseat survivor kits on the market, you may want to take advantage of those!

Top 10 Best Car Travel Game #8: Attractions and sights along the road

Point out some spots that you want your kids to take a close look on while you pass along. Give them a task, such as “how many houses do you count on this road in this village?”, “How many dogs can you see”, “Count the traffic lights” etc. There are so many options for this game – be creative!

Top 10 Best Car Travel Game #9: Tell each other jokes and stories

Road trips can actually be very bonding, especially if it takes a few hours to get to your destination. Tell each other jokes, let your children be creative and talk. Listen and respond to show them that you are interested, interact and be funny!

Top 10 Best Car Travel Game #10: Card games

Play cards with your kids! Being on a trip is the best moment to play cards since you have a lot of time to spend with each other. The kids will be busy and if they get bored, you can easily switch the card game to a different one! It’s also a good moment to teach (or even learn or develop) new card games.

We have left out DVD players and small entertainment equipment on purpose to show the options you have while spending your valuable time with the kids. This trip will be a great adventure for you and the children and definitely an encouragement to go onto another long trip, such as the way back home.

Do you know any other games that you have found to be successful in keeping the kids entertained and calm? Tell us! We want to hear as much as possible from you to grow our list.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Everybody is happy and excited about going on vacation. Finally some time off from your stress at work, getting out of your daily routines and then it happens – you get sick on vacation. Even though you took good care of yourself and felt great when you left home for your trip, you are now feeling unwell. But what do you need to do when you fall ill? Fox Rent A Car prepared a list of things to do when you get sick on vacation.

Getting sick on vacation: Take rest

Nothing will help if you don’t give yourself the appropriate rest when you get sick on a trip. Get a good amount of sleep, don’t exhaust your body even more than it already is. You may miss some touristy days or trips, but in the end it is more important that you are feeling well and refreshed then feeling worse by the hour. Is taking a break not the main purpose of a vacation?

Getting sick on vacation: Go to a pharmacy or see a doctor

People often hate going to the doctor and rather wait until they feel better before sitting for hours at their doctor’s offices. But this is not the way it will easily happen during your vacation. Put yourself on the safe side and go to a pharmacy or even a doctor right away when you feel unwell on your vacation. The worse your illness gets, the longer it will take to go away again. The logical consequence is that you will simply waste your vacation time by not seeking medical help! Your hotel concierge can help you to find a good doctor nearby, or call your insurance company or tour guide.

Getting sick on vacation:Have your insurance document handy

Always make sure you have your insurance documents with you when you go on vacation, especially when you travel abroad. You just don’t want to pay the horrendous medical bills and then deal with your insurance hoping to get some of the money back. Safe yourself this hassle and get in touch with your insurance to get the address of an appropriate and accepted doctor in the region you are at. This will of course require that you have a valid insurance, especially for international trips. Never safe on this!

Getting sick on vacation: Drink lots of fluids and take medicine

By fluids we do not mean alcohol! Drink plenty of water and caffeine-free tea to clean up your body from the inside. Have two large bottles of water or tea each day you are sick and your body will thank you for it by recovering much faster. You must however avoid any alcohol and coffee, sodas and caffeine tea. This would make you feel even worse. Make sure you got yourself good medicines too that will help you getting back on track and your trip.

Getting sick on vacation: Wash your hands and food

Regularly wash and disinfect your hands and foods, especially when you are close to many other people, like on a cruise ship or an airplane. Even taking a bus or train that is fully packed can easily get a lot of passengers sick in a very short time. So make sure everything that touches your food, drink, and body is free of bacteria. You won’t get the air clean, but at least avoid stomach or digestion problems!

We hope you will have a wonderful trip and that you actually will not even have to use this information, because staying healthy on vacation is something we all want. For those of you who do still get sick on a trip, we wish you a good and fast recovery, and a great remaining trip!

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Pets belong to the family and more and more pet owners decide to take their dogs, cats, or rabbits with them on vacation. But what should you pay attention to when you travel with pets? Fox Rent A Car has set up a list of 10 great tips you should follow when you are on the road with your pet.

Travel with Pets Tip 1: Be Safe

Whether you travel alone, with your family, or are on the road with your pet only, your safety comes first. It does not help anyone if the person who should take care of the pet has to recover from injuries.

Travel with Pets Tip 2: Make sure your pet is safe

No matter what kind of an animal you want to travel with, make sure that all of you are safe and sound. Put your pet in a crate or carrier that is large enough for it to sit, stand, or lie down, and turn around in too. It will be easier for you and your pet to travel with such a crate, if you practice at home. Once you are in the car – secure the crate safely that it won’t move around while driving.

Travel with Pets Tip 3: Is your pet comfortable driving in a car?

It is exhausting if your dog or cat is scared of driving in a car, barks and meows, jumps around, bites or leaves marks on the upholstery, or even worse: gets sick in the car. Practice with your pet and make sure that a positive event is associated to traveling in the car to take the fear away. If nothing helps, ask your vet for something against anxiety and/or motion sickness.

Travel with Pets Tip 4: Pack according to your pet’s needs

Make sure you have packed enough bowls, water, food and even some toys with you. Dogs also are happy about a chewing bone to calm themselves down and maybe to even find some treats inside. Also, feed your pet light a few hours before you want to depart to make sure it won’t vomit. You may also want to pack travel papers, leash, plastic bags and a waste scoop, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit.

Travel with Pets Tip 5: Adjust temperature and sound

Whichever temperature or music you may like in the car, make sure your pet is fine with it, too. For most animals traveling in the car is stressful, so make it as easy as possible for them. They will thank you for it.

Travel with Pets Tip 6: Open the windows

Fresh air is important for everybody, for your pet too. When you open the window make sure the pet has a chance to get out of the wind. A sick pet can easily ruin the fun of a family trip! On another note – don’t let your dog put the head out of an open window while driving. It may look cool, but it’s dangerous for your pet, yourself and others on the street.

Travel with Pets Tip 7: Never leave your pet alone

Always take your pet with you when you leave the car. It’s not enough if you leave the window open, the car simply heats up too fast. In some states, such as California, it is even illegal to leave dogs in the car!

Travel with Pets Tip 8: Tag your pet

Many pets already have a tag, but what does it help to give your home number and address when you are on vacation? Tag your pet temporarily with your destination and a number you can always be reached on!

Travel with Pets Tip 9: Legal requirements for international or interstate trips

If you travel through various states or even internationally, make sure you follow the legal requirements with your pet. Vaccination records and check up confirmations from your vet are always helpful to take with you, even if your pet gets sick and needs to see another vet.

Travel with Pets Tip 10: Give your pet some time to adjust

Just as exciting as it is for you to be at a new place, it is for your pet as well. Take your dog on the leash and slowly walk around to give some time to get familiar with the new surrounding.

Fox Rent A Car wishes you a safe trip for you and your pets! Follow those guides and there is not much left that could go wrong. Your vet may also have some tips for your animal to make traveling easy for all of you.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Everyday,  thousands of us take our car and drive. You might be a good driver, or a lucky driver and you always drive safely and arrive safely. However, there are always a few more tips that can keep you even safer. Following are 10 tips about how to drive safely and arrive safely, you should consider.

Drive safely tip #1: Phone

There is a good reason why most states (and countries) don’t allow you to use your cell phone while driving. Have you ever asked yourself why? It is obvious; you are not paying as much attention to the road and what’s going on around you, as you should. An intense discussion is very distracting and can cause you to miss a stop sign or not break early enough.

Use hand-free gadgets so that you can keep both of your hands on the wheel and turn your head as needed to see what is coming. Oh, and by the way, no phone means NO phone at all. So no texting, no emails… not even reading them! We didn’t have them before, and we were able to wait until we got to a computer. If you really need to check your emails regularly, or concentrate on your important phone call, take a break, stop somewhere and do it then.

Drive safely tip #2: Sleepiness

Even though you might think you are different from the rest of us and know your limits, make sure to rest and take the needed breaks when driving; especially when you are going to be on the road for a while. As soon as you start yawning regularly, it becomes hard to focus on the road and it might be time to take a break. It is better to take you a bit longer to get to your destination,  with breaks to rest, and arrive safely than take the risk to lose control of your vehicle and hurt yourself or someone else. People always give you advice on things to do to stay alert; but remember sometimes it is just better to park and sleep for a while.

Drive safely tip #3: Safety Distance

Another thing to remember that reduced the risk of accidents, is the distance you must keep between you and the driver ahead you. It allows you to break safely if the person ahead breaks at the last minute and it allows you to see what’s coming.

Drive safely tip #4: Seatbelt

Always wear your seat belt, no matter how far you are going. It is there to protect you, and if every car has one, there must be a good reason! When you wear it, wear it the right way. Once again, if it is made to hold your shoulder and hips, it has been studied to work best during collision, so follow the rules!

Drive safely tip #5: Speed

Don’t drive faster than you need to. Why? Well, because it gives you better control of your car and because if something happens, you are less likely to get hurt. Think about the environment too. When driving fast you burn more gas and create more pollution. So it is not safe  for you and on the long term for our planet. Don’t drive to slow either. You block people which sometimes can create road rage,  a very important factor for accident. Be consistent with your speed and follow the movement around you.

Drive safely tip #6: Prepare your Car

Just following all the rules on the road is not enough to drive safely. You must make sure your car is safe as well. What does that mean? It means make sure you have the proper tire pressure for a better grip on the road. Check your oil and coolant to avoid overheating. Keep your lights clean and change them when needed so that people can see you, and so that you can have a good night vision. Verify your blinkers work properly, so that people following you know when you turn.

Drive safely tip #7: Stop at turnouts

When you drive you face a lot of angry drivers. On curvy roads, instead of making people wait behind you and test their patience, pull out and use turnouts. Remember the rule: as soon as 7 cars are behind you, you ought to let them pass. And if you are lost or searching for an address, don’t bother other drivers. It is okay to slow down, but stay on the side and let people pass without creating a dangerous hazard.

Drive safely tip #8: Animals

Be aware, that depending on where you are driving, animals can cross the road. If you are used to drive in the city this might surprise you, but pay attention to signs for animals crossing. Even though your car is a big strong metal carcass, you will be surprised  by the impact a deer can have on your car. If  a cat or other small animals cross the road, don’t try to avoid them. As horrible this sounds, you can do more damage to your passengers or the car coming in front of you, while trying to save our four legged friends. Also keep in mind that animals in the animals in the passenger area can be a danger, too. Your beloved dog could get freaked out by something, such as honking horn, blinking lights or similar things, and jump in between the driver’s legs.

Drive safely tip #9: Snow and Ice

To drive safely in the snow or on ice  requires practice. Weather conditions affect  the safety of the road tremendously. When driving on snow, don’t go fast and stay in second gear. Your tires don’t have the same grip as they usually have on dry roads and you can slide a lot faster. Use snow chains when it is advised. Be focused, and must stay aware of the road conditions, look out for ice and anticipate. Remember that ice forms faster on bridges and in forests, so watch out where you are driving. Change your way of breaking; it is easy to lose control of your vehicle on the snow. Always slow down before entering a turn and accelerate slowly at mid turn to keep the back of your car from sliding.

Drive safely tip #10: DUI

Don’t drink and drive. It is that simple. Drive safely for you and keep the roads safe for others. If you can’t see straight or remember the name of your date, call a cab or get a friend to pick you up! Don’t let your drunk friends convince you they are good to drive either. Have a designated driver. It  is worth waiting for a safe driver to get you  than paying for a ticket for Drinking Under the Influence. Did you know that more than creating danger for others on the road, getting caught drinking and driving has consequences in your life for the next 10 years? Because of a DUI you can miss great job or education opportunities. You will have to pay a lot more than that Taxicab you didn’t take. You have a police record for 10 years! So know your limits and keep the roads safe.

Roads are the most populated part of town. By not following these tips to drive safely and arrive safely, you risk your life and the lives of others. So be smart and keep the roads safe.

If you usually drive in an area where it doesn’t get very cold, you don’t really have to worry about the weather affecting your car maintenance. However, when driving and parking your car in somewhere in a colder climate, there are ways to care for your car that you normally wouldn’t have to think about. So here is a list of car maintenance tips in cold weather.

Car Maintenance Tip #1: Be patient and let your car warm up

Cold weather is hard on us, so imagine how hard it can be on your car. You have to put layers of clothes to stay warm, so it is the same for you car. If you can, cover it over night, or park it inside. When you start it, be patient. It needs time to warm up. Don’t try to turn it on and drive away. It’s bad for your engine. Let it run for a few minutes.

Car Maintenance Tip #2: Start it every day

If you do not plan to drive every day, make sure to start your car every day anyways. Cold weather affects your battery, and if you don’t start your car on a regular basis, your battery will die. So make sure to start your car and run the battery to charge it up a little.

Car Maintenance Tip #3: Keep a full tank of gas

If you keep the gas tank half full to full, less water will be created and the risk of it freezing in the gas line decreases. Also keep in mind that you might get stuck on your way due to bad road conditions and you want to keep the engine running to stay warm inside.

Car Maintenance Tip #4: Lift windshield wipers from windshield

By lifting your windshield wipers up from the windshield, you prevent ice to form between the rubber and the windshield. If you don’t it will freeze to the windshield and you won’t be able to use it. If it snows, it will be easier to clean the snow of your windshield without breaking them. Never use your wipers on an icy windshield or when its covered with snow. The snow is much heavier than you think and could ruin the engine of the windshield wipers or simply break them off and the icy will damage the rubber of your wipers. Sorry, there is no easy way out, you need to scrape and wipe it off…

Car Maintenance Tip #5: Fill up with the right fluids

Make sure your radiator and your windshield washer are filled up with coolant (or anti freeze). Though most coolants now are good for all seasons, check to see if you should fill your car with a coolant for lower temperatures. Also, you should use better oil for your car that is specially advised for cold weather. Finally fill up the windshield washer. On the road, you will use it a lot as the cars in front of you will splash your windshield, making it hard to see through! Make sure the fluid you use it appropriate for cold weather.

Car Maintenance Tip #6: Check your tires

Your tire pressure drops with the temperature. It is important to check it and make sure your tires are inflated properly for the road conditions. The right tire pressure allows better grip to the road and less chance of sliding. Remember to be prepared: have chains if you don’t have snow tires and know how to put your snow chains on your tires.

Car Maintenance Tip #7: Always clean your car before you drive

When your car is covered with snow or an ice layer, always take time to clean it off completely for better visibility. For the snow, make sure you take it of the roof as well as it can fall on your windshield and you would drive like blind folded. For the ice use an ice scrapper to scrape it from your windshields, passenger windows and the rear window. Never put hot water on your windshield when frozen, it will burst in pieces! Just remember cold weather requires being more patient and careful than usual. Visibility is very important. Also remember, if your windows are covered with ice, it means your lock might be frozen too, so do not force the key in, you might break it. You can try to put warm water on it or buy an antifreeze for your locks. But don’t store it in your car!

Car Maintenance Tip #8: Think ahead, have a safety kit

Just in case you might encounter unforeseeable events, it is wise to have a safety kit for cold weather conditions. Make sure to have warm clothes, a blanket, flashlight, maybe a few snacks, and an unfrozen bottle of water in case you get stuck and have to wait for help for a while.

Good car maintenance in cold weather is important to keep your car in good shape and running, but also to keep you safe. So remember to follow those tips and to be informed about safety tips for winter driving. Have a safe trip.

Every one who has driven in the snow before will tell you, snow chains come in handy sometimes. Unless you live in an area that has regular snow and you buy snow tires, snow chains are a must when driving on roads with snow. However, having them in your trunk and not knowing how to put the snow chains on your tires won’t be helpful. So Fox Rent A Car offers you a user guide for how to put on snow chains.

Facts you should know about snow chains:

1. Don’t try to drive on the snow without them. If you have never driven on snow before, you should know, it’s a skill to be learned. It is not as easy as it seems. Even though you might see other cars driving  in the snow without chains… They probably have snow tires, and know what they’re doing. Why should you put the snow chains on you tires? Obviously to keep you safe, and the others drivers on the road as well. It prevents your car from sliding and getting stuck. So  you are less likely to get into an accident or getting stuck, blocking the roads for those who are equipped for snow driving.

2. Do not put your snow chains on, if there is no snow on the roads. It hurts your car, your tires and the chains. You risk breaking them before you need them.
3. There are many kinds of snow chains. Make sure you get the chains matching your tire size and specifications.
4. When you get your snow chains, try  how to put your snow chains on, so that you know ahead how to put your snow chains on, when you need them. It is harder to put them on in the cold. You will get frustrated by the cold and by getting wet in the snow if you don’t know how to put the snow chains on your tires. Also, if you don’t secure them well, it is easy to lose them and they can become a dangerous hazard on the road for others.

How to put on snow chains on your tires?

Regular Snow Chains

- Untangle the chains and find the side with the cleats. This side should face you.
- Install the snow chains on wheel closest to the driver seat.
- Cover the tire with the chains, from the top part of the tire. Slide the chains so that the mark for the middle part of the chains is aligned with the middle of the top of the tire and place the chain evenly on each side.
- The side of the chains with hooks must be toward the front side of the car, and the side with no hooks toward the trunk.
- Hook the back of the tire side first. Pull on the front side to tighten the chains and hook the front side.
- Make sure you tighten the snow chains as much as possible so that they don’t come loose, and that  you tighten them evenly on all tires.
- Make sure to check your chains are tight enough once in a while.

Cable Chains

- Put them flat on the floor with the hooks facing the ground.
- Drive your car so that the tire stands on the middle of the chains
- Hook the back tire side first
- Pull the chain over the tire and tighten it as much as possible and hook the front.
- Pass the cable through each hook to keep it tight and make sure that everything is tight enough.

For more help check out some videos for cable chains, and diamond tire chains.

Remember to follow our winter driving tips and stay safe on the roads.

During your visit to the USA you will see a lot of different American restaurant chains. If you are not familiar with their names, it can be hard to decide where to eat, and what to try. So here is a list of the major American restaurants you can find in the US (some of the chains only have locations in some states though).

American Fast Food Chains

Other than Mc Donald you can find  numerous fast food chains across the US. Some of those American restaurants are:
- Carl’s Jr. (Hardee’s), Jack in the Box, White Castle, Burger King, In and Out and Big Boy are the typical burger places, like Mc Donald’s where you can buy French fries, sodas and a variety of burgers. They all pretty much have the same menu, which variations depending on the chain. Some are a little healthier than others, but they are still fast food burger places.
- Wendy’s is pretty much like the previous ones but with a different touch to it. You can find items you wouldn’t find in the other typical burger places, and it has a little more of a restaurant feel to it.
- Taco Bell, El Pollo Loco and Del Taco are Mexican food chains. They have the same system of menus with drinks, but with tacos, burritos and such instead of burgers.
- Arby’s is another American fast food chain, but it serves roast beef sandwiches instead of meat patties.
- KFC and Chick-Fil-A serve chicken as the meat of choice. KFC, Kentucky Fried Chicken, is great for a fast family dinner with its grilled or fried chicken buckets and its sides of mashed potatoes.
- Subway and Quiznos are sandwich places, where you can pick the bread you want and all toppings you can put in your sub. Subway has a whole healthy/calories program to help people try to eat better and healthier.
- Dairy Queen is another American fast food chain, that serves burgers as well but mostly know for it milk shakes and ice creams
- Sonic is what we call a drive in. They kept the old school style of drive in restaurants, where you pull in next to a microphone and place your order and it is brought to  your car.

American Restaurant Chains

Not all chain restaurants are Fast Food places, some of them have a typical restaurant atmosphere and good, healthy food.

- Chili’s, TGI Friday’s, Outback and Applebee’s are American steak house restaurant chains where you can have large portions, with steaks, ribs… and of course a cold beer at the bar to watch the football game.
- Olive Garden is another famous American restaurant chain, which serve Italian style cuisine. Great soup and salad deals and a variety of pastas dishes make this a popular chain for families .
- Red Lobster, the name speaks for itself, it’s the American restaurant chain for seafood, shrimps, lobsters and crabs!
- Hooters is little bit different and yet very American restaurant where the waitresses have to have a certain chest size to work! You go there for the show, mini skirts and stretched shirts, chicken wings and some cold beer while watching the football game. Definitely not the restaurant, you want to take your girlfriend on a date!

- For Pizza you have the choice between: Papa John’s, Pizza Hut or Dominos as large chains, as well as Round Table. Then of course, you can find smaller chains in different states.
For kids, ChuckECheese is an American restaurant specially designed with kids in mind, with games, play grounds and a menu they will enjoy.

American Breakfast Restaurant Chains

- IHOP and Denny’s are famous breakfast restaurant chains that serve breakfast and lunch meals all day and they are usually open late. You have a large choice of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, and of course pancakes!
- The Pancake House is pretty much the same but it tries to give a more family oriented environment and serves dishes that are a bit more home made style oriented.

It can be helpful to have an idea of the different American restaurant chains, because you most likely will see a lot of them during your trip. And though it is a good idea to try one of them to experience the American culture fully, remember that there are a lot of other places you should try, that might be more diverse, and maybe even healthier!