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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.

Drive Safely in the Winter

Most people love snow. When the white coat covers the landscape, the trees are white from frost, the atmosphere is just magical. We want to cuddle up in front of the fireplace and sip some hot chocolate and feel cozy. But when you have to drive on icy roads and in heavy snow, its a different story. Snow and ice don’t just look pretty, they also affect the roads. But we also enter the season when the roads are crowded, because of holiday shopping and holiday trips. So to make sure you are well prepared and know how to drive safely on winter roads, here is a guide of safety tips for driving during winter.

Safety Tip # 1 for Winter Driving – Distances and speed

Bad weather conditions affect your visibility as well as the control of your vehicle. So whether you are facing rain, fog or snow you should always make sure to let twice as much safety space between your car and the one you are following. Why? Well simply because you will not be able to control your vehicle as well, which means you also need to reduce your speed. Breaking on a wet road takes more time for your vehicle to stop. On ice it takes up to 3 times more time to stop a car when braking. Also if you are going to fast and you have to brake quickly your car can hydroplane in the rain, and slide on snow and ice resulting in a total lost of control of your vehicle. So keep it slow and stay away from the car in front of you!

Safety Tip # 2 for Winter Driving – Driving on the snow and on ice

Most people think driving in the snow is easy. But if you don’t learn how, your big SUV and 4 by 4 won’t do you any good. When driving in the snow you need to be extra careful and slow. If you drive a stick shift car, stay in second gear. It is the perfect right speed to keep your car stable on the snow. Never accelerate too much or your wheels will spin and not go anywhere. Also never break fast, or you will make your car spin. If you have an ABS system turn it off, it is not helping you in the snow. For automatic cars, try to switch to sequential to stay in 2d gear, and turn off your over drive option. If you don’t see ice on the road it doesn’t mean it is not frozen, so test the road first! Remember on snowy and icy road to always break before a turn and accelerate slowly in the middle of the turn.

Safety Tip # 3 for Winter Driving – Driving on the fog and the rain

Winter not only brings snow and ice, but also rain and fog. When driving in the rain remember to keep you lights on and slow down. As mentioned before, braking fast on a wet road can lead to hydroplaning and make your car slide on the road… or off the road. If the fog takes over the surroundings drive even slower. Stay on the far right side and follow the side road line. That helps you to stay on the road and as far away from other vehicles as possible! Also don’t blind other vehicle with full lights. Often they make it worst for you too. Just be patient! It is better to get where you’re going late than never get there at all!

Safety Tip # 5 for Winter Driving – Take care of your vehicle

The most important things to start with it to take care of your vehicle and to be prepared for the winter weather conditions.
- Check tires: make sure your tires are not worn out and inflated appropriately to have a good grip on the road.
- Clean your windows: keep you windows clear and clean. This means in case of ice to get it off all your windows and even your side mirrors. In case of snow clean your car. Do not leave snow of the roof of your car. This is very dangerous as the snow can slide on your windshield and “blind” you. You need to make sure you have all the visibility necessary and avoid any incident affecting it.
- check your wiper blades and anti freeze cleaning: change your wiper blades when needed. Once again visibility is the key for a safe driving. Make sure they do the job and give you a clear windshield. In cold and freezing location make sure to have an anti freeze windshield cleaning product so it is not frozen when you need it.
- Have the right equipment in your car, be prepared: especially if you are planning on driving in cold weather, you must have all the right equipment. In case of snow, if you don’t equip your car with snow tires keep chains in the trunk. Also keep all the tools to keep your car clean. There are snow brooms and ice scarper all in one, they come in handy in the snow! Also, keep jumper cables in case you have trouble starting your car…
- Keep up with your car maintenance: check your battery and your anti freeze coolant to preserve your car radiator.
- Care for your car: patience is really important during winter weather. Let your car warm up. You don’t see a ballet dancer do the slip with out warming up, same for your car. It needs to get ready to start. When you park in the cold, don’t put your E brake on, leave your first gear or bake up gear on. Otherwise your E brake can freeze to your tires. Never force a key in the door in low temperatures.

Here is a list of things you should keep in your car during winter:

- Ice scraper and broom
- Blanket
- Jumper Cables
- Anti Freeze for your windshield cleaning fluid and radiator
- Anti Freeze for your car locks (well, you should not keep those in your car, but close by)
- Water (if it is freezing, remember to bring a fresh bottle and do not leave glass bottles in your car, which can explode, if they freeze up)

So to put in a nutshell, keep your visibility clear, be patient, drive slow and increase your safety distances. And to be sure, check the weather conditions ahead of time to be prepared and give your self up to twice as much time as you normally need, especially if it snows! Have a safe drive and great holidays!

Kids Car Games

Traveling with kids for long car rides is not always easy. They get antsy, they fight, they just want to get to destination. Though today you can find a lot of technology to make the trip seem shorter, it is also a good idea to plan a few games to interact with them along the road. After all they can watch their DVD at home! So keep them for the time, where you just don’t have another way out! Here is a list of fun kids car games that can make the trip a little more fun and shorter for your children!

Kids Car Game: I Spy

In this kids car game, you take turn at selecting something out of the car and describe it by it shape or color. Then you say “I spy something… round, or tall , or green” and the other must guess what you selected. The one who gets it right,  gets to spy next. And so on..

Kids Car Game: Spot the Alphabet

A great game to review the alphabet for younger and make them learn new words or practice the one they are learning is “spot the alphabet”. This kids car game is about spotting things on the road and around that start with the letters of the alphabet, going in order. A : ambulance, B: bicycle, C: cow…. T: tree… you go one after the other.

Kids Car Game: License Plate

Another popular kids car game is the License Plate game. You can make your kids search for the most states on license plates. Or you can give a number or a letter and they will have to look for a plate with the number and letter. For older kids you can make it more challenging and give a letter and number together, or 2 letters or numbers… You can keep track of who gets most of the plates and give a prize at the end.

Kids Car Game: Find what’s on the list

You can also plan kids car games ahead of time. An easy one you can do for kids that can already read is to make a list of things they will have to find during the trip and the one that spots the most things on the list wins. If your kids can’t read yet you can do the same with images instead. You can put  things as a red car, a tree, a gas station, a stop sign on the list…. Whatever you think of and you know you will pass sooner or later on the road.

Kids Car Game: Guess What I think about

Another fun kids car game is “Guess what I think about”. This car game is good for younger kids to learn how to focus and listen. It also helps them practice shapes and colors. First, one of you thinks about an animal or an object and tell the other the category. Then, one after the other you ask a question to find out more. He /she can only answer with yes or no. For example, if you think about a cat, the other could ask does it has feathers? No, is it big? No, does it have a tail? Yes… and so on, until one finds out what you were thinking about. Then you move to the next player and start guessing with the other.

Kids Car Game: Stop the Music

Music is always fun for kids. If you have some of their favorite music on CDs, you can play “stop the music”. This car game is always fun! They have to sing the song along with the music and you can stop the music when ever and they have to know the lyrics following. This can be a game for older kids, but if you have CDs with songs for youngsters they may like it as well, and it can be a good way to teach them the songs and train their memory! If this is too challenging, you can tell them to “freeze”, as soon as the music stops. It will be funny to  see how everybody gets “stuck”.

Kids Car Game: Car Color Competition

The “Car Color Competition” game is the kids car game where they each pick a car color and have to count the cars of that color they see over a certain period of time. You give them a mile, or 5 minutes… to find as many cars possible. This is a great game for kids learning to count, and to help them review colors.

Kids Car Game: Writing games

Other possibilities of kids’ car games are writing games. This is not always possible as some children get carsick or get headaches from writing or reading in the car. But if they can handle it, those games can give you a little rest time for yourself without putting them in front of a DVD! You can print some Tic Tac Toe pages, or they can play hang man, or even color books. You can also ask them to write down things you see to work on their spelling. And if they can really handle reading, ask them to read story out loud to one another!

Car rides don’t have to always be long and boring. Plan kids car games, and you will see, the ride will not only seem shorter for your kids, but for you as well!

Driving To Mexico

Mexico can be a fun and interesting country to visit. When you are so close to the border it seems a shame to not take advantage of it and visit a bit of Mexico. It’s a great idea, and a great opportunity. However, it is important to know a few things before driving to Mexico. Just like in any other country there are rules and regulations you must follow carefully before driving, so keep reading for a few tips on what you should know.

Check with your Rental Company if driving to Mexico is allowed.

If you are renting a car, the first step to take is ask your rental company if you are allowed to drive out of the US to Mexico with the car. Some rental companies refuse to let you cross the border driving. However, Fox Rent A Car allows you to take your economy to full size category rental car to Mexico, after you have have purchased a special Mexico insurance through Fox Rent A Car.

What do you need to drive in Mexico?

– Car registration: You need to bring your car registration, when you want to drive a car into Mexico. If it is not under your name, you must be in possession of an authorized letter stating you are granted the right to take the car into Mexico. You will receive this letter, when you purchase your insurance with Fox Rent A Car.

– Passport: Americans used to be able to cross the border to Mexico with their ID card or drivers license. However, since June 1, 2009 US  citizens are required to have a valid passport to cross the border or they will be refused to reenter the United States at the border.

– Visa: Depending on how far you want to venture into Mexico and how long you are staying, you might be required to get a visa before driving to Mexico. If you are planning on staying in Mexico for less than 72 hours and not driving further than about 70 miles away from the border, then you just need your passport. If you want to stay longer or go further you must get a tourist card from the Mexican embassy. If you are visiting for business you need to get the authorization form FM-N that allows you to stay for 30 days.

– Special permits: If you are driving beyond the “border zone” (the 70 miles allowance) you must get a special permit, called a temporary import permit. You can get it at the Mexican consulates or the Mexican Army Bank. However, if you wish to do this, be prepared because you will need to present a lot of paperwork, for example: drivers license, proof of citizenship, title of the car, and registration. If you don’t have it, you won’t be able to get the permit.

– Insurance Requirements:Through your personal insurance might cover you in every country your drive, Mexican authorities do not accept insurance that are not from Mexico. You have to buy a specific car insurance before crossing the border, or you will not be insured in case of an accident. Fox Rent A Car will only allow you to take your car to Mexico, if you buy the Fox insurance for Mexico.

Things to know when driving in Mexico.

– Driving in Mexico can be risky: Be very careful when driving in Mexico, if you are only used to American roads, as traffic can be wild and seem chaotic. Although it may seem that no one is following rules, they do exist. The roads are not always well maintained. You may see pot holes in the roads, as well as rocks. Be sure to respect the speed limit and keep your eyes open. Sometimes in rural areas the fencing system is inefficient allowing animals to meander into traffic. Be aware of cattle on the road. Toll roads are recommended as they are often well maintained. Be prepared for check points, they happen more often you might expect.

– There are times to avoid at the Border to drive in Mexico: There are a lot of people who live in Mexico and commute to the United States for work. So starting at 5 AM in the morning the border gets very busy, until about 8 AM. Then again at night, when everyone gets off work. Just like regular commuter traffic, expect the border to Mexico to be busy at the same time. Sometimes it depends on which border crossing you choose. Weekends are always incredibly busy.

Diving to Mexico requires preparation. Make sure you are doing everything required from you to do before getting behind the wheel in a foreign country, especially if you do not speak the language. Study your itinerary well before leaving and follow the driving rules, it will keep you safe and out of trouble.

Tips about Driving in the USA

When you are planning a trip in the USA, you will most likely need to rent a car. It is a large country with so much to see, that first of all, you don’t want to waste your visit staying just at one place and second, even if you do, walking is not always possible. When you visit another country, it is good to be informed on what the driving practices are and important things to know before you get behind the wheel. Here are some useful tips about driving in the USA to help you be prepared for this road adventure!

Tip about driving in the USA #1: Rental info.

When you visit the USA and plan to rent a car, they are a few things you should know. First, it is true that for most states the legal driving age is 16 years old. However, most rental companies, do not allow drivers under 21 to rent a car. Second, not every country’s drivers license are accepted in the USA, and certain rental companies do not accept foreign drivers licenses at all. So make sure you get your International Driver License before leaving for your trip. In most countries you can apply for them at the city or town hall, but you can also ask in any travel agency and they will know where you can get the international drivers license. Finally, you might want to check if your driver’s insurance covers you abroad, otherwise you will need to buy a special insurance through your insurance, or through the rental company. Even if you are a good driver, remember that driving in the USA can be quite different from driving at home, so it is better to be safe than sorry, and be insured. Most states require you to have car insurance anyways and you probably do not want to get in trouble for driving without proper insurance in a foreign country during your vacation, right? Also, when you reserve your car ask the rental what their policy is. Some might not accept foreign insurance, or might require you to show proof of insurance.

Tip about driving in the USA #2: Freeway vs Highway

Definition: A Highway is defined as the main large road that usually links cities to one another. The speed limit is 55 mph, and you can run into stop signs and lights. On the Freeway, on the other hand, you have no intersections nor stops. It’s a road, (or highway) for high-speed traffic – usually limited up to 75 mph. Freeway is a term mostly used on the West coast though, while on the East cost they talk about Interstate Highway. Freeways have more lanes, and you can also find  the car-pool lanes on them. Now, if you never driven in the USA before, this is something to be aware of. Car-pool lanes are reserved to cars who have 2 or more people in them. You can only enter or exit them when the yellow lines are interrupted. Any car entering or exiting the lane by crossing the double line can be fined, as well as when you are alone in the car.

Numbers: When you start driving and looking for directions, you will realize that highways and freeways have numbers. The numbering system is very thought through and can facilitate your driving experience in the USA. Freeways with even numbers go from east to west. The lower numbers are in the South and increase as you move toward the North. For example if you take the 8 E (8 East) you are taking the Interstate 8 driving toward east in south California. Odd numbers are for freeways going South to North and the numbers increase as you go from the West coast to the East Coast ( e.g : I-5 in California, I – 95 in Florida). On maps when you read 3 digits numbers indicating a road, it’s a highway. If it starts with an even number ( such as 405) it usually connects major freeways, when it start with an odd number ( as 705) it usually connect a city to a freeway.

Stops: When you are driving on the freeway, most exits take you to a city or town. If you are used to the freeway rest points and gas stations common in Europe, don’t wait for one. If you want to stop for gas, take a break or find a restaurant, watch for the signs that indicate what the next exit has to offer.

Tip about driving in the USA #3: In Town.

Street names: When you drive in the USA, it is also important to understand how the street system works. The streets are often alphabetically organized one way, and numbered the other crossing way. When you are looking for the street name , at a cross street, the sign with the name facing you, across the intersection, is the street name you will be crossing. When you look for address numbers, they are marked on the buildings or houses, and sometime, mostly in residential areas, you can also find them painted on the side of the sidewalk. If you ask for directions, most people will use the term block. For example they will tell you it’s about 2 block away, or turn right after the second block. Between the first intersection with the road you’re on, and the second one, you pass one block. So blocks are an area of buildings situated between streets in a city. Also keep in mind that in most downtown areas, you find a lot of one way streets. If the first street goes one way, the next one usually goes the other.

Parking: If you drive in the USA, you also need to know the rules about parking. Parking can be tricky. Familiarize yourself with the color codes painted on the side walks for parking zones: Red: don’t stop don’t park, not even the back of your car should be in the red; White: loading zone for passengers; Yellow: commercial loading zone; Blue: reserved for disabled persons; Green: short term parking. Don’t think you can get away with it, they will tow your car, and it will cost you a lot to get it back. Also, make sure you respect the time limit for your parking zone. Even if you “refill” your meter, you are not allowed to park in the same spot longer than indicated. They will mark your tires and write down your license plate, so rather look for another spot. Then once you are parked, make sure your tires are turned the right way. If you park on a hill facing down, your tires should be turn toward the side of the road, and if facing up hill, turn your front tires away from the curb. On a flat street, you should always make sure you parked all your wheels parallel to the curb. If you don’t follow those rules you can get a ticket. Also, make sure to read the signs on the street where you park. Street cleaning is organized on different days and times, and parking on one side of the street is forbidden on those days. You will receive a ticket or be towed if you do not respect this.

For some people, these rules seem over the top and may be a little harsh, but remember that you are in a foreign country and to stay out of trouble, you should follow those rules. Remember to not talk on the phone, fasten your seat belt and have the regulated car seats for your children! Have a safe drive.

Traveling with Kids

Traveling with Kids takes traveling to a whole new level and will be quite a different experience than traveling alone or with other adults. Taking your little ones requires a lot more preparation and planning, and also quite a bit of patience. Here are a few tips on how to prepare for traveling with kids (and stay sane!).

Travel with Kids Tip 1: Keep them safe

The most important point is of course the safety of your children.You know your kids best, and so you know what ideas they sometimes have that could hurt or harm themselves or others!  But when you are traveling with your kids, keep in mind, that they are in an unfamiliar surrounding  and even the most “responsible” child might not be able to assess a dangerous situation in this new setting. So is also important to make your kids aware of it and let them know how they can help you.

Seating: You should do, what you do at home as well and respect the basic rules of driving with children. Remember that no kid under 12 years old should be in the front seat. The back seat is always the best and safer option for them at any age anyways. For the youngest kids make sure to have a car seat, or a booster seat. Every states has different age or weight rules regarding car seats, so make sure to check before you plan your trip. You can travel with your own car seat, or you might be able to rent one. Fox Rent A Car offers the option to rent a car seat with your car rental for a fix daily fee. This might be the best option, especially when you are flying to your destination.

Driving Rules: Especially when you spend your vacation in another country, you might have to concentrate on the road more than usual. The typical multitasking that you do in your home country should be a big no no! Driving rules are different and also the way people drive. Let your kids know that they need to be a little more patient. The most important things they must remember are: keep your seat belt fasten, stay calm and not scream to not distract the driver, and keep your arms in the car.  You can give these “rules” a new twist and make it a game. If they follow and respect the rules, they will get a price or  a special treat!

Traveling with Kids Tip 2: What should you bring?

It is important to plan ahead. Makeing a list of what to bring is always helpful. It helps you remember to bring their favorite doll or teddy bear. Especially in different environments, your kids want to have something familiar with them. This will give them safety and also can keep them busy for a while. This brings me to my next point: One of the most important things is to find a way to keep your kids occupied along the trip, especially if you are driving for a long time. For the youngest kids bring coloring books, puzzle books, and writing material so that they can focus on something else than the road. You can also plan to bring travel board games. A great new invention are the portable DVD players! It assures you some quiet and relaxing driving time. You can bring Baby Einstein for the youngest or movies for your older kids. Remember to get enough batteries though! Fox Rent A Car has DVD players available for rent, ask about it when reserving your car. CD and MP3 players are also always a good thing to have. The endless fights over what everyone should listen to can be easily avoided with CD or MP3 players and some headphones. If your kids don’t have one yet, you should consider this for their birthday list.  When none of those work anymore it is time to be creative and play with them: play “I spy something …”, or make them guess car makes, or state plates…
You also need to plan what, where, and when you will  have snacks and meals. Make sure to pack their favorite drinks and snacks. Between games, or when they start getting antsy, a snack break is always welcome. Make sure you pack enough water, especially if you drive during the summer. It is important to keep them hydrated and remind them to drink. And drinks, and food in the car, this can also mean to pack some extra clothes. Liquids are easily spilled and you want to make sure your kids are not freezing or sweating.

Traveling with Kids Tip 3: Frequent Stops

When traveling with kids: drinks equals bathrooms stops. Don’t forget to plan an itinerary that allows frequent stops. You can’t really tell a kid to hold it, when they have to go, they have to go! So make sure you plan stops along the way and make them go, every time you stop. Also, it is good for them to run around a little after sitting for a while. So if you plan to stop for food, try to plan a picnic instead of going inside and sit at a table. They will enjoy the fresh air, and will be less reluctant to get back in the car for more driving! And its not just cheaper and healthier, but you can bring your own food and satisfy even the pickiest eater. When driving, be flexible. You know that when you have kids, all the planing often does not do any good. And what does not work at home usually does not work on vacation either. Be prepared for off-schedule activities. If you see something interesting or if they ask to stop at to have a closer look at a sight they saw advertised on a billboard, why not make the stop? Unless you have a very tight schedule, the best about traveling with kids is to enjoy family time… so why wouldn’t they get a say in what to do once in a while!

Traveling with Kids Tip 4: Cultural differences

Another important thing to remember is the cultural differences you might encounter while traveling with kids. Make sure to read about what  the norms are and the things you should avoid at your destination. If you are traveling in the USA for example, remember to always make your kids wear their clothes when in public. Or if you plan a day at the beach on your way, make sure to have their bathing suits and shorts ready (even for babies and toddlers).

We hope these Traveling with Kids Tips were helpful and Fox Rent A Car wishes you a great vacation with your children!

Driving Rules in the US

Stop signs are international… but before you get behind the wheel in the land of big cars and large roads, you should know all about driving rules in the US? Even though some traffic rules are the same as in other countries, here is a list of must-know rules you should be aware of before getting behind a wheel in the US.

Turning on a red light
In the United States, people are always in a hurry, so instead of wasting people’s time they got the great idea to not let people wait at the light when they don’t need to! So here is what you need to know: If you are turning right at a stop light, you can actually turn even tough the light is red. The red light in that case is like a stop sign. But be careful, you must make sure no one is coming from your left side nor in front of you turning left (for them), and of course don’t forget people crossing – they have the right of way!! Also you need to make sure it no sign forbids you to turn on red. The same is true for turning left from a one-way street into a one-way street.

Stop Signs in the US
If you come from Europe you are used to traffic circles…. well, they are not very common here in the US! So what are the traffic rules, when 3 or 4 roads cross? It is really simple. The first car that arrives goes first! You will ask then, ok what if we arrive at the same time? Then the car to your right has priority. You will be impressed how well educated American drivers are! But when you approach an intersection, remember to look for cars coming from the left as well!

Passing  on the Left Lane on the Freeway
Unfortunately for foreigners, not every state has the same rules when it comes to passing other cars on the freeway. Certain states allow you to pass cars on either side – left or right- to your convenience ( such as California). Other forbid passing on the right. As to the left lane, certain states do not allow slower traffic on the let lane and reserve it for passing. The  State “Keep Right” Laws link gives you a full description of which state allows what.

Emergency Vehicles
If you hear sirens and see light flashing, do you know what you should do? The traffic rule in the US is to yield to the right and let them pass, where ever you are. Traffic must stop to let them pass. Just stay out of their way. Every one will get back on the road and keep going once they are passed.

Phones
When you are stuck in traffic or on your way somewhere, it often seems the best time to make a call. Well not really. Most states have banned cell phone use in the car, unless a hands free system is used. But of course here again, they are not making it easy for you drivers, and kept it a federal law, so not all states have the same rules. Cell Phone Driving Laws gives you in detail per state the rules and regulation concerning this topic. Oh! By the way, this include text messaging as well!

School Buses

You probably know the famous yellow school buses from American movies. These school buses have special rights on the streets to ensure the safety of the children on board. When a school bus stops, it will flash red lights and extend a small stop sign! This means, you have to stop behind the bus and cannot pass. The same is true for oncoming traffic, unless the road is divided.

Okay, now you are all set to hit the road with your rental car in the US. Open you eyes for red lights non turning sign, don’t be in a hurry at the stop sign, and keep you ears open for sirens. And if you can wait for that so important phone calls remember someone might be passing that same car you’re passing from the right!
Have a safe drive.

PS: Certain countries offer you the possibility to get an international driver license. It might help you rent a car more easily and help you with insurance. Check with your town hall or Department of Motor Vehicles.

10 Tips to Save Gas

When I first got to California I could fill up my tank with $11. Today, this obvious history! I bet you are just like me wondering what to do to save money while improving you gas mileage. So what can you do? Follow these 10 tips to safe gas will help you get a better gas mileage while saving money.

Check your tires
Check your inflation! More than providing you safety, a well inflated tire can help you improve your gas mileage and reduce your overall miles per gallon consumption. It will gives your tires better grip since more of the tire surface will touch the road. Moreover , the right  pressure will make your tires to last longer and ensures a safe trip – even on slippery roads.

Regular maintenance
A car is a machine, it needs to be taken care of, maybe even more than a regular machine since most of us use it every day.You can maintain your car while saving money on gas and stay within a low budget. Oil changes are available for low costs. To increase your gas mileage it is important to keep track of your oil change; a good benchmark is to change your oil every 3000 miles. Also, check the air filter of your car. This is something you can easily do yourself and it will improve  the functioning of your car and also decrease your gas consumption.

A little breeze doesn’t hurt
Roll down your windows when the heat is tolerable. Save the Air Conditioning for the hottest days. But be aware, AC will actually be more fuel efficient while driving over 55pmh, since the windows at higher speed create a drag that decrease your gas mileage.

Save you breaks
Don’t drive faster than you need…. To stay out of the technical terms, just know that breaking can burn as much gas as accelerating. Plus getting back to your previous speed will  consume even more fuel. Respect the speed limit, keep the security distance to the car in front of you. It will allow you to anticipate better, break less and stop burning your gas with the constant the break/acceleration game.

Get gas on Wednesday
You should avoid filling up your tank during the weekend. It is true that gas prices usually go up then. Wednesday is recognized as the best price day!  Also, remember to fill up your tank no later than 3 days before holidays… prices always increase then as well. One more note on “good timing” to fill up your tank: Get gas in the mornings or evenings. It’s cooler and reduces evaporation and fumes.

Get off the freeway
Today the GPS gives you a great opportunity to find alternative roads, or even short cuts that can help you get from point A to point B without entering the freeway. Getting stuck in traffic is actually the biggest waste of gas, as you are burning your fuel without moving forward. Don’t be afraid to take small roads and highways that can save you gas. Getting of the freeway is also the more scenic option to get to your destination. See beautiful landscapes, little towns and drive on winding roads rather than spending your day in a huge traffic jam!

Think healthy
Instead of driving 2 minutes to the store, looking for parking, locking your car it might be faster and of course much healthier to just leave the car at home to run your errands. Walk or use your bike to get to places nearby. Leave you car at home sometimes and stay in your neighborhood. On parking lots get used to walking and stop moving your car from store to store… park in the middle! And if you feel like helping the environment as well, (which is good for your health too) take advantage of public transport once in a while! Especially in cities, it can often be the cheaper alternative as you also safe the money for parking!

Use the best gas grade for your car
Follow the instruction in your car manual to select the suggested gas grade for your car. The most expensive option doesn’t always mean it is the most fuel efficient choice for your car model. You can save a few cents here and there as well when you chose the right gas grade for your car.

Your trunk is not a storage space
The heavier the car is the more fuel it burns. You will have a better gas mileage if you keep your car as a transport tool and not as an extra storage space. So only leave the stuff in your car that you really need and put those beach chairs, extra clothes and water bottles at home unless you use them.

Park in the shade
The sun heats up your car and creates evaporation of  liquids – your gas as well! Find a spot in the shade, even if that means walking a bit more. Diminish the fume evaporation and help preserve the environment! And, come on! who really likes to enter a steaming hot car after being parked an hour in the sun? Shade will keep your car a bit cooler; you might not even need to turn on the AC…

Saving gas does not only mean saving money, but also the environment. Fox Rent A Car supports Green Driving and saving the environment. Fox offers a special 5 % off on all Hybrid car rentals. If you have more advice on how to save gas, let us know and we will add it to our list!