If you’re traveling to Southern California the weekend of July 15th and July 18th, please be aware that the 405 will be closed in the West LA area.

This will have a massive impact on any and all traffic in the surrounding areas. The 405 is a major freeway running north & south from Orange County and Long Beach, up through LAX Airport and West LA to the San Fernando Valley.

The 405 is one of the most congested highways in Southern California, so this closure will have a significant impact in and around the Los Angeles area.

According to the LA Times:

The 405 will be closed for 53 hours beginning the evening of July 15 and ending early the morning of July 18 — mostly for demolition work on the Mulholland Drive Bridge.

The northbound 405 will be closed for 10 miles between the 10 and 101 freeways, and the southbound 405 will be closed for four miles between the 101 Freeway and the Getty Center Drive exit. The work is part of a larger $1-billion freeway improvement project that includes constructing a 10-mile northbound carpool lane to complete what officials say is a network between Orange County and the San Fernando Valley.

The closure in July will allow crews to demolish the south side of Mulholland Bridge and then spend about 11 months doing bridge reconstruction on the south side. After that, crews will demolish the north side of the bridge, which will require another extended freeway closure.

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.

Each year in the late summer months, young students, parents, and drivers get ready for the Back to School time. Only a few days are left until summer holidays are over and many of us are heading back to work and school. This means, that more traffic will be on the streets during rush hour and the start and end of the school days. Fox Rent A Car has a special request to all drivers – please drive very carefully to keep our children and their parents safe.

For some of the kids it will be the first days and weeks at school and they are not yet familiar with the surrounding, their walk ways, the spots to get dropped off and picked up at. Same is valid for the parents and drivers of our little ones, and so traffic during Back to School time is nothing uncommon. Plan ahead and either change your route to avoid school areas, or leave early to be prepared for a drive that takes a little longer than usual.

There are a few simple tricks of how you can get to work on time and relaxed while being very careful on the road. Most of them are obvious and ask for behavior on the road that is expected from every driver. The most important tip: pay attention. Of course, it is rather hard to stay calm and concentrated when numerous care with parents and children are all heading into the same direction you need to go to – especially since this route may have been rather calm for the past weeks. Especially in school zones you must pay attention to your driving and surrounding so keep your eyes on the road, stay relaxed, and be concentrated.

In many states it’s already illegal to text or call with your cell phone while driving, but often people still do it. If you are close to a school or children are present, put the phone away and only touch it after you have parked your car. Also, always follow the speed limits and slow down when you are in a school zone! You do not want to be speeding when a child runs onto the street and neither of you can’t stop on time. Follow the signs and watch out for AAA School Safety Patrollers – if you see them, you are close to a school. Watch out for stop signs, you really need to stop rather than passing the crossing slowly. Come to a complete halt, there could always be a child who wants to cross the street!

The last piece of advice that Fox Rent A Car can give you is to stop when there is a loading or unloading school bus. It is impossible to overlook them, so follow the law and only drive when it’s legal and safe.

Fox Rent A Car wishes all families, students and drivers a great and safe Back to School time! You will see, routines will quickly establish and you will be a much safer driver by following these advices. Our schools, families, bus drivers and other commuters like you thank you for you help.

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.

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.

Traveling with teenagers is not easy and can end up in a huge disaster and a ruined vacation. But there are some ways parents can avoid dramas and fights, and keep their teenager kids happy on vacation. Fox Rent A Car give you the best tips for traveling with teenagers.

Traveling with Teenagers: Involve them in your planning

Teenagers may still be young, but they are eager to take on controlled responsibility. Let them have a word in choosing a place to go to, and ask for input about activities they think would be great for the whole family. In the end, your teenager will feel responsible for the success of the vacation. Another tip: let them pack their own bag with a list you wrote together, this is much less commanding and allows good and neutral communication and advice.

Traveling with Teenagers: Choose a good hotel location

Even if it may cost you a little more, find a hotel that offers activities for teenagers or has such places close by. You don’t want to have your child or grandchild being bored, they want to enjoy their vacation just as much as you do!

Traveling with Teenagers: Be more flexible

Yes, children and teenagers need rules and routines, but don’t forget that it is a vacation you are taking them to, and not a training camp. Bend the rules a little. How about your child can do something on his or her own while you visit some sights? Look over comments and inconvenient behavior to avoid arguments and trouble during the trip. If a fight comes up, then try to forget about it quickly or save your lectures for home. However, communicate in the beginning what you expect and what is a clear NO GO.

Traveling with Teenagers: Grand privacy

Nothing is worse for a teenager than not having privacy, space and “me-time”. Make sure your child or grandchild has an own room to space out, chill, calm down, or call friends.

Traveling with Teenagers: Set a budget

Give him or her a certain budget that they can spend during vacation. If they have some cash left, they can keep it. That way he or she learns much better how to be responsible with “own” cash and will not spend it all at once for chips and soda, or stuff they don’t need.

Traveling with Teenagers: Let them sleep

Being on vacation does not only mean rushing from one attraction to the next, seeing a whole book of sights or troubling yourself through endless souvenir shops. Many teenagers just want to use their time off and sleep in. Let them enjoy this moment and allow  them to sleep. You are better off souvenir shopping alone than with a grumpy teenager anyways.

You see, there are some good ways to keep the peace when traveling with a teenager that will allow you to get the vacation too that you are giving to your family. Relax, enjoy and create memories for you and your teenager – don’t forget that good times will strengthen your family bond! Fox Rent A Car wishes you and your family a good and enjoyable 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.

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.

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.

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!