Advantage Rent-A-Car Shares Expertise for a Safe and Smart Ski Season
25 February 2000
Advantage Rent-A-Car Shares Expertise for a Safe and Smart Ski Season
SAN ANTONIO--Feb. 24, 2000--As travelers gear up to hit their favorite ski slopes this spring, it's best to remember that despite sunny days and spring-like conditions, hazardous weather is never far away.To ensure spring break travelers have a safe and hassle free vacation, especially when renting a car, Advantage Rent-A-Car offers the following suggestions:
1) Don't Undersize Your Vehicle. Keep in mind that extra space will be needed for ski equipment and bulky clothes. You may need the extra power to climb an icy road or drive out of a snowdrift. NOTE: Consider renting a specialty vehicle such as an SUV or mini-van. These vehicles are in high demand this time of year so make reservations early. Due to serving so many ski resort destinations in the western U.S., Advantage has one of the largest fleets of specialty vehicles available. 2) Check on the Ski Rack Policy. Does the company you are renting from offer ski racks? Make sure you ask what their policy is regarding possible damage to the vehicle caused by the ski rack. 3) Get an Early Start. Driving through the mountains can take longer than planned even in good weather. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination. You never know when whether conditions might deteriorate, causing slow downs or accidents. 4) Familiarize Yourself with Snow Chain Requirements. These vary from state to state. Some states do not require chains if your vehicle has four-wheel drive. Depending on your destination, this information may influence the type of vehicle you choose to rent. See the numbers and Internet addresses below for accessing this information, state by state. NOTE: If chains are required... -- Ask your rental car company where you can get them. -- Find out whether your vehicle has front or rear wheel drive (the chains must be installed on DRIVE wheels). -- Carry bright colored clothing and boots in case you have to pull off the road to put chains on your vehicle. -- Take care not to lock yourself out of the car when installing chains. 5) Access State Department of Transportation Web sites. These Web sites provide emergency road condition hotline numbers, detailed weather information and possible road closures. Use this information as you plan your driving route in advance. This could make a big difference in how much time you spend swishing down the slopes vs. sitting in winter storm traffic. Web Address: www.bts.gov/state/ -- Click on "Other State & Local Links" to access Web addresses for departments of transportation in every state.
Established more than 35 years ago in San Antonio, independently owned and operated Advantage Rent-A-Car has more than 125 locations throughout the Western United States and Mexico. The company's growth continues with the opening of 23 new locations in the western United States since January, 1999 including California and Oklahoma.