How a Pothole Forms

Potholes form when moisture seeps below the surface of the roads. If you’re in an area that experiences freezing, the moisture will freeze and expands. If it heats up, it will contract. The pressure of the expanding and contracting stresses the road and can cause the pavement to crack.

As the weight of cars continuously drive over these areas, small pieces of blacktop will start to chip away from the road. The more vehicles on the road, the more chipping occurs and then suddenly a pothole has formed. In addition, the type of car has an impact. For example, a rental truck will have more of a deterioration effect than a compact rental car.

This process actually takes a while, although it may appear to happen overnight for some.

During the winter, road crews can only fix the symptoms of the pothole (namely, the giant hole in the road), and not the problem itself, since the road is still experiencing a freezing/thawing effect. They temporarily fill holes until the weather warms up and road crews can repair the damage. Keep this in mind when you are considering winter Atlanta car rental rates.

How Potholes Damage Your Car

A one-second jarring experience can have lasting repercussions. These are the effects of a pothole on your rental car:

• Potholes prematurely damage the suspensions and steering components of a car.
• Your shocks and struts take the brunt of the damage. They compress and expand using hydraulic oil to alleviate the effects of driving on uneven surfaces. A large pothole can cause the shock or strut to bottom out within itself; in other words, shock or strut won’t do what it’s intended.
• Potholes are a leading contributor to vehicles needing alignment fixing, since the steering and suspension components are compromised.
• Depending on how deep the whole is, your tires and rims can also sustain damage. This is especially true if the tires are under- or over-inflated. Your rims can also crack from severe pothole strikes.

By keeping your car safe, you can keep your Atlanta car rental rates low. Always keep your eyes peeled and try to avoid any potholes on the road if you can.

Check Your Potholes Before Heading Out

It is important to know that potholes are a moveable feast. A road will be terrible for a while, then road crews will repair the damage, and then a different road will get torn up. As such, to help your Atlanta car rental rates, you should always keep checking for new potholes before you hit the road. Here are some of the worst potholes currently in Atlanta:

• The bridge at Moores Mill Road where it crosses over Peachtree Creek. This was due to a ruptured water main. While waiting for a part to come in, construction stalled and the gravel that crews put down kept coming out.
• Pleasant Hill Road – a pothole and a dip in the road.
• Brookhaven MARTA – potholes outside the parking lot.
• The drivers in Forest Park have had a huge trench in the road at highway 54 and Main Street. An old water line was causing the problem.

To find out more about our Atlanta car rental rates, reserve your rental car today!

How Credit Card Rental Insurance Works

Credit card rental insurance is a feature on your credit card which covers damage caused to a rental car by collision and/or theft. The purpose of this insurance it so pick up where your primary insurer’s coverage leaves off – this includes paying your deductible.

If you don’t have insurance, then your credit card will act as your primary insurer for your Columbus car hire. Take note though: terms will vary by company, so read the fine print.

How to Get Credit Card Insurance for Your Columbus Car Hire

In order for the insurance to commence, you must do the following:

• You will need to initiate and pay for the car rental with the credit card you want to insure you.
• When we prompt you to purchase Triangle Rent a Car insurance, you must deny the coverage.
• You must be the primary renter of the car.

Unless a loss occurs, there is no need to notify your credit card company.

If there is an accident, you will need to provide your credit card company with written notice of a claim. In order to receive the benefits, you will need to submit your claim as soon as possible.

Beware the Fine Print before Declining Columbus Car Hire Insurance

As with anything that sounds too good to be true, there are some catches:

• Do You Have the Right Type of Card? Coverage provisions are going to differ based on the credit card company (American Express versus MasterCard for example), as well as the credit card plans offered by the company (Gold, Platinum, etc.) and whether your card is for personal or business purposes. Check to see if your current card covers rental insurance before you decline Triangle Rent a Car insurance.
• What Kind of Car Are You Renting? Sometimes there are restrictions in terms of which types of vehicles are being rented. Sometimes vehicles that sell for more than a certain dollar value (such as a luxury car rental) or a specialty vehicle (take our truck rentals, for example) will not be insured.
• Who is Driving the Car? If you are not the primary renter of the car, then the credit card company will not cover you. In addition, if you were not driving your vehicle at the time of the loss, then the credit card company may or may not cover the damages. This will depend on the credit card company.
• Where Are You Headed? Some credit card rental insurance policies will only apply to rentals within certain countries. Others may void your coverage if any damage or losses occurred while the car was outside of the driving range specified in your rental agreement.
• How Long are You Renting? Different credit card companies will have different time limits for their coverage. Check to see if your card will cover you for the time requested beforehand.

Driving without insurance is against the law. Before you decline our insurance offer, please make sure you are adequately covered. And feel free to visit our website and contact us if you have any questions about your Columbus car hire.

1) Affordability: When deciding whether to take your own vehicle or a Georgia car rental, you will need to consider staying within your budget. Fuel efficiency can either make a big dent in your budget or leave you with enough money left over for souvenirs. If you own a big, gas-guzzling SUV, then why not consider a smaller, more compact Georgia car rental that will make filling up less painful. Don’t forget to check out our rental discounts that will help ease your mind and your pocketbook.

2) A Georgia Car Rental is More Convenient: when you rent a car in Georgia, your schedule is entirely in your hands. When you come and go does not have to be dictated by rush hour at public transit or prime times to get a cab. Instead, you can go wherever you desire, whenever you desire. In addition, if you choose not to rely on public transit, you can get to those areas that are “off the beaten path.” Since you will have a rental car to help carry items with you, you can also enjoy recreational and sports activities.

3) A Car is More Comfortable: there’s no denying that the city bus allows for great site-seeing. If you don’t have to pay attention to your driving, then you are free to immerse yourself in the local culture. However, the seats are hard. There’s nowhere to put your drink. It’s easy to get motion sick on a bus. And you have no control over who sits beside you (or what they smell like). By choosing a Georgia car rental, you can relax and fully enjoy your vacation in comfort. In addition, you have a choice of vehicles to choose from. Whether you opt for a car rental or an SUV rental, you can select the car that will be comfortable for you and your family.

4) Dependability: if your brakes could use some work or your tires need replacement or you are in need of an oil change and you just can’t fit it in, you may want to opt for a Georgia car rental to ensure peace of mind. Triangle Rent a Car is a trusted South Carolina company and won’t rent out vehicles that are not in tip-top shape. When you rent a car with us, you will have the confidence that your vehicle won’t break down on the road!

5) More Fun: why not live life adventurously? What if you always wanted to rent a convertible, but never had the reason to – until now? Or maybe you’ve dreamed of a big family vacation, but would need a passenger van rental to fit everyone in? Well now you can make that vacation a reality! In addition, a car rental lets you feel what it would be like to drive a whole different car without the risk of buying it. So if you’re contemplating making a big switch, consider your vacation a prolonged test drive. Vacations are a great time to indulge – so let loose and have fun!

If you need any more reasons on why you should go with a Georgia car rental, contact Triangle Rent a Car today!

Where Are You Going?

Moving across town and moving across the state or country are two different things. Moving across town is easy enough to accommodate, however you will need to check your South Carolina rental car company’s policies before you rent a truck to move across the state or country. Always be sure to ask this question up front, lest you find yourself saddled with an extra fee for having to transport the truck back to the owner.

You can view our South Carolina rental car policies on our website.

What Size Do You Need?

You may need to move one bulky piece of furniture, or an apartment, or a full house. Your needs will determine what size South Carolina rental car you need. For your moving convenience, we have:

• Several pickup trucks for small loads
• A cargo van
• A 4×6 trailer
• A 16 foot box truck

For more information about our rental trucks, visit our Fleet Guide.

When Do You Need Your South Carolina Rental Car?

Depending on the timing of your move, you may need to book a truck well in advance. People tend to move house around the end of May until the end of September. If you are moving one (or several) of your kids into or out of university, then you can push the peak times back to the end of April.

In a nutshell, if you are planning on moving during the summer months, you will need to book your vehicle well in advance. If you want to make a car rental reservation, you can do so online.

Do You Need Insurance?

Rental agencies will offer additional insurance on your vehicle. While some people tend to shrug it off, claiming they’re already insured, it may be wise to think twice in this case. You will not only have a much larger vehicle to maneuver, but that vehicle will be carrying all of your worldly possessions. Some of which may be irreplaceable or very costly to replace. Make sure that you have the coverage you need in this situation before declining additional insurance.

Be sure to check with your insurance company and your credit card companies to see if you are covered for larger vehicles like moving vans or moving trucks. Things to consider are:

• If you are towing your vehicle, using our 4×6 trailer, does the coverage extend to any damage to your car?
• Will the coverage protect you for collision?
• What is the deductible?
• Are you covered in other states?
• Does the coverage include property damage if your belongings are affected in an accident?
• Will it cover theft?

Before you purchase any insurance (or stick with what you’ve got), ensure that you have a satisfactory answer for each question from your credit card company, insurance company, and rental agent.

Fuel and Mileage

Mileage charges tend to be included in the vehicle rental, although you can never check the fine print too closely. If you are going a long distance, the additional cost per mile may seem small, but it can quickly add up.

When you pick up your truck, the gas tank should be full. Keep in mind that it must be returned with a full tank. If you fail to do so, you may get charged a higher-than-average price for a fill-up.

Another thing to consider is the vehicle’s gas consumption and work that into your moving budget.

For more information about renting a South Carolina rental car, feel free to contact us.

If you put the top down on your South Carolina car rental, the dangerous blind spot created by the c-pillar (the column that supports the roof at the back of a car) disappears. Suddenly you have the 360 degree visibility that every driver craves.

2) Multitask in Your South Carolina Car Rental

As our world grows increasingly fast-paced, adding an additional task to your day without any increased effort seems almost too good to be true. But did you know that you can effortlessly accomplish two things at once in your convertible? It’s not texting…

If you indulge in some topless driving (we mean with the roof down, please leave your shirt on), then you can get a sun tan while you commute. What could be better than that?

3) Wear Your Heart on Your Car

Even if the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and everyone seems so friendly, doesn’t mean that you too are feeling the love. However, just because your South Carolina car rental is a convertible doesn’t mean you have to put the top down every time you switch the engine on. If your mood is foul, then just let the roof of the car hide it. Once you cheer up, you can put the top down and greet the world.

4) More Headroom

For those vertically gifted individuals out there, convertibles actually have more headroom. In fact, the headroom is unlimited. You no longer have to worry about contorting yourself like a level 7 Yogi just to fit in your car or risking a concussion every time you go over a speed bump. Just put the top down and sit tall.

5) Options, Options, Options

Haven’t you ever wanted to leap through the window into the driver’s seat? Well if you rent a convertible, you can actually do this without injuring yourself, getting stuck, or looking like a fool.

6) Never Lose Your Keys Again!

We’ve all had to make an embarrassing phone call to deliver a spare set of keys or ask an innocent shop owner to vandalize our vehicle in the name of getting the key out. However, if your South Carolina car rental is a convertible, just leave your top down and you can reach in and grab them.

7) Get Your Kids Into Science

Take your children for a drive in your South Carolina car rental at night. Encourage them to look up at the stars in the sky. If you can, point out Mars or Venus or constellations you can recognize. This could be the start of their career in NASA!

Put Some Spice Back Into Your Relationship

How many times have you seen an unhappy couple driving a convertible? Does such a thing even exist? If we’re being practical, it’s hard to argue in a convertible. The wind noise makes it hard to hear one another; the top down has the potential to make your private argument a public one. There will be nothing but smooth sailing for you and your significant other in your South Carolina car rental.

9) They’re FUN!

The fun of a convertible has little to do with the speed or the way you handle it (although that will increase the fun). It’s the appeal of being in touch with the elements while still being in your South Carolina car rental. The wind is in your hair. You can smell nature instead of the air conditioning (okay, depending on what’s in nature, this could be a bad thing…). Enjoying a beautiful day can be amplified by a quick drive in your convertible.

10) Women Like Them

If you’re a woman, you know a convertible catches your eye. If you’re a man, you’ll know that driving a convertible helps women notice you. Our non-qualified industry experts will back this up.

If this isn’t enough ammunition to go rent a convertible, what is? Reserve your South Carolina car rental today!

What Makes Airbags Explode?

In your car, there are sensors that connect to the airbags to pick up on sudden deceleration of your Columbus car rental. When the sensor detects this, it starts a chemical reaction that produces nitrogen gas. This nitrogen gas inflates the airbag.

This may seem like a long process out of a mad scientist movie, but trust us – this happens in one-twentieth of a second.

Keep in mind that the deceleration has to be very sudden. Your airbags will not deploy if you slam on the brakes to avoid an accident. A minimum threshold must be met in order for the sensor to start the chemical reaction. In some low-speed crashes, the airbag may not deploy, as the seatbelt will be enough. However, in high speeds the seat belt is not enough and that’s where the airbag comes in.

As a side note, the intention of airbags is to protect you in head-on collisions. The airbags deploying from the steering wheel or dashboard will not deploy in rear or side collisions.

When Airbags Crash Back…

Since they are intended to keep you from hitting your head in a collision, it stands to reason that airbags will deploy very fast and with a lot of force. While the results have good intentions, things can go badly. Typically injuries are minor, such as a bruise, but sometimes they extend to broken bones or even fatalities. Here are some of the ways the airbag in your Columbus car rental can injure you and how to fix them:

Problem: Sitting too close to the steering wheel

Solution: Sit as far away from the steering wheel as you can, while still being able to reach the pedal, see over the dashboard, and maneuver the steering wheel.

Problem: Having a child under 12 sit in the front seat

Solution: Have infants or children under the age of 12 sit in the back seat.

Problem: Standing or sitting near the dashboard

Solution: Like the driver, keep passengers as far away from the dashboard as comfortable

Problem: A rearward-facing infant restraint system in the front seat

Solution: Keep all infant restraint systems in the back seat.

Problem: Sitting with your legs or head on the dashboard

Solution: If you value the use of your legs or your life, do not ever do this.

What If Your Columbus Car Rental is a Van?

If you’re in a head-on collision – even at high speeds – there is still several feet of metal and a pane of glass that will nicely absorb the impact of the crash before it gets to you. This is not the case if you’re in a side-impact and as such, side-impacts can be considered one of the most dangerous types of collisions.

Luckily, most Columbus van rentals are equipped with side airbags.

In a side collision, sometimes your head can smack the window after the collision, which is the cause of much of the danger. However, if you have side airbags, they not only protect your head, but they tend to stay inflated longer than a front airbag. If your car rolls over after the impact, you will be grateful.

That said, just like front airbags can be a danger to children, side airbags can pose similar risks. This is due to the fact that a child doesn’t have the size of a body that the airbag is designed to protect. Due to their smallness, an airbag is more likely to hit a child in their neck or head. Just like with front airbags, never allow infants or children under the age of 12 to ride in the front seat.

Keep you and your passengers safe during your trip. Contact Triangle Rent a Car if you have any questions about the safety of your Columbus car rental!

Some pets live for sticking their head out of the window on a road trip and soaking up all of the scents the world has to offer. However, it’s not safe. Your pet can be injured by flying debris.

If you have rented one of our pickup trucks, your pet should NEVER travel in the back – it’s way too dangerous.

2) Make Time for Pet Pit Stops

Like humans, pets have bladders and bowels that need emptying – sometimes more frequently than ours. As such, it’s wiser to provide frequent bathroom and exercise breaks to pre-empt your pet doing his or her business all over our Columbus car rentals.

It is worth noting that you may be assessed a fee if any of our Columbus car rentals suffer damage due to your pet, including pet stains. For more about our car rental policies, visit our website.

3) Keep Your Pet Hydrated

On these pit stops, provide your pet with some fresh water. Travelling can sometimes upset your pet’s stomach. So take along ice cubes, which are easier to pack than large amounts of water, and keep your pet hydrated.

4) Keep an Eye on the Food Intake

While you want to keep the pet hydrated, try to keep the food to a minimum during travel. Feed them with regular pet food and not any of your food. No good can come of it, especially on a long car ride.

5) Don’t Leave Your Pet Alone

Never leave your pet unattended in one of our Columbus car rentals. On warm days, the temperature in your vehicle can rise up to 120 degrees in minutes – even with the windows slightly open. Also, an animal left alone in a vehicle is an open invitation to pet thieves.

6) Keep Your Pet Properly Restrained

Your pet is an important part of your family. Would you let a family member ride without a seatbelt? Likewise, you should not let your pet run amok in our Columbus car rentals – if only for their own safety. Some options you have for restraint are:

• A pet safety harness – this works like a seatbelt. While most pets are fine with a harness, you may want to let him or her wear the harness a few times before using in a vehicle.
• A travel kennel – ensure this is well ventilated and stabilized for the duration of the journey.
• A vehicle pet barrier – this is best suited for larger pets and SUVs.
• A pet car seat – these work better for smaller pets. The car seat is secured in the back seat using a seat belt and the pet is secured to the seat with a safety harness. In addition, a pet car seat will prop up the pet, allowing him or her to look out the window with ease.

These will not only protect your pet from injury, but they’ll prevent your pet from distracting you as you drive. Regardless of the method you choose, back seat travel is always the safest option for your pet

7) Make Comfort a Priority

However you choose to restrain your pet during the car ride, take the time to make sure they are comfortable. Just like it’s important that your seat is comfortable for a road trip, your pet should not be in pain either. A favourite blanket or travel bed will help soothe the pet. There are also a variety of safe and cozy pet car seats that could be quite comfy.

When travelling in Columbus, bring along the entire family – even the furry members! Visit our website to reserve one of our Columbus car rentals today!

Look For Bikes

Obviously the first step in sharing the road with cyclists is to know that they’re there in the first place. Check for bikes while backing up. While passing another car in your Columbus car rental, check for a bike on the other side of the car. Bikes have rights on the road too, so keep an eye out.

Yield to Cyclists on Sidewalks

If someone is biking on a sidewalk, exercise caution. Before pulling out of an ally, driveway, or parking lot, if you see an on-coming cyclist, be sure to yield.

This is especially true if it happens to be a kid on a bicycle, who is learning how to ride a bike. Kids are unpredictable at the best of times, so it’s best not to gamble with them while driving your Columbus car rental. Children are prone to swerving out into traffic, attempting to pop a wheelie or any other random thing that you can imagine. Be prepared to stop!

Respect Cyclists in the Middle of the Lane

Yes, it is aggravating when a cyclist is in the middle of a lane – especially when it happens to be the lane that you’re driving in. Aren’t they supposed to stay to the side, anyway? They are, but there may be hazards on that part of the road, such as:

• Broken glass
• Construction barricades
• Parked cars
• Piles of dirt or leaves

You wouldn’t have to worry about any of the above in your Columbus car rental, but these are real road barriers to cyclists.

If you see a cyclist in the middle of the road, don’t follow them too closely and keep an eye out for any hazards on the side of the road. If a cyclist needs to get into the lane to avoid these dangers or to make a left-hand turn, let them do so.

Pass Safely in Your Columbus Car Rental

When passing a bike on the road, a good rule of thumb is to keep at least three feet in between your car and the cyclist. If you are on a high speeds road, slow down and give them more room when you pass.

Drivers may not take this into consideration, but the wind draft from their car can suck the bike towards them.

A bike needs even more room going uphill. Cyclists have to pump harder to get up a hill, and thus the bike may rock back-and-forth a little. In this case, give more than three feet.

Use Caution at Stop Signs

While the average driver typically looks for other cars at a stop sign, bikes may be lurking as well. Bikes are also smaller and typically harder to spot. Before proceeding, scan the area for cars and bikes. Be careful – cyclists are sometimes travelling faster than you think.

Ensuring the safety of others on the road also ensures your safety. Ensuring the safety of our customers is our top priority. Contact Triangle Rent a Car if you have any questions about our rental cars!

What Sort of Car Do You Like? How Many People Are Travelling?

Often, consumers choose to sort their options based on the types of Virginia car rentals desired or offered. At Triangle Rent a Car, we sort our fleet by type of vehicle, such as:

• Compact
• Mid-size
• Full-size
• Premium
• Luxury Sport
• Luxury Sedan
• 7 Passenger SUV
• Large SUV
• Luxury SUV
• 7 Passenger Minivan
• 12 Passenger Van
• 15 Passenger Van
• 4×4 Truck
• Cargo Van
• Box Truck
• Trailer
• …and more!

If you are just travelling for the weekend on your own, then a compact car will meet your needs just fine.

If you are loading your entire family into a car for a week-long getaway, then perhaps an SUV or a minivan will suit you better. In addition, taller people often feel less cramped in larger vehicles, such as SUVs.

If you are bringing furniture or big items along, a truck or a cargo van would work well.

Once you have figured out your needs, it is time to make your reservation. Visit our website today to reserve one of our Virginia car rentals.

Getting Our Virginia Car Rentals at a Low Cost

As with anything in life, the goal is to get the best possible quality for the lowest possible price. While consumers are always thinking about the rental cost, they don’t stop to consider that other annoying cost: fuel. Before you take off alone in an SUV, stop and think about how much money you’ll rack up in gas. One tip to save money on renting a car is: to save fuel, always rent the smallest car to suit your needs in order to save fuel. (However, don’t rent a compact car if you need a vehicle that will hold 7 passengers.)

Another savings tip is to watch for our online deals. If you know you will be travelling and in need of one of our Virginia car rentals, then keep an eye out for our discounts and save some money on your car reservation.

Don’t be afraid to ask for or negotiate free upgrades. The answer may not be ‘yes’ but it will always be a ‘no’ if you never ask! Things such as free GPS, free upgrades, or a free rental day are not uncommon requests. By asking a simple question, there is a possibility that you could get much more bang for your buck. It’s all about value for the dollar.

Other Car Rental Tips

While insurance is an upfront expense that you may never need to make use of, you can’t put a price on peace of mind. Especially if that peace of mind happens to get in an accident. Insurance is required by law, so if you don’t have car insurance of your own or if it doesn’t cover a rental vehicle, take out rental insurance. This can protect you from costly expenses related to car rental accidents.

History of Monument Avenue

Monument Avenue was born due to the need for a memorial statue of General Robert E. Lee after Lee’s death in 1870. On May 29, 1890, crowds were present to view the unveiling of the first monument to Robert E. Lee, although it would take about ten years before the building of houses would start. Between 1900 and 1925, Monument Avenue exploded architecturally with houses, churches, and apartment buildings. These historic structures can still be seen today when you visit Monument Avenue with your Virginia car rental.

Soon the street became, and continues to be, a favoured living area for Richmond’s upper class. However, during the 50s and 60s, many of the large homes were subdivided into apartments and rented out. While some houses have been demolished for parking lots or building expansions, protections have been put in place by Richmond which designates Monument Avenue as an Old and Historic Neighborhood. Thus the historical integrity of the street has been preserved.

Grab a Bite to Eat While Visiting With Your Virginia Car Rental

Like many popular streets, Monument Avenue has an impressive selection of places to eat, which allows you to rest and recharge after a long day of activities, site-seeing, and shopping. Here are some popular restaurants and cafes:

• KubaKuba: Located just south of Monument Avenue at 1601 Park Ave, KubaKuba is an excellent option for Cuban food, complete with an authentic Cuban atmosphere.
• Robin Inn: Located on 2601 Park Ave, this is a popular Greek and Italian restaurant, with delicious meals and superb pricing.
• The Cellar Door: advertised as “The only restaurant on Monument Avenue!” the Cellar Door offers a Mediterranean-meets-Latin cuisine.

Get Physical on Monument Avenue!

Driving your Virginia car rental to partake in physical activity may seem like an oxymoron, but after you run Monument Avenue’s annual 10K race, you won’t feel like walking home or moving for that matter. While your feet hit the pavement, take in the beautiful homes and scenery. 10K will be over before you know it.

The next day, engage in some active recovery at Easy In Your Bones. This is a yoga studio which specializes in Svaroopa yoga, which is based on maximizing your body’s capacity, dissolving tensions, and healing your body. Stretch and relax.

Things to See on Monument Avenue

If you would like to do a scenic walk or drive in your Virginia car rental, the monuments along Monument Ave. provide both visuals and history all in one!

• Robert E. Lee: the first and largest on the street, the stone base of the monument has become a popular sunbathing spot.
• Matthew Fontaine Maury: located at Monument Avenue and Belmont Avenue, this is not a Civil War monument. Maury was honoured for serving as Chief of Sea Coast, River, and Harbor Defenses for the Confederacy and his work in the Confederate Secret Service in Europe.
• Arthur Ashe: a slightly controversial monument, Arthur Ashe is a tennis star and bears no relation to Confederate leaders. It is the only monument that faces away from the center of Richmond.

There is all this to do and so much more when you tour Monument Avenue with your Triangle rental car. For a complete detail of all that is available for rent, visit our Fleet Guide to see which car is right for you!