Choosing the Right Car for Your Needs: 5 Tips to Make the Most Out of Your Car Hire
Renting the right car for your needs can be a simple process if you keep five easy-to-remember points in mind when planning to rent. These five factors can be the difference between a pleasant hire and a nightmare characterized by availability complications, additional hidden or unexpected charges, or simply finding yourself with a vehicle that doesn’t suit your needs. Following this simple guide will hopefully help eliminate the potential for any issues that may arise throughout the hiring process, and provide some effective tips to ensure you have the right information before hiring.
Fuels of the future: Bio-fuels
Essentially a bio-fuel is an energy source derived from organic/biological material. Bio-fuel is commonly sourced and produced from animal fats, vegetable oils and plants. Starch crops and sugar crops are among the most popular sources of bio-fuel, with corn and sugarcane also being widely-used. It is estimated that despite the benefits from using bio-fuel as a cleaner energy source than that derived from fossil fuels, it would take between 100-1000 years for bio-fuels to payback the carbon debt acquired due to land-use changes.
Fuels of the future: Hydrogen fuel-cells
Like batteries, hydrogen fuel-cells generate electricity by mixing two chemicals that react to produce an electric current. So, whilst they both technically fall under the term ‘electric car’, the technologies however vary enough in application and use to warrant a separate discussion. The wide range of potential applications for this technology, and its versatility to power both large and small vehicles makes it an interesting and ultimately viable alternative to fuel.
fuel cell, sydney, rental cars, electric car, hydrogen fuel cell
Fuels of the Future – Revolutionary Ways Your Vehicle Will be Powered
1. Battery powered vehicles:
Battery technology continues to improve by the day however the range that it is currently able to offer is its key downside. The greatest range you can achieve with cars currently on the market ranges from 60 kms to 150 kms before you would either need a battery swap or recharge. Whilst continually improving, the current charge times are slow and hence restrictive.
Pros:
- The power to recharge batteries would be supplied by the existing grid. Hence governments would have the ability to regulate the input based on policy.
- Battery powered vehicles tend to be silent and do away with the requirement for an exhaust system
- Charging stations and battery swap stations are in pre implementation phases. The theory is, standardisation of batteries would allow battery users to simply swap batteries in a “swap and go” fashion
- Significant advances have already occurred in battery technology and on a cost basis there appears to be a steady decrease in costs to the end user. The Nissan Leaf and Holden (Chevrolet) Volt are the current answer to this new technology however entry level costs are in excess of A$55,000. As a result mainstream adoption of this technology appears to be some time away. The cost will also remain a disincentive for large volume vehicle purchasers such as car hire companies in Sydney
Study Finds Fuel Conscious Driving Increases Road Safety
The results of 3 recent studies have been published in a Green Fleet news letter (December 2011 edition) as follows:
(a) Camera and copier company Canon performed a study of 350 of its drivers and found that 35% fewer accidents were noted once fuel conscious driving techniques were adopted.
(b) Similarly a a German company’s fleet noted a 35% reduction in accidents whilst a truck operator in New Zealand recorded 56% less incidents over a 6 month period.
The research was carried out in New Zealand by AA Research Foundation and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). Whilst such research remains in its infancy, early signs carry a very position message indeed.
On that note, we have high lighted some simple yet highly effective tips for motorists to improve their fuel efficiency and hence safety (for our earlier release of efficient driving tips refer to Article 4).
Choosing the right utility (ute) for your needs: 5 Tips to help you get it right
1. What size ute do you need? The majority of utes come in 1 tonne variants. Whilst this provides a measure of mass it does not assist in clarifying dimensions. Dimensions would be more relevant when moving bulkier items such as beds and longer items such as bookshelves, tables and so on. They are equally versatile in carrying taller items where it is an open tray back ute rather than one with a cage. As an indication a Toyota Hilux ute is classified as a 1 tonne and one of the more common utes you are likely to encounter.
2. Biggest is not always best: For serious hauling, 2t tray back trucks are a good option providing almost double the volume and greater flexibility. These can be driven on a car license however are harder to come by. Consider your needs prior to booking a vehicle; If a smaller ute suffices, then this is the way to go. The smaller the ute, the easier it will be to maneuver, the less fuel it will use and, most importantly, the lower the price will be. When comparing prices of ute hire in Sydney, differences can be as up to 50%.
car hire Sydney, car rental Sydney, truck rental Sydney, van rental Sydney, van hire Sydney
Car and truck rental versus Car share: A simple break down to cost the two options
1. Cost structure
- Rental Cost: Car share schemes primarily charge by the hour. Whilst there are car rental companies that offer hourly rates, they are few and far apart and generally smaller operators. A one day rental of a Car share vehicle would set you back up to $68 (based on compact car). This can be as little as $45 at reliable car rental companies.
- Mileage Cost: Whilst most sizable car rental companies have moved toward unlimited allowance on kilometers, car share vehicles to have a cap, typically 150 kms free per day
- Fuel: Whilst Car share companies do charge for mileage, fuel is included. Based on your usage and driving habits, this could lead to significant cost saving in view of rising fuel costs.
- Insurance and excess reduction: For car rental in Sydney, you can obtain daily cover for as little as $5 per day ($300) excess. With car share companies this cover is often charged by the hour and can add up to almost $18 per day
Planning a Getaway this Holiday Season? Handy Tips to Arrive Safely and on Time
1. Drive fresh and well rested to avoid an accident: Fatigue related road accidents remain high on the statistics list during holiday periods. Some simple do’s and don’ts that will ensure you and your family arrive safely include:
- Get atleast 7-8 hours sleep prior to a long drive, this is essential and there are no shortcuts to ensuring your biological batteries are fully charged
- Take a break every 2 hours even if you feel fine. Take advantage of the numerous rest areas rest areas provided in all states across the country. Swap drivers as well if at all possible
- Strive to drive when you are normally awake. Attempting all night drives adds greatly to the risk of an accident if you are ordinarily asleep during the same hours
- Insist on avoiding alcohol altogether; even drinking to legal limits is likely to cause fatigue and loss of concentration very quickly
Choosing the Right Van for Your Needs: 5 Tips to Avoid a Surprise
1. What size van do you need? The majority of vans come in 2 variants, 1 tonne and 1.5 tonne. Whilst this provides a measure of mass it does not assist in clarifying dimensions. Dimensions would be more relevant when moving bulkier items such as beds and longer items such as bookshelves, tables and so on. As an indication a Hyundai iLoad van and Toyota Hiace van would both be classified as 1 tonne however the later would provide upwards of 10% more volume. This could mean additional trips and more time spent in getting the job done.
For serious hauling, 1.5t vans are a good option providing almost 40% more volume and greater flexibility by generally having entry on both sides of the van.
2. Biggest is not always best: Consider your needs prior to booking a van. If a smaller van (say a 1 tonne) suffices, then this is the way to go. The smaller the van, the easier it will be to maneuver, the less fuel it will use and, most importantly, the lower the price will be. When comparing prices of van hire in Sydney, differences can be as up to 50%.
Cars and Carbon: 5 Handy Tips to Reduce Your Car’s Environmental Impact
1. Minimise vehicle use where possible
The most effective way is to reduce your reliance on your vehicle. Plan your trip to ensure there are no wasteful trips i.e. 5 short errands should be merged into a longer outing by organising your day. Car pool with friends or neighbours if viable to replace trips to work, school, Saturday sports and so on. This can further reduce emissions and monetary cost.
Sell that second car if possible. A spare car can often lead to unnecessary expenses on the family budget as well as unnecessary use at times. If the need does arise, car rental in Sydney is a viable option and available at increasingly low rates.
Take a ride! With the increase in cycle ways in Sydney, your bike can help you cover short trips and errands, increasing you level of fitness as a bonus.