1. Avoid aquaplaning

Aquaplaning is caused by a combination of speed, tyre wear, tyre inflation or the depth of water on the road, which causes the tyres to loose traction, or glide across the surface, which gives the name aquaplaning. If your vehicles tryres not properly maintained and  are excessively worn (bald tyres) the chances of aquaplaning are severely increased. You can avoid aquaplaning by:

• Maintaining a safe speed, do not drive excessively, the faster you drive the more likely aquaplaning can happen.
• Slow speeds when approaching large puddles or still water
• Ensure your tyres are maintained to a high standard, and there is a good tread
• Drive in the tracks of preceding vehicles.
• To avoid collision, ensure a safe distance is kept from the vehicle infront.

If  you do experience aquaplaning try to follow these steps:

• Put the vehicle into neutral
• turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers
• avoid braking or accelerating as this can make the problem worse
• dont try to over correct your steering, let the vehicle go through the water and check your rear view mirror.

2. The right tyres

Tyres are not only maintained to prevent aquaplaning, the right tyres are vital for the upcoming frosty mornings we will be facing. It is important again your tyres can work well in icy conditions, as this is when the road (especially when there is black frost) can be at its most dangerous.

3. Prevent animal related accidents

Accidents involving animals are significantly higher during the Autumn season. Particularly at dawn and dusk when driving in the twilight, most accidents happen The main issue is that drivers try to miss the animal, but then are likely to be involved in a much more serious accident with the vehicle behind or on coming traffic, you should be extra vigilant when driving to ensure the safety of yourself and other drivers.

4. Ensure safety during the Halloween Period

Halloween is just around the corner, During the 31st of October, many children take to the streets in fancy dress “Trick or Teating” This is usually during the evening hours so again both motorists need to maintain safe speeds especially when driving around neighbourhoods and any other residential areas. Parents alsoneed to ensure their childs safety by making sure children are in light/ bright colours to ensure the childs safety, as well as ensuring children are familr with the highway code.

Related posts:

1. Driving Safely in Winter weather
2. Sixt’s Winter Driving Tips
3. Car hire users given night driving tips

We have asked Hendrik Luetjens, Sixt Operations Director in Geneva Switzerland, about winter tyres when renting a car in Geneva, Zurich, Basel or Bern.

Do I need a car with winter tyres in Switzerland?

Definitely. If you drive with summer tyres in winter you might have serious problems. The ski resorts in the surroundings of Geneva or in France are in very high areas which are accessible only by mountain passes. It is not only the risk of having an accident. Frequently there are police controls and cars with summer tyres are not let through to higher villages.

Are winter tyres a legal requirement in Switzerland?

No, legally not. But insurances can refuse the payment in case of damages if a car is driven with summer tyres in winter conditions.

Do I need a car with winter tyres if I am not going to the mountains and only stay on the motorway?

Yes, winter tyres improve the road grip also on wet streets. Tests have shown that winter tyres have better performances with all temperatures below +6 degree Celsius.

How much do I have to pay for winter tyres when hiring a car?

With Sixt rent a car the price is only 9 CHF (Swiss Francs) per day with a maximum of 90 CHF for longer periods. This fee is mandatory in winter. But we also offer some special rates where winter tires are already included in the price.

Actually we offer a promotion on our website where all fees are included. You can reserve at http://www.sixt.co.uk/best-deals/ .

When reserving your car hire through other websites or car rental brokers the fee is charged locally when picking up the rental car.

Book car hire in Geneva with Sixt.

Related posts:

1. Toro Rosso show the benefits of Winter Tyres
2. Snow and ice are not very nice. A little time can make winter driving easier
3. Driving Safely in Winter weather