Europcar offers the perfect way to pack students off to uni
Europcar the leader in car hire services in Europe, is helping parents take their kids to university and settle into student digs for the first time. With van hire available from £14.50 per day, parents can keep costs down for the big move. No need to pack the car full, complete with a duvet blocking the rear window – a Europcar van offers all the space needed to help kids fly the nest this September.
“Heading off for university is a big step and most parents like to go with their kids to help them make the move,” says Ken McCall, Managing Director, Europcar UK Group. “Rather than packing the family car until it’s full to the brim, Europcar’s van hire is a great alternative for parents, offering plenty of room for all the essentials, such as books and bedding, plus a few home comforts, including guitars, games consoles and a TV.
With over 130 van locations across the UK, Europcar offers a wide choice of vans from the new Vauxhall Combo to the Luton Box Van with taillift, designed to suit a wide range of needs. The minimum age for van hire is 22 and all Europcar vans are fully maintained to manufacturer specifications and covered by 24 hour breakdown for added peace of mind. Plus, to reduce the stress even further, Europcar can deliver vans to home addresses through its freeDeliver delivery and collection service.
Ken McCall concludes, “With a van, parents only need to make one trip this autumn, taking the stress out of packing the kids off to university. With a wide range of vans to choose from, customers can book a van that suits their needs and their budget, for an affordable and efficient way to help the kids settle into student life from day one.”
Very Useful Van Advice from Europcar
Watch your speed
Depending on the size of the van, the speed at which it can be driven may well be slower than the national limit so make sure you check the limits when collecting the vehicle.
Get familiar
Take the time to get to know the size and responsiveness of the van before you head out onto busy roads.
He ain’t heavy
Remember that the van will handle differently when you collect it empty to how it will feel once it is fully loaded.
Secure the load
Even a small amount of movement in a van can cause it to move around dangerously, so ensure items are packed securely.
Know your size
Make sure you are aware of the additional height and width of the van, remembering to take extra care under low bridges and overhanging trees. Also remember vans need extra room to turn corners, due to the extra length of the vehicle.
Take it slowly
Larger vehicles require a much longer braking distance, especially when fully-loaded or in poor weather, so watch your speed. In addition, make sure you take tight bends slowly as vans are more liable to tip over due to their height and increased centre of gravity.
Pick your positioning
Take advantage of the higher seat in a van and make sure you look around and use your mirrors often. There is no option to look over your shoulder in a van so make sure you angle your mirror to give you sight at junctions.
Changing lanes
Be more cautious when changing lanes and be sure to look out for two-wheeled vehicles and pedestrians.
Mind the doors
It might seem obvious, but it is easy to overlook closing the door after packing a van. Make sure both the rear and side doors are securely shut before setting off.
Parking assistance
Ask someone to guide you when reversing or parking if the van has blind spots. It might take longer, but it is a lot safer.
For more information: europcar.co.uk
