Avis ‘Fly the Nest’ offer aimed at students and their parents

In early October over 377,000 students will be travelling to university to start the autumn term. Many will be attempting a ‘Guinness Book of Records’ style feat for the most duvets, kettles, cheese plants, toasters and guitars crammed into a "will it or won’t it make it?" old banger. Or poor parents will be loading up their car and tailgating their offspring on a 300 mile round trip to deliver them to their digs.

To alleviate stress and make the journey safer Avis is offering students and their parents a special ‘Fly the Nest’ discount. Save up to 30% on the following models:-

Group L – Renault Grand Espace two day rental £175
Group G – mini estate two day rental £125
Group O – mini people carrier two day rental £125

Students (aged over 21) may also want to rent a vehicle one-way allowing them to drive themselves back to university. Hire a vehicle from any of the above groups and pay from £125.

There is often an increase of overloaded vehicles around the beginning of autumn term. Overloaded cars that pose a safety risk are in fact illegal, so renting an alternative vehicle that is more suitable to the task, yet still comfortable on a long journey, is a much safer option.

Mary Williams OBE, chief executive of Brake, says: "We urge all young people travelling to university this month to ensure that their vehicle is not overloaded.

“Young people are particularly at risk on the road and it is essential they do everything they can to protect themselves and their passengers from harm. It is also important to plan the route carefully before setting off, and to take breaks at least every two hours."

The Avis ‘Fly the Nest’ offer is valid from 23rd September – 10th October 2005.

The Dangers of Overloaded cars

Overloading can make a vehicle less stable, difficult to steer and take longer to stop
Can cause tyres to overheat and wear rapidly – increasing the danger of blowouts
Invalidate insurance if an overloaded vehicle is involved in a crash
Increase fuel consumption
When carrying a heavier than usual load ensure that it is distributed evenly to avoid overloaded axles and adjust tyre pressure accordingly before setting off.

In addition, vehicle recovery services are regularly called out to overloaded cars and you could end up spending serious money on repairs to a damaged suspension, burnt out clutch, punctures or uneven wear on tyres.

Remember, that not only is an overloaded car a safety risk, it also constitutes a legal offence. The police can identify offenders simply from a car’s rear being close to the ground or the tyres looking strained or flat. If in doubt check the weight restriction in the vehicle handbook.