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Advantage Rent-A-Car Shares Expertise for a Safe and Smart Ski Season

25 February 2000

Advantage Rent-A-Car Shares Expertise for a Safe and Smart Ski Season

    SAN ANTONIO--Feb. 24, 2000--As travelers gear up to hit their favorite ski slopes this spring, it's best to remember that despite sunny days and spring-like conditions, hazardous weather is never far away.
    To ensure spring break travelers have a safe and hassle free vacation, especially when renting a car, Advantage Rent-A-Car offers the following suggestions:

1)   Don't Undersize Your Vehicle. Keep in mind that extra space will
     be needed for ski equipment and bulky clothes. You may need the
     extra power to climb an icy road or drive out of a snowdrift.

     NOTE: Consider renting a specialty vehicle such as an SUV or
           mini-van. These vehicles are in high demand this time of
           year so make reservations early. Due to serving so many ski
           resort destinations in the western U.S., Advantage has one
           of the largest fleets of specialty vehicles available.

2)   Check on the Ski Rack Policy. Does the company you are renting
     from offer ski racks? Make sure you ask what their policy is
     regarding possible damage to the vehicle caused by the ski rack.

3)   Get an Early Start. Driving through the mountains can take longer
     than planned even in good weather. Allow plenty of time to reach
     your destination. You never know when whether conditions might
     deteriorate, causing slow downs or accidents.

4)   Familiarize Yourself with Snow Chain Requirements. These vary
     from state to state.  Some states do not require chains if your
     vehicle has four-wheel drive. Depending on your destination, this
     information may influence the type of vehicle you choose to rent.
     See the numbers and Internet addresses below for accessing this
     information, state by state. 

     NOTE: If chains are required...

--   Ask your rental car company where you can get them.

--   Find out whether your vehicle has front or rear wheel drive (the
     chains must be installed on DRIVE wheels).

--   Carry bright colored clothing and boots in case you have to pull
     off the road to put chains on your vehicle.

--   Take care not to lock yourself out of the car when installing
     chains.

5)   Access State Department of Transportation Web sites. These
     Web sites provide emergency road condition hotline numbers,
     detailed weather information and possible road closures. Use this
     information as you plan your driving route in advance. This could
     make a big difference in how much time you spend swishing down
     the slopes vs. sitting in winter storm traffic.

     Web Address: www.bts.gov/state/ -- Click on "Other State & Local
     Links" to access Web addresses for departments of transportation
     in every state.

    Established more than 35 years ago in San Antonio, independently owned and operated Advantage Rent-A-Car has more than 125 locations throughout the Western United States and Mexico. The company's growth continues with the opening of 23 new locations in the western United States since January, 1999 including California and Oklahoma.