GLOSSARY

A

Additional Driver

When there is more than one driver associated to a rental, the second, or subsequent, driver is referred to as the additional driver. There may be a charge applied for each, or all, additional drivers.

Airport Surcharge

An additional charge which applies at certain airport locations, and which is included in the rate quoted at the time of reservation.

B

Barn Doors

Barn doors are the name given to the twin rear doors on most vans - each opens to the side, just like traditional barn doors. These are good for getting tall objects inside the back of the van.

Box Van

A van with a box body - completely square and giving the appearance of having been mounted on top of the van’s chassis, rather than being an original part of the van. Vans with box bodies are usually referred to as Luton vans.

C

CDW

An abbreviation for Collision Damage Waiver issues you for the cost of repairs if your Cheap Beep Rentals vehicle is damaged (an excess applies). This is also known as Vehicle Damage Cover.

Check-out/Pick-up

The location, or time, from which a rental starts.

Check-in/Return

The location, or time, at which a rental ends.

Crew Cab

A van or pickup with a crew cab has two rows of seats. The front row, (including the driver’s seat and 1 or 2 passenger seats) and a second row, allowing a further two or three passengers to travel in the cab.

I

IRF

The Incident Report Form, which you fill in with rental office staff if there’s new damage to the car when you bring it back.

L

Load Space

The internal space in a van that can be used to carry a cargo.

Long Wheel Base (LWB)

The name given to longer vans with bigger load areas. The wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear wheels - the longer it is, the more you can fit in.

Luton

A Luton van is a 3.5t van with a box body that extends over the cab. These have a bigger, more flexible load space than a panel van (see below) and are ideal for furniture and household moves.

M

Maximum Laden Weight

The weight of a vehicle including its load. The maximum laden weight is the maximum total weight allowed.

Medium Wheel Base (MWB)

Medium Wheel Base - halfway between SWB (short wheel base) and LWB (long wheel base) in length.

O

One-Way

To rent a vehicle at one location and to return it at another is referred to as a one-way rental.

P

Panel Van

A standard Transit-style van, with a panelled body that is similar to a car body.

Payload

The load of a van - usually used to describe the maximum weight load a van can carry - e.g. a payload of 900kg

Product

The rate, and other rental conditions, which is applied to a reservation and rental.

R

Refuelling Service

A service provided at check-in which enables a customer to return a vehicle which does not have a full tank of fuel.

Renter

The person, who is not the driver, but who is responsible for payment on a Rental Agreement.

Rental Agreement (RA)

The formal contract, signed by Europcar and the renter at the time of check-out, which shows the terms of the rental.

Rental Day

Normally, a 24-hour period which starts at the time of check-out, however can also apply to a rental period which is of several hours’ duration.

Rental Duration/Length

Normally, the total of rental days, however can also apply to a rental of several hours’ duration.

Rental Qualifications

The conditions imposed by a rental location, or country, in order to satisfy their legal requirements. Details of these can be obtained from our Reservation Centres.

Roller Door

An alternative to barn doors - a sliding door that covers the whole of the rear of the van, and simply rolls up into the roof to allow goods to be loaded into the cargo area.

S

SIPP

Standard Interline Passenger Procedures. Vehicle category codes are often referred to as SIPP codes.

Short Wheel Base (SWB)

The name given to shorter vans - usually not much longer than a medium-sized car. The wheel base is the distance between the front and rear wheels. A short wheel base van will be easier to park and manoeuvre in small spaces but will have a smaller load space.

Side Loading Door (SLD)

Side Loading Door - the sliding side door on the near side of almost all panel vans. Very useful for loading from a pavement, or when there is not room to open the rear doors. Also allows you to access the front of the load space without having to climb in from the back.

Single Cab

A van or pickup with a single cab that has just one row of seats. This consists of the driver’s seat and one or two passenger seats.

T

Tail Lift

A hydraulic platform that unfolds from the rear of a van or truck to allow heavy or bulky goods to be lifted from the load space down to pavement or road level. Unusual in panel vans, very common in Luton vans - but not all have one, so if you think you will need one, make sure you ask for it.

Tailgate

At the rear of a pickup, dropside or tipper van or truck, the load area will be enclosed by a vertical panel. This is the tailgate. Most tailgates are hinged at the bottom to allow them to open outwards and provide flat access to the load area.
On tippers, the tailgates are hinged at the top and can be unfastened at the bottom. This means that when tipping, the tailgate swings away from the load area, allowing the load to slide out underneath the tailgate, onto the ground.

Tipper

A tipper is a van or truck with a load area that can be mechanically raised up at an angle to allow the load (usually sand, gravel, etc) to be “tipped” out onto the ground behind the vehicle, thus saving it being unloaded by hand.

Truck

A term generally used to describe goods vehicles of 3.5t maximum laden weight upwards. Not usually used for vans.

U

Unladen Weight

The weight of a van (or any vehicle) without any passengers or luggage/load.

V

Vehicle Theft Cover

This insures you for the cost of replacing the vehicle – or parts of it – if it gets stolen (an excess applies here).

Wheel Base

The distance between the front and rear wheels of a van. Used to indicate the size of the van - i.e. the longer it is, the larger its load space will be.

X

Extra Long Wheel Base (XLWB)

The best-known extra-long wheelbase van is the Mercedes Sprinter - with a load compartment 4.2m long. Ford also offer the Transit Jumbo, which is almost identical in size. These extra long panel vans were developed to take a full-sized roll of carpet - 4m long - but have become popular with all sorts of people who appreciate the combination of 3.5 tonne rating and cavernous load space.

Keep your car in good shape
A regularly serviced car will be more efficient on fuel. There are several major factors to consider:

• Make sure you check your tyre pressures regularly (at least once every two weeks). You can find the correct pressure for you vehicle from your vehicle handbook. If you do not have the handbook you should be able to find out the correct tyre pressure for your make and model from the sign next to the air at the petrol station.
• Fuel economy can be improved by 5% by keeping your tyres inflating to the correct pressure and using the recommended motor oil.
• Replace your air filter when necessary.
• Use the recommended fuel and oil for your vehicle for best fuel efficiency.

Avoid short trips
Avoid taking lots of short journeys where possible. So no hoping in the car to pop down to corner shop. Try to combine short trips so that once you warm up the engine, you keep it running for a while. Continually warming up your engine for lots of short errands will waste fuel.

Turn off the air conditioning
Try not to excessively use your air conditioning, as this will cause your car to burn more fuel. On the other hand, driving with the windows down is also inefficient as the drag on the car increases, especially at high speeds. Use air conditioning for motorway driving only when necessary and wind the windows down on slower journeys.

Drive safer and slower
Avoid erratic driving. Driving like a boy-racer by flooring the accelerator at the lights when in a rush or slamming on the brakes when driving too fast you will increase your cars fuel consumption (up to 60%). Try to accelerate and brake smoothly and steadily to improve fuel economy as well as your road safety.
Drive at the recommended speed. If you drive too fast you will soon notice your fuel gauge dropping just as quickly. Every 5 miles per hour that you drive over 60mph can reduce your fuel economy by 10%. If you’re not in a hurry to get anywhere, doing 70mph will use between 20% and 30% more fuel than doing 50mph - suddenly being stuck behind a lorry doesn’t seem so bad!
Don’t rev the engine. Ok so it might sound cool, but revving the engine whilst stationary does nothing except waste fuel!

Lose excess weight
Avoid driving with an unnecessarily full car. An empty roof rack or a full boot will add to your fuel consumption.

Avoid idling
Avoid excessive idling of your engine. Many people run their engines whilst stationary in order to warm them up but the car is then consuming fuel but not going anywhere. Instead invest in some decent de-icer and try to drive off straight away.
If waiting somewhere for more than a few minutes, e.g. waiting to pick someone up or waiting in a non moving traffic jam then it is often more economical to switch the engine off. Idling also adds to pollution.

Use the gears wisely
Drive in the correct gear. The correct use of gears can make huge savings on your fuel bill of up to 15%! Most fuel is consumed in the lower gears when starting as more power is needed but when driving at higher speeds you should drive in the highest gear possible for best fuel economy.

Read the road ahead
When driving, try to look ahead and read the conditions of the road.Look out for anything that might require you to slow down or stop such as traffic lights or someone attempting to park. By anticipate what is coming up, you’ll not only be a safer driver, but you’ll save fuel by starting to slow down early and not needing to come to a stop.

Airport Car Hire Check List

If you’re renting a car from a UK Airport, there are a few things you need to remember to bring with you to ensure your rental runs as smoothly as possible.

If you follow this simple check list before you leave home, there should be no problems.

1. 1. Don’t forget your Driving Licence. If it’s a UK Licence, you’ll need to bring both parts with you.
2. In some circumstances a 2nd form of ID is also required, so it’s always best to have some with you (e.g. a utilities bill, your passport).
3. You’ll need to present the credit card of the driver for authorisation against potential damage claims resulting from your rental.

In the UK cars travel on the left-hand side of the road and overtake on the right - but there’s no automatic priority for cars coming from the left. At roundabouts, always give priority to cars coming from the right. At junctions, a broken line indicates that you should wait and give way to traffic on the other road. The Highway Code (from AA and RAC motoring organisations and most bookshops) offers detailed guidance. It is compulsory for drivers and passengers to wear fitted seat belts and for motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear helmets.

Fuel and service stations are at frequent intervals along main roads and in towns and villages. Filling stations on motorways may be as much as 50 miles apart but are open 24 hours, as are some filling stations in populated areas.

Unless street signs show a lower limit, ordinary single carriageway speed limits are 96 km/h (60 mph); the dual carriageways/motorway limit is 112 km/h (70 mph). The normal speed limit in towns and built up areas in 48 km/h (30 mph); although some approaches and freeways in and around populated areas have clearly marked speed limits of 64 km/h (40 mph).

Parking in towns and cities is normally at metered places or paying car parks. Avoid parking on double yellow lines at any time. Many towns and cities offer ‘park and ride’ schemes with frequent buses to get you to and from the shopping and sights.

If you are driving a van for the first time or perhaps drive a van infrequently there are many differences to driving a car which you should be aware of and remember. The following safety tips provide practical van driving advice to ensure your journey is safe for yourself, others passengers and pedestrians.

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Before you start your journey

• When you pick up your van from the rental station listen carefully to the advice and explanations regarding general operation. Ensure you know where all controls are and how to use them, if you are unsure ask.
• Wear sensible footwear that allows the correct use the pedal controls.
• Adjust the rear view and exterior wing mirrors to provide maximum vision.
• Adjust head restraints and seats for both comfort and safety.
• You MUST wear a seat belt if one is available, unless you are exempt.
• Before driving on the road, make sure the rear or side cargo doors are locked securely.
• Become familiar and comfortable with the size and responsiveness of the van by initially driving in an area with little traffic.

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Van driving advice

• Be in complete control of your vehicle at all times, losing control means not being able to stop or move your van in a safe manner.
• Be aware of the size of the van you are driving, particularly the height. Take extra caution when approaching bridges and canopies and when driving under overhanging trees. Some petrol stations may not cater for the size of your vehicle.
• Large vehicles need extra room to turn, take this into consideration when approaching a tight corner. Also bear in mind the length of the van and the position of the rear of the vehicle when manoeuvring.
• Make use of the increased visibility from a higher driving position and remember to use your exterior mirrors more often.
• Take tight bends slowly as tall vans can tip more easily due to their height and increased centre of gravity.
• Control your speed and never follow other vehicles too closely, vans require a much longer braking distance especially when travelling at speed, carrying a heavy load or in wet or icy weather conditions.
• Pay extra attention when reversing or parking and only attempt to do so if you are confident or when it’s necessary. Ask for another person to guide you if your van has blind spots.
• Be extra careful when changing lanes, the van you are driving may have blind spots. Pay particular attention for motor cyclists.
• Take a little extra time and care when driving an unfamiliar vehicle.

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General driving advice

• Plan your route and allowed sufficient time to complete your journey.
• In winter listen to weather forecasts and take extra care in windy or wet conditions.
• Ensure the vehicle has sufficient fuel before commencing your journey, if you need to refill check in advance where the petrol cap is located and which type of fuel is required.
• Remember to lock your vehicle when it is not attended.

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Useful resources
The Highway Code - is essential reading for everyone. Its rules apply to all road users: drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians as well as horse riders.www.highwaycode.gov.uk

Renting a car or van in the UK doesn’t have to be as expensive as you’d imagine and sometimes you can a great deal, especially online. Follow these simple tips and use as many of them as you can while still getting the rental you need and you should be able to save money on your next car or van rental:

Book the most popular car or van group

Car rental companies operate complex fleet management systems to ensure they have the right vehicles in the right places at the right time. The more popular the vehicle group, the more difficult it is for them to guarantee its availability. Usually, if they do not have the car or van you booked they will give you a free upgrade. This is because the larger, more expensive vehicles don’t get booked as much as the smaller cheaper ones. If you book the smallest vehicle that is acceptable to you, there is always a good chance of getting a free upgrade if you’re picking it up at a busy time.

Book well in advance

Since it is much easier to forecast how many cars they need if they’ve got all their bookings in advance, the car rental companies will very often have their cheapest rates loaded for rates well in advance, so book your vehicle as soon as you know your travel dates and save more.

Watch your collection and return times

Another trick to watch out for is that most car rental companies have daily charge rates. This means if you pick up a vehicle at 10am and take it back at 11am the next day you’ll get charged for 2 days rental. Wherever possible try to ensure that your return time is always the same, or preferably just before your collection time. This way you’ll never get charged the extra day.

Book when they have got too many vehicles

If your travel plans are reasonably open and where possible, try to book when they’ve got too many cars and you could land yourself an absolute bargain. Renting just after the Christmas period will probably be very cheap. In car rental terms, a car sat in their car park is a huge cost and they would rather let you have it very cheaply than just have it sitting there.

Always get a discount code

Apart from during peak periods (Christmas, Easter and the height of Summer), you should be always able to get some kind of discount code, although you might have to hunt around a little to find it. Always check the terms of the offers as often, even though an offer might say it’s for a weekend rental, you could still use the offer for other times. It’s worth searching a little to find one.

Book online for discounts

Car rental companies are able to reduce their overheads when customers book online. These discounts can range from 5% to 20%, so where possible, always book online.