August '08 Newsletter

This month we launched our Rent It Free Promotion giving our customers the chance to win their car hire for FREE, ZILCH, NOTHING!

Our winner for July is Tracy who travelled in Perth. CONGRATULATIONS!

Bumper Sticker

"A journey is best measured in friends not miles"
Tim Cahill

A Few Moments with "Pete"

Your fave toy as a kid?
Brian Lion

Your fave toy as an adult?
Either my iPhone, my Xbox 360 or my inline skates

Your favourite icecream flavour?
Mint Choc Chip

Fave movie character?
Neo, from The Matrix

Choose a holiday destination - beach, bush or snow?
Beach

Have you broken any bones?
No, I've managed to cheat that a few times - touch wood

Why's Vroom cool?
The fantastic staff here!

Vroomin' Good Times

What's going on at Vroom?

Christmas in July is over for another year... for some reason Santa forgot to stop at my house??? Vroom Vroom Vroom has a busy month ahead - apart from being fixed to the TV with the Beijing Olympics!!! On the 9th of August we will be at the launch for the Bravehearts Mowerthon charity event and the following week presenting the Concierge Award at the HM Awards in Sydney!

We are smack in the middle of the ski season in our southern states and everyone seems to be hitting the snow. Although for some of us who live where the sun never stops shining it has been cold enough lately! Who says it doesn't snow in Queensland, well Stanthorpe anyhow????

Snow Travel

In Australia, a trip to the snow is a bit of a novelty for most of us. The window of opportunity is short, with only a few months of that soft white powder covering the mountains down south each year. Similar to a day at the beach, this unknown element needs to be respected to ensure you, your family and friends and your vehicle remain safe. From Perisher to Mt. Buller, or across to our New Zealand cousins at Wanaka, take the time to take care.

Keep these tips in mind when packing the car and heading out. As exciting as it may be to wake up impulsively one Friday and take the day off and head for the slopes, make sure your vehicle is mechanically sound for the expedition.

Your car

When did you have that last service? Did you get that whining fan belt replaced?
How are your tyres, brakes and battery?
Is there antifreeze in your radiator?

In the boot

Snow chains - A must for driving in the snow!
A shovel - in case you need to dig your way out of a snowy situation.
A fully inflated spare tyre, wheel brace and jack - hopefully these will all stay in the boot.... oh and the jumper leads.
Small bag of rock salt - no, not to have with your chips... it helps melt the ice.

The Driver

Good UV sunglasses - there is nothing like the glare of the snow piercing your vision.
A good nights sleep - you need to be alert, snow can be quite unpredictable.

Driving Safely

Decrease your usual driving speed. It is recommended to allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front.
To avoid skidding, brake gently.
Drive with your lights on, this will increase your visibility to other motorists. Also make sure your windscreen and lights are clean.
Use low gears to keep traction, especially on the hills and don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
Be careful for ice on the road in shaded areas, on bridges, overpasses and infrequently travelled roads, which will freeze first.
Limit your overtaking to only when necessary.
Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

Note: If you are hiring a car, make sure the supplier allows you to travel to the snow in the vehicle you wish to hire. Check what additional insurance you will need to take out when you cross the snowline.

What's so funny?

Q: How do snowmen travel around?

A: By icicle!

IGNITE your passion for Golf!

Get more out of your golf lessons, and your time, by having a golf lesson with Ignite Golf. Our golf lessons not only cover basic golf but also allow you to view your swing from home or your office. You can also use the drawing tools to analyse and compare your swing against some of the worlds leading golf professionals including Tiger Woods, Stuart Appleby, Adam Scott, Annika Sorenstam and many more.

To get even more out of your golf lesson, become an Ignite Golf member. When you purchase our Privilege Card, not only do you receive a free half hour lesson but a host of other benefits.

Your Travels

Been on a road trip lately?? What did you do? Where did you go? If you have a story to tell - the kids had you in stitches, your hubby drove you insane, or your girlfriend had you stop at every roadside fruit stall. We'd love to hear about it and share your adventure with our fellow Vroomsters. If you like, send us a pic too! Email us at newsletter

vroom.com.au