Back in 2006 we conducted some research to ask you “if you had the choice of driving any make/model available, what would it be?” – the Audi A4 and A6 scored highest and so, in 2007, we added them to our Select Series fleet.

We are pleased to share with you that now, 5 years on, we still have the popular Audi A4 and Audi A4 Avant (estate) models. Not only that but we will soon be adding the stunning new Audi A1!

Have you ever used Avis Select Series and have you enjoyed it? Do you enjoy driving the Audi models?

Satellite navigation used to be something you would only find in expensive cars, but now with the availability of portable Sat Nav systems, more and more people are taking advantage of these intelligent little machines.

If you haven’t got a Sat Nav system already then there are a number of reasons why you should invest in one.

• Keep getting lost? -  Pretty straight forward really, but satellite navigation gives you clear directions to wherever you want to get to. Some even let you specify if you want the quickest route or the most scenic route! By getting you there in the shortest time it also means less harm to the environment and your wallet!
• Speeding? -  Not that you should be speeding anyway…but this handy feature helps point out when you’re are approaching a speed camera and tells you what speed you are supposed to be going so that you are fully aware.

• Hungry? - Satellite navigation can tell you where the nearest restaurants are! This is great when you are in a place you have never been before!
• Running low on petrol? – Satellite navigation systems know where the nearest garages are and can direct you to the closest one so you don’t waste time (and the end of your petrol) trying to find one!
• Hate being stuck in traffic? – Some satellite navigation systems can be fed information such as where there is congestion and can then suggest routes to avoid it.

Satellite Navigation systems can be hired along with your car with Avis. You can do this by simply ticking the GPS request box during booking or by giving us a call!

Find out more information about satellite navigation with Avis here

Get Ready. Get Set. Get Away!

The Lake District is one of the true gems of the England and there’s no better time to visit than Spring.

Download our latest Avis Great Drives guide and see our recommended road trip that will show you the best of what the Lake District has to offer.

- Pick up your Avis hire car from Newcastle-upon-Tyne and head south on the A19 road to the super-stylish Seaham Hall hotel and spa.
- Take a stress-free drive on the A1M and A66 to Barnard Castle, passing through lush moorland on your way to the Lake District.
- Go through the steep Kirkstone Pass, known locally as “The Struggle”, to reach the grey stone cottages of cutesy Ambleside, on the banks of Lake Windermere.
- Park in a lay-by before the road plunges down into the town and look back at the grey of the asphalt weaving its way between green hillsides.
- From Ambleside, follow the B5385, which twists and turns its way to Coniston, then head back to Newcastle via the A595 and A69, stopping off at Birdoswald Roman Fort and the 2000 year-old village of Haltwhistle and along the way.
- It’s a quick drive east along the A69 to drop-off your Avis hire car back in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Click here to download the full guide with map and high points.

Happy driving!

Driving when you’re tired can be extremely dangerous and is one of the biggest causes of road accidents in the UK. It is therefore important to understand the risks of driving when tired and how you can avoid the dangers.

Here are some top tips to prevent you falling asleep at the wheel:

1. Take a break from driving every two hours – Try and plan a 15 minute break every 2 hours of your trip. A short stop over gives you a chance to get out of the car and wake yourself up a bit. Take a short walk, get some food and just generally wake your body up.
2. Have a good night’s sleep before any long drive – This probably sounds obvious, but if you know you have a long journey, make sure you have an early night so that you are as fresh as possible before you start.
3. Avoid making long journeys between midnight and 6am – This is when you are at your most vulnerable and most likely to fall asleep. If you can, try and stick to daytime driving only.
4. Drink coffee or high caffeine drinks – Drinking caffeine can help wake you up and increase alertness. Remember though that after the effects wear off you are likely to fall into a slump and become tired again, so keep topping your caffeine levels up to combat sleepiness effectively.
5. Share the driving – Whenever possible share the driving with others in the car. Every few hours switch the driver so that each passenger has a chance to relax and sleep.

If you feel tired when you are driving, turning up the music and opening the window can feel effective for a short period of time, however in the long run this will do little to prevent you falling asleep.

Remember – if you follow this advice and still feel tired behind the wheel, stop and take a nap. This is the most effective way to recharge and is the safest option for both you and other road users.