Rental cars go gadget mad

Years ago the most exciting ‘gizmo’ you’d get in your hire car was a cassette player. Things have moved on a bit since then. Technological boundaries have changed a lot in the past 20 years. Mass production and newer manufacture techniques mean that car rental companies can adorn their cars with more gadgets than the Tardis.

In March Avis launched it’s wireless internet device. This allows the consumer to access the internet both from in the car and a small range from it.

There are a number of different gadgets available. You’ll feel like James Bond in no time.

Electronic toll payment means no more messing about with loose change. This device allows you to get on with your journey by paying your tolls automatically. Toll bridges and roads now have special lanes which allow you to drive straight through. Both Avis and Budget vehicles offer this service at the moment in the Northeast. Also Hertz has such a service in the Northeast and Houston area. This service normally costs a few dollars but don’t forget that you still have to pay the toll!

Satellite radio is very popular in the states now and for a small charge you can have Sirius and/or XM radio activated in your hire car. Companies which provide this service is Alamo, Avis and National.

Satellite navigation is very common these day and it’d be rather silly if hire cars didn’t provide such a service. All eight car rental companies in the states offer sat navs. The sat nav of choice for most companies is the Garmin.

OnStar is another option available to drivers which sends a alert when a air bag has been deployed by your car.

www.avis.com