Cyprus Car Hire - Car and Driving Tips

Driving Tips in Cyprus

DRIVING IN CYPRUS

Driving in Cyprus is most advisable, as regular transport service is not available to all remote areas where many places of interest are to be found.

Fairly good surfaced roads complying with international traffic requirements link the town and the various villages.

Four lane motorways connect the capital, Lefkosia with the coastal towns of Lemesos, Larnaca and Pafos.

Minor roads and forest roads are still largely unsurfaced but in good to fair condition. Appropriate care should be taken when using these roads, especially during wet weather.

Important Note: It is advisable to avoid driving on these roads as insurance cover might not apply.

TIPS ABOUT YOUR CAR

FUEL TYPE
If for any reason you are in doubt about the fuel type of your vehicle, please:
· Look into the fuel filter door of your car.
· Contact our stations or the emergency line.
· Ask the staff of any petrol station.

PETROL STATIONS

Petrol Stations in Cyprus are open from 7:00 to 18:00 every day except Tuesday afternoon and Saturday afternoon. In addition, petrol stations are closed on Sundays and all Public Holidays. Still ATM machines are available and accept cash and credit cards.

WHEEL CHANGING

Saloon Cars – The majority of the cars store their spare wheel and tools in the load space (boot) of the vehicle, beneath the protective floor. In certain models, tools may be stored separately in little compartments on the left or right sides of the boot area.

EXCEPTIONS FOR WHEEL CHANGING (JEEPS)

Suzuki Samurai – jack into the engine compartment – tools under the front seats and/or in glove box.
Suzuki Vitara – jack and tools under the front seats and/or in glove box.
Other Jeep type cars – storage of jack and tools vary with each make and model. Please look into the following possible storage places:
1. Under front seats.
2. Under seats (small compartments).
3. Glove box.
4. Compartments on the left or right sides or in the back door of the load (boot) area.
5. Engine compartment. Jack and tools may be stored in separate areas.

Note: Always , before jacking the vehicle, apply the hand brake and engage the first gear (select “P” for automatic gear boxes), turn off the starter and switch on the hazard warning lights. Never jack the vehicle with passengers inside.

BONNET RELEASE LEVER

Usually positioned in the left or right side under the control panel.

Exception: Suzuki Jeeps – in the glove box.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Engine wont start (dead)- Turn the key to the OFF position and try again. If an automatic gearbox, select “P” first and try again. For certain models like Hyundai and Musso press the clutch pedal while starting the car.

Engine Stalling , but wouldn’t start - Check fuel level. If there is fuel, wait for some minutes and try again (fuel overflow).

Temperature Gauge pointer moves into the Red segment – Stop the car as soon as safety permits and seek qualified assistance.

Air-conditioning (A/C) temperature not satisfactory – Press to re-circulate air inside the vehicle interior, to achieve lower temperatures.

Car Leaking Water – It is normal for cars fitted with A/C to leak COLD water under the engine compartment when air-conditioning is in operation. Any other water leakage is not normal.

The key would not get-off from the starter switch – Firstly ensure that the key is at the “O” position. Look for any small button that must be pressed when the key is removed from the starter switch. If the car is automatic make sure that the gear is at “P” position.

Steering Column Locked – To unlock the steering column insert the key fully and turn the starter switch to the next position.

SAFETY TIPS

· Traffic moves on the LEFT hand-side of the road, not on the right.
· International road traffic signs are in use, and are placed along the roads and highways, on the left hand-side.
· Distances and road speed limits are posted in kilometers and kilometer per hour (km/h) respectively.
· The maximum speed limit on the motorways is 100 km/h and the lower speed limit is 65km/h. On all other roads the general speed limit is 80km/h, unless a lower one is indicated. In built-up areas generally the speed limit is 50km/h, unless a different one is indicated.
· The use of seat belts is compulsory.
· Children under the age of five must not under any circumstances sit in the front passenger seat. Children from five to ten years old may occupy the front passenger seat, only if an appropriate child’s seat belt has been fitted.
· Rush hours in the town are approximately between 07:30 to 08:00/13:00 to 13:30, and in late afternoon 17:00 to 18:00 in winter, or 17:00 to 20:00 in summer.
· It is advisable to avoid if possible, driving due West in the late afternoon, as the glare of the setting sun can be unpleasant and potentially dangerous.
· Because of the sometimes intense brightness of the clear Mediterranean sky, drivers are advised to wear sunglasses.
· Hands Free Moble Phones. During driving, the driver should take all the necessary measures, so that his/her hands are free at all times in order to have full control of the vehicle. There is a £50 penalty for not obeying the law.
· Driving with alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit. Driving or being in charge of a motor vehicle or pedal cycle with alcohol concentration in breath or blood above the prescribed limit, is an OFFENCE. The prescribed limit in breath is 39micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The prescribed limit in blood is 90 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

DRIVING LICENCE

Visitors in Cyprus can drive using a valid international driving licence, or their national driving licence, provided it is valid for the class of vehicle they wish to drive.

PARKING FACILITIES

· Parking places (municipal and private) are found in town centres, charging approximately 50 cents for a half-day’s parking.
· Parking meters in the centre of towns may be used on payment of one 20cent coin per hour, on weekdays, during office hours. Parking meters do not operate on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and Public Holidays.
· Tickets issued for offences committed whilst the car is on rent to you are your responsibility. Unpaid tickets result in higher penalties.

SECURITY OF YOUR VEHICLE

· Always lock your vehicle when unattended, ensuring also that windows and sunroof are secure.
· Do not leave personal belongings when they can be spotted by a potential thief. At night, always park in a well lit area.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY/ACCIDENT

In case of an accident please offer help to any injured persons. You should then notify the police and your Car Hire Company’s emergency service number before you leave the area. Please also make sure to take the other party’s name, vehicle registration number and insurance policy number.

Emergency Support
24hr emergency line 99656067