The Technophobe's Guide to All That Can Go Wrong
The cars' telematics mean your smart card will let you in when you have a live booking. Once you've used it a few times the system becomes familiar and simple but here are some tips to get started.
Booking
This is most easily done online (click here) but if on occasions you can't do that, use the members' phone line - 0845 4786396. In the middle of the night you'll get a friendly but sleepy human, so if it's not urgent, consider waiting until morning to book the car.
Just a couple of pointers for booking online: until you enter the times and dates that you want, the booking webpage assumes you are looking for a car for the next three hours; it also shows the hourly rate pre-VAT (it does work out to £3/£4).
If you want to extend your booking while you're out or think you may be late returning the car please contact Commonwheels as early as you can (you can use the in-car computer to call them or to extend your booking). Standard rates apply for over-run bookings and you may also be charged a £25 penalty fee for late return.
If you return the car early you will still be charged for the full booking unless someone else uses the car, when you'll be refunded for that used time. Let Commonwheels know you'll be returning it early as soon as you realise, so that they can make it available to others.
Finding the car
Except for the Campbell Road Zafira, each car has a clearly marked bay. Check where they are on our map (click here).
If the car's not where you expect it to be when you go for your booking, don't panic! Check your mobile for a text telling you where it is and take a look a few yards in all directions. If this doesn't solve things call the Commonwheels' team on 0845 4786396, they will find it (each car has GPS so they can see where it is). Perhaps the previous user is late returning (which would normally trigger a warning to you beforehand), or the bay might have been (illegally) occupied by someone else when the last user got back, so they parked the car just round the corner.
If the car is late for your booking, Commonwheels will do everything they can to get you to your destination.
Getting in
First rule of car clubbing - Never leave home without your smart card! If you do lose it, contact Commonwheels straight away for a replacement (£15). In exceptional circumstances Commonwheels will be able to get you into the car remotely - give them a ring on the members' number 0845 4786396.
Behind the windscreen is a circular piece of card - bright yellow. You need to hold the card against it until a small light indicates it has been read. If nothing happens, try again. Resist any temptation to kick the car. If you have any problem getting in don't hesitate to call Commonwheels on 0845 4786396.
Getting started
Keep the card somewhere safe, nearby (you might need it again in a moment to 'mobilise the immobiliser' - see below). Check the state of the car - it should bring a smile to your face! If it's filthy (inside or out) or the boot door rattles slightly or the interior light bulb is defunct, please note this as a non-urgent maintenance need in the notebook in the glove compartment. If there's any damage check that this is marked in the notebook. If it's not, please add it and let Commonwheels know before you set off. If the wing is falling off, two tyres are completely flat or anything else makes it unfit to drive phone Commonwheels via the car's computer (now you are in the car you don't need a mobile to talk to them). They will do everything they can to get you to your destination.
Finding the key
It's sitting in the glove compartment! This means you MUST put it back there when you're done for the next user. DO NOT PUT IT IN YOUR POCKET AND TAKE IT HOME WITH YOU. Ever! Get into the habit of leaving it in the glove compartment whenever you're out of the car. Use the smart card for unlocking / locking the car . The car's not vulnerable to theft because of the key - it's fitted with an immobiliser and unless it's unlocked with a member's card, it simply won't start.
Mobilising the immobiliser
You may never encounter the immobiliser, but if you leave the car unlocked without actually starting the engine, it may feel abandoned. To stop any old Tom, Dick or Henrietta driving off with it, the car's immobiliser will activate. You will detect this when you go to start the car...Turn the key, crank up the radio as the engine turns over.. Then, dismay, as it quietly dies out. Do it again. The same? Don't lose heart, it is the immobiliser! Turn the ignition off. Take your card and pass it over the reader on the windscreen. Try the ignition again. Relax, and you're on your way.
On the road
Each of our cars is different so consider taking a moment to meet yours before you drive (click here).
If a speed camera catches the car, DVLA and Commonwheels will identify the person with a booking at that time. Likewise parking tickets and any other penalties incurred during your booking will come back to you (remember parking tickets have a cheaper rate if paid within 14 days - it will take longer if you leave it to come through Commonwheels).
Don't use other car club bays to park your car during your booking - each is reserved for a specific vehicle.
If you have an accident, once everyone is safe and you've called the necessary emergency services, please contact Commonwheels. Use the in car computer or the members' number - 0845 4786396.
If you break down contact the recovery team, every car has roadside assistance with recovery to home - the number's in the car, on the rear side of the tax disc. Then please let Commonwheels know - use the computer or the members' number - 0845 478396.
Fuel
Please make sure the fuel tank is at least a quarter full before the end of your booking. Each car has a fuel card (accepted at all major fuel stations) so the bill goes straight to Commonwheels. The card is kept in its own slot in the 'user interface' of the in-car computer. When you go to pay with it just note the mileage before you go to the till. You can check the fuel that each car takes in our introductions (click here). If you pay yourself (perhaps you forget about the fuel card or it's not accepted) please keep the receipt, send it to Commonwheels and you'll be refunded.
Had enough?
If you went for a November hike up the Ridgeway and brought more than a little of the hills back with you on your boots, please take a moment to clean up. Most petrol stations have vacuums near their car wash. Leave the car as you would want to find it. If the next user notes the car to have been left unusually dirty you could be charged a cleaning fee.
Then just return the car to its marked bay (or it's well worn spot, in the case of the Campbell Road Zafira), remove your coat, bag and any other personal possessions. Remember to end the booking by pressing the button on the control box (this frees the car for the next user). When you turn the ignition off, its screen lights up so you can see which button to press. When you get out, swipe your smartcard over the reader to lock the car.
With all of the cars please take care to fold in wing mirrors where streets are narrow or parked on both sides. If you have to park on the pavement please do it considerately, encroaching as little as possible onto the path and please fold in the mirror on the pavement side too (lots of children's heads are wing mirror height). If the bay is taken (illegally) by someone else, park the car legally as nearby as you can and let Commonwheels know where you've had to leave it.
Then just walk away until next time and leave the responsibility of a car to someone else!
Paying
You will be sent an email about your statement each month. You can send a cheque, make an electronic transfer or set up a Direct Debit and Commonwheels will collect the amount due each month (if you pay by direct debit there is no need to give the insurance deposit of £150). Email info@commonwheels.org.uk to set up a DD or ask questions.