The majority of regular (unleaded) fuel in the USA comes from the BLACK handled pump and Diesel from the GREEN one.  This is the opposite to most European fuel stations.  There are some exceptions though (BP are the same as Europe for example) so pay attention.

When you purchase fuel you will need to select what 'grade' you would like.  This differs from Europe but don't be alarmed - pick up the gasoline (usually a black handle) and press the lower number (87ron).  It won't matter if you press the higher numbers - it will just cost a little more per gallon and the car might feel a little more responsive.  you can't hurt it...unless you put diesel in a petrol car...let's not do that.

One of the best contributions to motoring that the USA has come up with!  Unless there is a sign specifically denying your right to turn on a red light (or there is a crossing with pedestrians on it or a school bus parked blocking the turn) you are free to signal and creep round the corner once you have come to a complete stop.

Ethanol free fuel is generally used in equipment that may be stood for a while with gas left in the tank - boats, lawncare equipment etc.  Regular fuel can be blended with ethanol by up to 10% and whilst it may improve gas milage it does have water absorbing properties.  As you can imaging, if you left regular gas in a tank for any length of time and water accumulates it isn't good news for your engine!  You won't damage your car by mistakingly putting ethanol free gas in it but you will pay a premium for it.

Most vehicles come equipped with mobile phone connectivity (CarPlay / Android Auto) so we don't force aftermarket alternatives on you.  We also don't think you should be upsold for something you can get for free anyway!  While you might not plan on using your mobile/cell data whilst on vacation you can actually use offline mapping features for free.  There are many apps available that will let you download a map of Florida prior to traveling and when you arrive you can access that map and use the built in phones gps to plan your routes - no data charges!  For Apple devices something like MAPS:ME.  If you really get stuck though and want a separate GPS unit just let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.

In the US it's common practice to pay for fuel upfront.  This is either done with cash or by swiping a card.  For americans this is pretty straight forward as they can swipe their US issued credit cards at the pump and just fill up but for international travelers you may have to approach this differently.

First option is pay in store with cash.  Easy..... you just have to guess how much you want!  Not an issue if you are just topping up $10 here and there but what if you need to fill the tank ready for the vehicle to be returned?  Far easier to just be able to pump what you need and pay for it.

To do this you will need to go into the store and tell them you need to fill up on pump X and could they swipe your card.  They will take a swipe of the card and release the pump for you.  You then fill up and return to the store to finalize your transaction (don't forget your receipt).

It is a pain and more and more service stations are accepting foreign cards as tap-and-pay becomes more popular.  You can try swiping your card at the pump but usually you will be asked to enter your billing zip code - which of course you don't have.

The US prefers 4-way stops to roundabouts.  First thing to do is check on your approach what kind of stop it is.  At a four way intersection it may say 2-way stop or 4-way stop (under the stop sign).  A 2-way stop implies that there is a priority lane that you are crossing or turning into and traffic on that lane wont stop.  Basically this is a 'Give Way' scenario.

A 4-way stop though has some driver etiquette attached.  As you approach make sure you watch the other cars arriving at the stop from other lanes.  Rule is - whoever stops first - goes, then whoever arrived second, third etc...  Basically take your turn.

The biggest complaint europeans have about driving in the US is that they get cut up all the time.  What you have to remember is that Americans are taught to drive differently from Europeans.  In Europe people are told to leave a safe braking gap between cars and that gap is respected by other drivers.  In the US though this is not the case and a gap is seen as a 'free' space that is ok to be filled.  Obviously some common sense needs to be applied - the gap has to be substantial enough for your vehicle to fit without causing the person behind to swerve or brake!

This becomes more obvious when traffic is merging.  The US uses a 'zipper' system when traffic (and space) is crowded i.e. everyone lets one car enter in front of them that is trying to merge so the traffic never stops moving.  That's the theory anyway!

The best advice is to remember that US drivers aren't being rude when they cut in - that's how it's done here so take a deep breath and just calmly keep going.