7 Tips for Driving a Rental Cars And Truck in the Snow

Last Updated on February 6, 2023 by Kristin

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Traveling this winter? There’s nothing cozier than watching snow come down outside, until you have to hit the road. Driving in the snow can be stressful, especially if you are not used to it. However, there are several things you can do to prepare for these conditions. Here are some top tips for driving in the snow.

Make sure your rental car is prepared for snow

If you plan to drive in wintry conditions, make sure your rental car is prepared to handle the snow. Make sure the vehicle’s brake pads, batteries, wiper blades and lights are in good condition. Be sure you have sufficient windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze.

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Renting a car in a region that gets significant snowfall? Make sure the car has winter tires that improve traction in icy or wet conditions. You can identify all-season tires because they have “M+S” (for mud and snow) molded onto the side of the tire. Tires rated for “severe snow” are embossed with the symbol of a three-peaked mountain with a snowflake inside.

In addition to making sure the car is well-maintained and has the proper tires, make sure you have essentials for winter travel. These include a tool with a brush for wiping off snow and scraping off ice, a shovel in case you get stuck in the snow, a car emergency kit and spare tire.

Rent an AWD or 4WD vehicle

You might think that 4WD rental cars would be easy to find, but it can actually be difficult to reserve one. Here are some tips:

Larger SUV classes are more likely to have 4WD/AWD. We recommend booking at least a standard SUV, since many compact and intermediate SUVs are 2WD.
Rent from an airport location boosts your chances of finding a 4WD since airport locations usually have larger selections of vehicles.
Rent from a top-tier brand increases the likelihood of snagging a 4WD/AWD model. The big brands tend to have better selections and can pull vehicles from sister companies if needed.
Sign up for the rental company’s loyalty program is worthwhile since it may give you a bit more clout for vehicle selection.
Audi on Demand’s fleet is comprised entirely of Audi AWD vehicles.
Rent a Jeep. All the major rental car companies offer them in their fleets. They typically use language like “Jeep Wrangler or similar” to avoid guaranteeing that you will get a specific make and model. Your best bet is to select a Jeep when you reserve the vehicle, and then call ahead of pickup to confirm that you will in fact get one.

Defrost and clean your vehicle before driving

If your car is parked outside your hotel and becomes covered in snow, give yourself ample time to clean and defrost the vehicle before heading out. While this can be a pain when in a hurry, cleaning your car well is essential to make sure that you can see outside the windshield and that snow doesn’t fall and obstruct your view while driving. The first step to cleaning a car is to turn the vehicle on and put the vehicle in defrost mode, which can take several minutes to fully activate. Before driving away, make sure your windshield wipers are free of ice and move back and forth as they should.

Drive carefully in snowy weather

If it’s snowing, you’ll want to cut your speed and drive with added caution to avoid losing control of the car. Put extra space between you and other vehicles, as it can take longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions. Avoid making sudden movements and accelerating or decelerating too quickly, which can cause skidding.

Know how to stop skids

Icy and slippery road conditions are common once the snow starts to fall, which may cause your car to skid if you brake suddenly. If you lose control of the vehicle, it’s important to let off the gas and the brakes and, as this educational video shows, steer “into” the slide.

Know your brakes

Most modern-day vehicles have anti-lock braking systems that allow you to keep steering while also trying to stop the car, which can help greatly in winter conditions. If you really need to make an emergency stop in a car with an anti-lock braking system, press down on the brake as hard as possible while also having the ability to steer. ABS brakes make a vibrating sound, which means they are working properly.

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Stay off the road in poor weather conditions

A bit of light snow doesn’t necessarily have to derail your road trip. But if the weather report calls for poor visibility and long periods of snowfall, the best option is to just hole up in your hotel. Don’t rush; make sure to give yourself enough time to get to the airport or reserved restaurant table.

Related:

How to Drive a Rental Car in Snow and Ice
What to Know About Colorado’s New Traction Laws and Car Rentals

The post 7 Tips for Driving a Rental Car in the Snow appeared first on AutoSlash.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to rent a car in Europe?

You must be 21 to drive legally in most European countries. You may be able to rent a car from an adult, usually over 25, if you're under 18. However, the age limit for renting cars varies depending on where you live. Some places allow you to rent a vehicle without age restrictions.

What is the best road trip in Europe?

You should take the time to stop and explore along your route, not just speeding from one place to another.

Although there are many beautiful roads in Europe, none are as stunning as the route between Venice & Dubrovnik.

You'll find yourself driving through spectacular scenery for much of the journey, and there are plenty of stops along the way to take in all the sights.

The highlights include the islands of Lido di Jesolo and Torcello on Lake Garda, the Dolomites and Lake Como in northern Italy, and the walled medieval city of Carcassonne in southern France.

Can you rent a car in one European country and return it to another?

It would make travelling easier if you could rent cars across multiple countries and have them return to the place they were rented.

This is not practical, however, as many people aren't willing to pay more for additional mileage. Rent-a-car agencies usually charge a lot more to return the vehicle to a place other than where it was rented.

If you don't plan to travel often, it might be better not to choose one country.

Who is the best car rental company in the USA?

Hertz's customer service is unparalleled. They are always willing to help you find the best vehicle for your situation. They have a large selection of vehicles available in all major cities and offer excellent deals. You can rent for as little as $10 per day.

Hertz also offers airport drop-off and pick-up services for free, as well as 24-hour roadside help and an entire line of accessories to keep you safe while driving around town.

Check out the Hertz website if you are looking for a high-quality car rental experience.

Do I need separate car coverage to drive in Europe?

You may want to consider adding coverage for other drivers if you drive abroad.

This is because it is possible for different rules to govern who is liable in case of an accident between two vehicles from different countries.

If you are considering taking out additional cover, be sure to carefully read the small print.

Check to see if your policy covers overseas travel. This is often called an "extended warranty" and it might be cheaper to purchase it separately.

Which is the best place to rent a vehicle?

Most people rent cars at airports, rental agencies, or hotels.

Use online travel sites such Expedia and Priceline to find the closest airport location.

If local rental companies have locations near where you live, they might be worth your consideration. These are often more affordable and simpler than booking directly with an airline.

Consider using public transportation if renting a car in a shorter period of time than two weeks. A city-wide bus pass allows unlimited use within a designated area.

Renting a convertible might be possible for parents who are traveling with young children. Some prefer them for the extra protection they offer their children.

With a US driving license, can you rent a car anywhere in Europe?

It depends on where you are going. If you are going to France, for example, you can rent cars there but not if you want to go to Italy because they don't accept US driver's licenses.

Statistics

You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.com)
If you're a member of AAA, you might also be able to snag discounts of 10 percent at Thrifty, and 8 percent at Dollar. (afar.com)
I'd say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)
In 2019, the most crucial factor is the cost and fees of the rental (accounting for 28% of overall satisfaction with the rental experience), followed by the rental car itself at 25% and the pick-up process at 23%. (cnet.com)
Save up to 30% on your rental car in Europe when you book with us today. (autoeurope.com)

External Links

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How To

How to book a rental car

What should I look for before renting a vehicle?

These are some things to consider if you plan on renting a car.

There are many options for cars: small, medium, large and minivans.
The type of vehicle will determine the rental cost. Smaller vehicles are cheaper than larger vehicles. Renting starts at $15 per Day.
You will also be charged an additional fee depending on how long you lease the vehicle.
Additional fees may apply to vehicles that are rented out.
You can rent a car to go anywhere at any time of the day. However, you will have to be aware of some restrictions. You cannot rent a car in rush hour.
You should ensure that the car you choose is within your budget. It is also important to check whether the car features air conditioning. This is extremely useful in hot weather.
Reserve a certain type of car in advance if it is important to you. Some people do not realize they require one until the last moment.
Rental cars come with many safety features. It is recommended that you have a first aid kit and blanket in case of an emergency.
Consider adding a collision damage waiver on your rental. It is optional but it can save you money on your insurance.
You can request special needs during your reservation process or upon arrival if you have special needs.
Take your luggage and your ID with you to the airport.
Keep alert while driving. Concentrate on your driving and avoid distractions.
If you are in an accident, call the police immediately.
After you have used the car for a while, you must return it to us. You will be fined if you do not.

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