Winter driving essentials : Tips for renting a car in winters

Car rentals in winter are always a go-to option for people preferring to travel in winter. Renting a car in winter provides ease and comfort to travel and conveniently escape the chilled winters outside.

However, you must take care while renting a car in winter, as it has its challenges and difficulties while travelling in extreme cold regions. One must make sure that the person driving the car should be an experienced one, whether self-booked or rented a car with the driver.

Here are some of the essential tips for ensuring a safe and enjoyable winter trip after renting a car in winters:

Winter driving essentials: Tips for renting a car in winter

1. Choosing the right vehicle

Choosing the right vehicle while renting a car in winter can prove to be a total boon to travellers. When renting a car in winter, opt for a vehicle which has features suitable for winter driving.

Ensure that you look out for cars that have all-wheel drive (AWD) and wheel drive (4WD) systems which provide better traction over slippery areas. One can confirm with travel agencies whether the car is equipped with winter tyres for enhanced and efficient grip in snowy and icy weather conditions.

2. Check weather conditions

Before you start your journey during the winter, stay updated on the weather conditions of the place you are travelling to. Sudden snowstorms, hazily conditions, freezing rain and icy conditions can hamper your journey.

Plan your trip accordingly after properly reviewing the weather conditions and be prepared to adjust your scheduled trip if needed to avoid the extreme weather conditions for safety purposes.

3. Inspect the car rentals

When renting a car in winter, thoroughly examine the car's conditions before accepting it. Check for any existing damage and defects and ensure that all the safety features are intact and are properly working.

Check mainly for the headlights, taillights, brakes, and defrosters and familiarize yourself with the car equipment and the working of essential controls including the windshield, wipers, heaters and emergency lights.

4. Plan for daytime driving

Make sure you choose daytime for your travel as daytime travel makes it much easier for eyes to forecast the roads, look out for help and avoid risks associated with nighttime travel. When renting a car in winter, daytime travel should be your top priority. In winter the days are shorter and the nights are longer and driving in the dark makes it much more challenging.

Daytime travel reduces the risks associated with navigating the icy and snow-covered routes to travel. If nighttime travel is unavoidable, do check the working conditions of the headlights, taillights and emergency lights.

5. Install winter tyres

Many car renting companies have already winter tyres installed for safety purposes, yet, when renting a car in winter, one should check whether the same are installed or not. If the tires are not installed you can request the car booking company to consider the same and get it installed.

Winter tyres help to create better traction between the tyres and the icy and snowy roads making the travel easier and safer thereby reducing the risk of skidding.

6. Drive cautiously

Adjust your driving behaviour according to the climatic conditions and conditions of the roads. Drive cautiously, at a slower speed, increase your following distance, and avoid sudden movements and turns.

Be gentle on the brakes and have your hold on the accelerator to prevent the vehicle from skidding. Use lower gears when descending hills to maintain control.

7. Stay Informed

When renting a car in winter, make sure that you stay informed about the weather and road conditions from any local or advisory authorities. Many websites have apps and websites that provide you with a real-time update. Make sure you have the correct information about such websites.

One can keep checking these platforms regularly to stay updated on the decisions that can be made based on the potential climatic conditions.

8. Carry winter essentials

Make sure you pack all the winter essentials when renting a car in winter. Do remember to pack the winter essentials along with some car essentials like a snow shovel, ice scraper, windshield, washer fluid, jumper cables, blankets, warm jackets, flashlights and mufflers. These items can save you from being cold as well as can come in handy during a car breakdown or to clear the road hurdles if any.

9. Monitor Fluid levels

When renting a car in winter, check and maintain the essential fluid levels regularly, including oil, antifreeze levels, and windshield washer fluid. Extreme cold temperatures can affect the levels of these fluids and hence ensuring that the levels are proper will contribute to the overall efficiency of the car.

10. Return the car cleaned up

When renting a car in winter, people usually take care of all the things essential for going on a trip yet forget the most essential thing which is to clean up the car and return a clean and tidy car to the rental company. Cleaning up car not only clears up the clogged snow, it also helps the rental company to provide a clean car to the next renter.

Conclusion:

Renting a car in winter makes the journey easier to stay away from getting ill and searching all over for transportation. Renting a car also requires careful consideration and pre-preparation. Choosing the right vehicle, taking care of weather conditions, staying updated, taking precautions, and carrying all the driving essential makes the journey comfortable and safe.