Useful tips for traveling with a rented car during winter

Winter means cold air, ice and snow. Even if snow is one of the most important reasons for your trip in the cold season, it also involves a number of risks, especially for drivers.

Here are some useful tips that can help you enjoy a safe trip with a rented car!

1. Wait for the authorities to remove the snow from the roads. Fresh snow on the roads can be extremely dangerous.
2. Consider allocating extra time to reach your destination when renting a car. During winter, we should always expect delays due to snow. It is recommended to drive carefully, below the speed limit (for your own safety).
3. It is important to stay focused and alert while driving, especially in winter, when roads might not be so easy to drive on. If you are travelling with passengers, avoid conversations that can distract you, turn off the music and don’t even think about touching your mobile phone.
4. Keep your ice scraper with you. Your headlamps, windows and windshields must always be clean.
5. Keep the headlights on, even during the day, to improve visibility as much as possible.
6. When the roads are covered with ice and snow, keep a larger distance between you and the car in front of you. Never drive too close to the other cars.
7. Do not use the automatic pilot function, if your rented car has this option.
8. Trust your instinct. If you feel that the rented car cannot effectively cope with heavy weather conditions, return it immediately and don’t take unnecessary risks. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
9. Check the antifreeze if you rent the car for a longer period of time. Ensure that the radiator has enough antifreeze.
10. If you are going to rent the car for a long time, it is recommended to wash it regularly. Thus, you will keep the car in good condition and you will have good visibility when driving. Salt used to melt ice on roads can corrode the metal of the car, leaving it damaged. In addition, snow and ice accumulated on wheels can be very dangerous.
11. When you go on a rented car trip, it’s recommended to keep an emergency. The winter driving kit should contain: an AM / FM radio with batteries, bedsheets, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, food and water, a snow shovel, a windscreen scraper, an extra set of dry clothes including gloves and an extra pair of boots.
12. When renting a car for long journeys, choose a reliable car for long winter trips. If your car is old or not in good condition, it is in your best interest to use a safe, adequate car from a car rental company.
13. Bring a pair of sunglasses with you; snow and sunshine can impact your visibility.
14. Choose the right car – Manual transmission cars are an excellent choice for roads covered with snow and ice. If you’re planning a trip to the mountains, it would be recommended to rent a 4 × 4 car.