The Ultimate Winter Car Hire Guide: Tips & Recommendations

It may seem a long way away but planning your winter holidays is a good idea, even though we are in the sunny summer season. So what are the essential things you will need when facing the ice and snow of ski resorts or mountaineering hot spots? In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the key considerations to be aware of when driving in winter and hiring a car in winter.

Winter Driving Tips: Before You Set off

Before heading off for some winter driving, firstly take care of those windows to keep visibility with anti-freeze wiper fluid which clears the windows of ice and leaves them crystal clear. This, of course, can be combined with an ice scraper and brush to get to those really tough chunks of ice that can ruin our perspective as we drive.

In terms of wider visibility and interior dryness, a handy gadget to get rid of dampness and moisture is a car dehumidifier, leave it in the car overnight and find the soggy interior transformed back to a more amenable cleanliness and dryness.

And as in any time of year, but in the bleak winter especially, you must make sure your tyre pressure is good. Just in case it is wise to take a tire inflator to have at hand. When choosing your Indigo hire car you may want to select an anti-locking brake system (ABS) which aims to prevent your car from skidding when you brake suddenly. With ABS you are less likely to lose control of the steering.

Hire a car with a GPS system or sat nav as this will not only dictate your route during your winter driving trip but will also highlight both traffic and weather conditions. Regardless, when setting off for your drive during the winter, given the at times severe winter weather it is imperative to allow extra time for your journey, no need for the anxiety and stress of dashing to your destination only to be blighted by the elements.

General driving tips still apply before setting off on your winter driving adventures, though they should be given extra attention in treacherous conditions. These include:
- Checking all lights and brakes are working
- Make sure you’ve got a full tank of petrol and oil and water levels are good
- Always bring a first-aid kit
- Bring a torch with spare batteries in case you run into trouble, as the nights are longer in winter
- Jumper cables are a godsend if the battery dies out and the lower the gauge the thicker they are
- Be sure to have a portable or in-car phone charger and make sure your phone is fully charged
- Sunglasses aren’t just summer fashion accessories, they will prevent snow blindness and eliminate glare
- Pack a shovel. These can be bought cheaply and allow you to dig your way out if you run into snow issues!
- Bring a warning triangle and hi-vis jacket in case of a roadside emergency
- A tow rope is still legal in the UK but the maximum distance between the two cars is 4.5metres and nylon is preferable for its elasticity and resistance to water
Take a look at our further guide on the top 5 essential items for winter driving to learn more about what you need to bring with you before you head off.

What Cars Are Best for Winter Driving?

All-wheel drive vehicles may be able to manoeuvre you out of some tricky snowed-over predicaments and increase the speed with ease on slick surfaces. But AWD does not outperform two-wheel-drive vehicles fitted with all-season tyres. So when choosing a 4×4 hire make sure it has winter tires to make the most of the way it handles ice and snow.

While renting an SUV may be the immediate temptation if you’re hiring a car in winter, they may not be the best choice if you are more used to a sedan. Of course, SUVs may seem sexier for the discerning driver, but sedans may win on safety, fuel economy, drivability and budget. So don’t let your mid-life crisis demand the satisfaction of an SUV unless you have the time and patience to steer the beast!

Regardless, winter tyres, snow chains or snow socks will need to be considered on your vehicle. These are included in Indigo’s rental price except where snow and ice are not the norm, then charged when you pick up the key.

A lot of this is also country-dependent. We’ve detailed a further blog on winter condition driving per country, so make sure to explore more there.

Winter Driving Tips When On The Road

It is basic common sense but watch your speed. This applies even more to winter driving. Make sure you go slow in the snow! Keep a look ahead for patches of ice or snow, especially black ice which you will notice due to its glossiness.

Make sure you increase your following distance and allow more space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. The stopping distance on icy roads is longer, so maintain a safe distance to avoid collisions. Use gentle pressure on the brakes and accelerator to avoid skidding. If your vehicle has antilock brakes (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal in emergencies.

If your vehicle starts to skid, steer in the direction you want to go without overcorrecting. Gently ease off the gas and brakes until you regain control.

We’ve detailed a further list of common driving hazards while driving in winter in a separate blog piece.

What If I Run Into Trouble While Driving in Winter?

If you have to stop unexpectedly due to an emergency or otherwise and are struggling to get the vehicle out of a snowy inconvenience, de-icing salt can be used to create a track out of the trap. If stranded make sure you bring warm clothes, a hat, scarf and gloves and a snug blanket to cuddle up in. Strong gripping boots will enable you to walk on the snowy or icy surface. Snacks, water and a hot flask will make the isolation a bit more bearable until you can get help.

Make sure you have Indigo’s number handy in case of emergency as well as the region’s emergency code and let a friend or neighbour know you have had an incident too.

If you have to pull over unexpectedly, place your warning triangle 45metres (150foot) behind the stranded car, and put on warning lights. Use emergency flares in high-risk conditions

So that is your guide to winter car journey essentials for winter trips without tears!

Looking for further inspiration when it comes to driving in winter? Check out these blog posts:

Rich Jevons was first published in the Yorkshire Post at the tender age of fifteen. After graduating at University of Humberside, Rich covered the visual and performing arts for a wide range of regional, national and international magazines, journals and newspapers. He has interviewed the likes of Patrick Stewart, Colin Baker and Christopher Eccleston. Currently, he is writing copy on road trips around the world, all from his office in Wortley, Leeds