Winter car equipment for hire
Heading to the mountains? We've got everything you need to drive safely in cold weather, including snow tyres, snow chains and ski racks.
Winter car equipment for hire
If you're heading to certain parts of Europe during the winter, particularly to ski and snowboarding destinations, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is equipped for the conditions. Driving safely in the winter means negotiating changeable weather and road conditions along with longer hours of darkness. It also means keeping an eye on your speed and driving more cautiously as roads can be challenging, especially if you're not used to dealing with snow and ice.
If you're hiring a car in wintry conditions, you’ll want to set off with the peace of mind that comes from selecting a vehicle from our modern and well-maintained fleet with all the checks in place before you hit the road. Plus, you can be safe in the knowledge that Avis has all the equipment needed to help drivers stay safe on icy and snowy roads in sub-zero temperatures. That includes winter tyres that are designed to give additional grip conditions as well as helping to disperse water to help reduce the risk of aquaplaning through snow melt or surface water.
In more severe conditions, snow chains are the next step up especially where there is a risk of getting stuck in deep snow. Snow chains can be carried in your hire car ready for you to fit when the conditions get tough to maximise traction. Also bear in mind that in some countries, winter equipment including winter tyres and snow chains are mandatory. In Scandinavia for instance, winter tyres are required from December through to March. Your trusted Avis team can advise you of the requirements in your chosen location.
As well as putting your winter safety equipment in place, if you're booking your hire car with us for a ski holiday, you might want to factor in hiring ski or snowboard racks to carry your skiing gear.
Avis rental stations have a ready supply of snow tyres, snow chains and ski/snowboard racks to help make your journey that much easier and safer. You can book snow tyres, snow chains and ski/snowboard racks all year round, or add to an existing booking, by calling our reservations hotline. Please note, these products are not available in UK destinations.
Winter tyres: benefits, types and cost
Winter tyres are essential for safe driving in extreme conditions when the challenges of driving in ice and snow require improved traction and braking distances. Winter tyres offer better control and handling in icy conditions when roads might be prone to black ice or other seasonal hazards like standing water, leaves or mud. Winter tyres are designed to work best in temperatures below 7 degrees as the softer compounds within the tyres retain elasticity and grip as the thermometer plunges.
Winter tyres are designated with a 3 peak mountain symbol. They differ from standard, all-season tyres as they have a deeper tread and tread pattern designed to deflect water. Grooves known as sipes in the tyre add additional traction and there are different designs for use depending on the conditions, whether that’s driving over dry powdery snow or navigating ice and snow melt or mud.
Mud and snow tyres, designated with an M+S symbol are rugged tyres with deeper grooves than winter tyres and are designed to operate most effectively in temperatures warmer than 7 degrees. The depth of their grooves make them less suitable for heavy snow as they can get clogged up.
Winter tyres are necessary in many countries across Europe and required by law during certain times of the year. In some locations, winter tyres are fitted automatically free of charge, others may charge a fee.
Legal requirements for winter tyres
Different countries have different requirements when it comes to winter equipment for your car. Here is a breakdown of the rules by location:
Winter tyres in the UK
When there is a cold snap or in parts of the UK prone to prolonged snow fall, you might consider winter tyres are helpful. Drivers in upland areas of the north of England and Wales often choose to fit winter tyres. While there is higher demands for winter tyres in Scotland, where snowy winters are expected, it is still not a legal requirement to fit winter tyres.
Winter Tyres in Western and Southern Europe
In France, when driving in most mountainous areas between 1 November and 31 March, all drivers must store snow chains in their vehicle or have winter tyres fitted. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in a fine and the immobilisation of the vehicle. We recommend that you check in advance whether your travel itinerary includes one or more road sections where this French mountain driving law is in force.
In Germany winter tyres must be fitted by law when there is ice and snow on the ground. During the winter season (15 November to 15 March), our rental vehicles hired in Germany are all equipped with winter tyres as standard. The fee for this is already included in the rental price, but please also check before you travel.
From 15 November to 15 April, most provinces in Italy require vehicles to be equipped with winter tyres or to carry a set of snow chains suitable for the specific rental vehicle. If your chosen rental location is in one of these areas, we will add snow chains to your booking for you. However, if you prefer to use your own, you can remove this option when selecting extras. In addition, all Avis rental cars in Group N come with winter tyres. We recommend checking in advance whether your planned route includes any road sections where this requirement applies.
Winter Tyres in Scandinavia
Regulations in Denmark mean that when driving on roads covered by snow, ice or slush, vehicles must be equipped with winter-approved tyres. Avis recommends that all customers book winter tyres during periods when temperatures may fall below 7°C. Winter-approved tyres must be pre-booked to guarantee availability at the time of pick-up. These tyres can be added during the booking process at a cost of up to DKK 125 per day. If you rent the vehicle for more than 10 days, you will only be charged for a maximum of 10 days and may use the tyres for the entire rental period (up to 30 days). Please note that if the winter-approved tyre option is declined, the renter is solely responsible for any fines or penalties incurred for driving with unsuitable tyres in winter conditions. If you are unsure whether your rented vehicle meets the applicable requirements, please contact us before starting your journey.
When driving in Norway during the winter months, you must have tyres that provide good grip on snow and ice. This usually means using proper winter tyres from 1 November to around 1 April, as conditions can be challenging. In northern parts of the country, winter conditions often last longer, and drivers may need winter tyres from mid-October. All our rental cars come with winter tyres as standard throughout the winter season, so you can enjoy a safe and comfortable drive without worrying about tyre rules or changing weather conditions.
In Sweden, winter tyres are required from 1 December to 31 March or when wintry road conditions exist, such as snow, ice or frost on the road. Studded tyres are allowed from 1 October to 15 April, but note that they are banned on certain central streets in Stockholm. All our rental cars are equipped with winter tyres throughout the winter season, so you can drive safely without worrying about tyre rules or changing weather.
Normal vs Winter Tyres
Snow chains for tyres
Snow chains for tyres are lengths of steel-linked chain that wrap around a car’s tyres to increase traction in heavy snow and on black ice. They can also aid stability in wintry conditions where existing standard tyres are fitted to the car. However, snow chains can only be used on snow covered roads - if they are driven over cleared or gritted tarmac, there is a risk of damage to both the tyres and the road surface.
Snow chains are designed in a range of configurations including ladders (that are rectangular and look like a ladder when laid out), diagonal or diamond shapes that form a net over the tyre. There is a different technique for attaching each type of snow chain. Snow chains need to be fitted to all 4 of the car’s tyres and if you are hiring a car and carrying snow chains, you’re advised to practice fitting them to the car in clear conditions in case of sudden snow fall or if conditions change during your drive.
A number of countries in Europe make carrying snow chains for cars mandatory in mountainous regions. These include the need to carry snow chains in the boot of the car in parts of France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Austria and Andorra. In some countries, heavy fines can be issued for not carrying snow chains.
Snow socks can be an alternative to snow chains in certain circumstances. They are fabric coverings that are fitted to tyres to increase traction and stability on the road. Like snow chains they should only be used in snowy conditions. The benefit of snow socks is that they are quick and easy to fit and are compatible with ABS and ESP electronic safety systems.
Tyre chains for snow are available to rent at certain branches. They can be reserved during the booking process but the option to book is only available at participating branches. Prices vary between countries.
Ski and snowboard racks
Ski and snowboard racks for cars are a great piece of winter car kit designed to carry your skiing equipment on your car roof keeping your skis and snowboards safe and stable during your drive. and freeing up space inside the car.
A ski rack for your car is just one of the winter car accessories offered by Avis that might be come in handy for your trip to the mountains.
Snowboards can also be fitted to our magnetic ski racks.
Available at selected Avis branches, racks can be reserved during the booking process but the option to book is only available at participating branches. Prices vary between countries.
If you want more information on our winter kit for cars or need to add your ski or snowboard rack to an existing booking, just call our reservations hotline.
Winter car equipment FAQs
While winter tyres may be helpful in parts of the UK, they are not required by law.
There are more requirments to bear in mind when visiting Europe. Winter tyres are mandatory in Germany over the winter period. In France, all drivers must store snow chains in their vehicle or have winter tyres fitted in most mountainous areas between November 1 and March 31.
Snow tyres and winter tyres are the same thing but today are more commonly known as winter tyres as they offer benefits in all extreme wintry conditions especially on slippery road surfaces at temperatures below 7°C.
It is recommended to put winter tyres on your car when temperatures fall below 7°C.
