How to prepare a rental car for winter trips?

Winter is a period that every driver remembers with trepidation and horror. After all, roads themselves are places of increased risk. And the "minus" on the thermometer, along with a large amount of precipitation, increase the danger several times. Therefore, most people who use not their own, but rented transport, prefer to abandon this idea until "warmer" times.

However, the winter period is not a reason to abandon transport, including rented ones. After all, rental companies that value their reputation carefully prepare their cars for the season. But how do they do it? And how to choose a car for rent in winter? What exactly should you pay attention to so as not to put yourself and others at risk? Let's figure it out!

The main aspects of preparing a car for winter

And although winter is considered a "dangerous" season for drivers, most people do not put their cars "on hold" in order to wait out the bad weather season. Moreover, they use every opportunity to use them in winter without risk, without losing comfort.

Winter tires: why are they needed?

At first glance, summer and winter car tires look identical. However, if you look closely, you will notice several differences:

1. The tread pattern. In winter tires, it is much deeper, and has a more complex and aggressive shape. In addition, winter tires may have spikes – all in order to provide better grip on a slippery winter road;
2. Actually, the rubber itself. A completely different material is used in winter wheels: in the manufacture of winter tires, more than 60 different components are used, which make the wheels softer and more resistant not only to low temperatures, but also to sharp temperature fluctuations;
3. Marking. Perhaps one of the most obvious "signals" that you have winter tires in front of you. Usually, manufacturers mark such products with a snowflake icon, in any form. A generally accepted but unspoken rule: if there is no corresponding icon on the surface, you have a summer tire.

Antifreeze and other technical fluids

Thanks to modern science, we know that a person is 70% liquid. But few people think that a car also functions thanks to fluids. And with the onset of cold weather, many of them can, if not freeze, then thicken, creating a risk of car failure. Therefore, as part of the preparation for the season, you should:

• Replace engine and transmission oils;
• Check the density of antifreeze;
• Replace the car's brake fluid;
• Fill in the appropriate windshield washer fluid.

It is also worth mentioning fuel: if you decide to rent a diesel car, refuel only with the appropriate "diesel fuel", since at -10 degrees Celsius it changes its composition and turns into paraffin.

Battery: how to avoid problems in the cold

To keep the battery in working condition, regardless of the temperature "overboard", it is enough to follow a few simple rules:

1. Periodically, clean the battery case and its ventilation holes from dust and dirt particles;
2. Treat the terminals with lithol or other means that prevent their oxidation;
3. Constantly make sure that the battery terminal bolts are securely tightened;
4. If there is none, provide the battery with additional thermal insulation (but not at the expense of flammable materials).

Also, a rather expensive but extremely useful accessory will be very appropriate - a jump starter (starter-charger), which will help you stay on the move even in a big minus.

Cleaning the car from snow and ice

The first thing you need to do is start the engine so that the car "starts" the windshield heating system and the "stove", which will help "breathe" from precipitation faster. The main accessory for the driver for the winter period is a special brush that will allow you to sweep away the "snow cap" from the outside.

Also, do not neglect special car chemicals that will help you get rid of the formed layer of ice on all surfaces of the car. And, for the sake of all that is holy: do not use "old-fashioned" methods on new cars, because most of them will lead to noticeable, rather unpleasant damage, which in the case of a rented car is doubly unpleasant.

Additional equipment for a safe trip

Since the world was covered by "automobilization", drivers have resorted to many tricks that formed the basis of accessories that greatly simplify the life of a motorist in the winter season. Let's talk about some of them.

Tire chains: when are they needed?

There are times when even the best and most expensive winter tires do not provide sufficient grip on snowy or icy roads. And it is at these moments thata special accessory comes into play - chains for wheels. Current manufacturers offer several products called "chains" at once:

1. Metal. A real "classic" that has repeatedly proven its effectiveness in hundreds of scenarios and situations. However, they have a significant drawback - weight, which makes it extremely difficult to install them on wheels;
2. Textile. Popularly called "snow socks". Cheaper and easier to use, but not as effective as metal counterparts, which is why they are recommended for use in "moderate" conditions;
3. Polymer. Flexible and lightweight, easy to operate and more durable than textile models. However, due to the properties of plastics, they cannot withstand extremely low temperatures.

Presence of a scraper, brush and windshield washer fluid

«Masthave» for every driver and mandatory items that most rental companies put in their cars before the winter period.

• Scraper. Allows you to clean the car window from ice, greatly facilitating preparation for departure;
• Brushes. They come in different sizes, which does not affect their purpose - to sweep snow from surfaces;
• Windshield washer fluids. «Summer» options, for the most part, do not have alcohol in their base, which is why they freeze at the slightest minus.

Car heater and other useful accessories

Even "older" cars include a heater, which is popularly called a "stove". However, it is he (especially in those "older" cars) who fails, which can cause serious discomfort to the driver and passengers. Fortunately, car accessory manufacturers have foreseen this problem and offer a large selection of "external" heaters that work from the «cigarette lighter».

In addition, despite everything described above, when preparing the car for winter, we recommend purchasing:

1. Tow rope;
2. Starter charger;
3. Battery charger;
4. Snow shovel.

How to choose a rental car for winter conditions?

When choosing a car for rent in winter, it is worth remembering the climate characteristics of the region where you are renting the car. And remember a few important points.

Which cars are best for winter trips?

The general criteria for the ideal car for winter are:

1. Wide winter tires;
2. High ground clearance;
3. Availability of all-wheel drive;
4. Additional features such as ABS, etc.

Also, when choosing a car, pay attention to:

• Engine type. For winter trips, the best option would be cars with gasoline engines;
• Car class. Ideally, it should be an all-wheel drive crossover or SUV (for driving out of town) or a hatchback (for the city);
• Gearbox. In icy conditions, the ability to better control the car is provided by the "mechanics".

All-wheel drive or front-wheel drive: what to choose?

In the winter, when the roads are covered with snow or ice, having all-wheel drive will be a significant advantage. However, it is worth remembering that the cost of renting such cars can be much higher, and your budget is not always unlimited. Therefore, front-wheel drive is a completely normal decision. However, make sure that the lessor has properly prepared the car for the season.

Insurance: what should be included in winter?

The most important point in the "winter" policy " is compensation for damage from natural phenomena. Blizzard, falling icicles or "snow cap" from houses, and even a banal "falling into" a car with snow can lead to significant damage.

Also, some insurance companies have the option "protection against accidents on slippery roads". And it is this that is able to cover most of the costs that arise as a result of accidents in the winter period, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.

In any case, remember that winter is a period of increased risk. Therefore, monitor the preparation of the car, do not be distracted from driving and travel with pleasure!