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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.
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
Winter tyres are less frequently used on British roads and there is no UK law on winter tyres, however, other countries have their own regulations when it comes to winter tyres.
Winter tyres 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 France: In France, when driving in most mountainous areas between November 1 and March 31, 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.
Winter tyres Germany: 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.
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. 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.
Yes, if the rental location you’re hiring from is in an area where it’s illegal to drive without winter tyres at certain times of year, the vehicle will automatically be supplied with them – and the fee will be included in your rental fee or contract.
We can also supply winter tyres for a fee. The level of fee will depend on where you’re renting. If you rent the vehicle for more than 10 days, you’ll only be charged for a maximum of 10 days and get to use the winter tyres for the duration of your rental, up to 28 days.
If any a winter tyre is damaged, lost or stolen, and if you are responsible for the damage, you will have to pay for a replacement pair.
In the event that your rental does not already contain winter tyres and you would like to have these tyres fitted, please notify us well in advance. If you need them at shorter notice, please call the Reservations team.
Not sure if you need all-weather tyres? Please ask a member of our team.
Yes, if the rental location you’re hiring from is in an area where it’s illegal to drive without snow chains or winter tyres at certain times of year, the vehicle will automatically be these and the fee will be included in your rental fee.
Please note that unfortunately we can’t fit snow chains for you, and we can’t arrange for them to be fitted. Not sure if you need snow chains? Please ask a member of our team.
Yes, some rental locations offer ski racks and charge varies between rental offices and countries. You’ll be charged once per rental and get to use the ski rack for the duration of your rental, up to 28 days. Ski racks can’t be fitted to all our vehicles, so you may need to upgrade if you need one. This may increase the price of the vehicle and any excess you have to pay. If the ski rack is damaged, lost or stolen, and if you are responsible for it, you’ll have to pay for a replacement. The costs of this are based on the replacement value. Please give us at least 24 hours’ notice if you want to hire a ski rack. If you need it at shorter notice, please call the Reservations team.
Here’s a handy summary of the rules for winter tyres and rules for snow chains across Europe.
Austria
Between 1 November and 15 April, it is mandatory to have winter tyres on all car wheels or snow chains on drive wheels. Outside these months the use of winter tyres can be mandatory too. Winter tyres must have a profile of minimum 4mm. Snow chains may be used when conditions require it: the road needs to be entirely covered in snow or black ice. The use of snow chains is not allowed in the Arlberg Tunnel.
Czech Republic
Winter tyres are mandatory between 1 November and 31 March. They need to have the M+S label (Mud & Snow) and a tread depth of minimum 4mm. During the winter months it is also mandatory to carry snow chains in your car. However, you are only allowed to use these in cases of black ice or snow.
Croatia
Winter tyres are mandatory in wintery conditions, need to have a profile of minimum 4mm and show the M+S label (Mud & Snow). Studded tyres are not permitted. Snow chains are mandatory in cases of black ice or when there is more than 5cm of snow.
Finland
Winter tyres are compulsory between 1 December and 1 March. Snow chains are allowed when weather circumstances require it.
France
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. 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 the mountain law is in force.
Germany
In wintry conditions, cars must have the appropriate winter equipment. In Germany, this also includes winter tyres, windscreen washer fluid and proper windscreen wipers. Under certain circumstances the use of snow chains can be mandatory (this will be signposted). The same rules apply to 4x4’s. When driving with snow chains, a speed limit of 50 km/h applies.
Italy
On mountain roads, the use of winter equipment (winter tyres and/or snow chains) can be mandatory. If this is the case, it will be signposted. In the Aosta Valley, winter tyres are compulsory between 15 October and 30 April.
Luxembourg
Winter tyres are mandatory between 1 October and 31 March. The recommended thread depth is 4 mm. Snow chains are allowed if there is ice or snow on the roads.
Norway
If wintery conditions require it, the car needs to have the appropriate winter equipment (winter tyres, snow chains or studded tyres). The tread depth has to be minimum 3mm. In cases of black ice or snow, snow chains are mandatory for cars with summer tyres.
Slovenia
Between 1 November and 15 April, it is mandatory to use winter tyres with a profile of minimum 3mm in wintery conditions. The use of studded tyres is not allowed. It is mandatory to carry snow chains in your vehicle if it doesn’t have winter tyres.
Slovakia
It is mandatory to use winter tyres with the M+S label (Mud & Snow) in cases of black ice or snow. The use of studded tyres is not allowed. During the winter months, it is mandatory to carry snow chains in your vehicle.
Sweden
Winter equipment (winter tyres, snow chains or studded tyres) is mandatory between 1 December and 1 April if the weather conditions require it. In cases of black ice or snow, the use of snow chains is allowed.
Switzerland
Although winter tyres are not compulsory, it is advisable to use them because you will be fined if you cause nuisance on the road. Snow chains are mandatory when road conditions require them (this will be signposted). When driving with snow chains, the speed limit is 50 km/h. The use of snow chains is not allowed in the Selisberg Tunnel, the St Gotthard Tunnel and the San Bernardino Tunnel.