How do you drive a rental car safely on snow and ice?

What should you check before driving a rental car in winter?

You can't choose the tires on a rental, so check what you've been given before you leave the lot:

• Tires. Look for decent tread. If they look worn, ask for another car.
• Wipers and washer fluid. Streaky wipers or an empty washer tank are a real danger in road salt and slush.
• Lights. All of them, front and back.
• An ice scraper. Most rentals don't come with one. Buy one at the first gas station.
• Photos. Take photos of the car all round. Winter grime hides scratches, and you don't want to pay for someone else's damage later.

If you're heading into the mountains, ask the counter for an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle. Many companies don't let you guarantee one, so ask on the day and check what you've got before you leave.

Can you put snow chains on a rental car?

Often not. Many rental agreements don't allow snow chains, because chains can damage the car. Some states and mountain passes require chains or a 4WD vehicle when controls are in force. Check your agreement and ask the counter before you head into chain-control areas. If chains aren't allowed, plan a route or a day that avoids the storm.

How should you drive on snow and ice?

• Slow down. Speed limits are for dry roads.
• Leave a big gap. Stopping distances can be many times longer on ice.
• Be gentle. Smooth steering, gentle braking and slow acceleration keep the tires gripping.
• Use lower gears on hills. Most automatic rentals have a low or manual mode. Use it on long downhill stretches.
• Watch bridges and shaded spots. They freeze first.

How do you brake on ice with ABS?

Most modern rental cars have anti-lock brakes (ABS). Press the pedal firmly and keep pressing. You'll feel the pedal pulse and hear a grinding noise. That's normal. Don't pump the brakes, and keep steering where you want to go.

What do you do if the car starts to skid?

Stay calm and take your foot off the gas. Don't slam the brakes.

• If the back of the car slides out, steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Be ready to straighten up as the car recovers.
• If the front doesn't turn and the car keeps going straight, ease off the gas and wait for the tires to grip again before you steer more.

When should you not drive at all?

If there's a winter storm warning, freezing rain or roads are closed, wait. Check the state's road conditions before you set off, stick to main roads that are plowed and salted, and tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive.

What if you get stuck or slide off the road?

Stay with the car if it's safe. It's shelter, and it's easier for rescuers to find. Turn on your hazard lights. If you run the engine for heat, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow and open a window slightly to avoid carbon monoxide.

Call the rental company's roadside assistance. The number is usually on the key tag, the rental agreement or a sticker in the car. Then report any damage to the rental company as soon as you can. See breakdowns and accidents.

How OneCall helps with winter rentals

Before you book, your agent can point you to the car class most likely to come with all-wheel drive, and check the rules on chains and travel into the mountains. If you're stuck, damaged or snowed in and need to extend, call us. We'll deal with the rental company while you stay safe. Advice is free, and if anything costs money, you hear the price first.

Questions people ask

Do rental cars come with winter tires?

Usually not in most of the US. They normally come with all-season tires. Some locations in snowy areas offer winter tires or AWD cars, so ask when you book.

Can I guarantee a 4WD rental?

Often you can only book a class, such as a standard SUV, not a specific drivetrain. Ask at the counter and check the car before you leave.

Who pays if I slide into a ditch?

It depends on the cover you have: the rental company's damage waiver, your own auto insurance or your credit card's benefits. Call us and we'll help you work out where you stand.

Related help

• Breakdown or accident in a rental car
• Standard suv rental
• What you need to rent a car
• Damage claim after you returned the car

Written and checked by the OneCall Rental team on 1 November 2026. Our team includes people who've worked car-rental reservation calls. Rules differ by company and location, so check your own rental agreement too.

OneCall Rental is an independent service and is not affiliated with any rental company or travel site.