Rental Car in the Snow

[Hassler]

Not sure if this is the right forum for this question.

If I'm renting a car in a city which might be snowing (say Chicago, NYC in Jan), do you think the car rental company would automatically have snow tires on their cars? I just feel safer driving in the snow with snow tires.

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[Frugal Traveler]

Bring some chains and a helmet.

Seriously, it would probably be best to take a taxi or mass transit. Usually cities such as NYC or Chicago are well-equipped to deal with snow. Plus, parking can be troublesome. Drive carefully though if you are not experienced in winter driving.

 

[Hassler]

Bring some chains and a helmet.

Seriously, it would probably be best to take a taxi or mass transit. Usually cities such as NYC or Chicago are well-equipped to deal with snow. Plus, parking can be troublesome. Drive carefully though if you are not experienced in winter driving.

I would try my best to take advantage of mass transit systems. However, there will probably be instances during this interview season where I'm driving from one city to another, say from New York to Philly, since it saves so much than taking a plane. I've thought about taking greyhound and amtrak, but these all seem like a hassle.

That's why if the car rental companies have snow tires on, it will make me much more comfortable than driving on regular tires. I guess I would assume they put on snow tires since they prob don't want me to crash either lol

 

[ChiDO]

Snow tires on rental cars??? Never even heard such a thing. Just drive slow and you'll never have a problem in the snow.

 

[Lee]

No snow tires on rental cars in my experience. Maybe in Alaska or Yukon Territories, but not Chicago.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I've rented plenty of cars in my day, including in snowy cities, and I've never noticed any special tires on 'em.

I'd urge you to reconsider taking the train from NYC to Philly. Its *very* easy to do and when you consider the increased rental charge when you take a car and return it to a different agency out of state, I'll bet its cheaper as well.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

I rented a car once in Chicago in the middle of a snowstorm, and nope, no snow tires. They did include a nice ice scrapper/snow brush though. 🙂 I don't even know if snow tires are allowed in most of the midwest -- I think most states there don't allow chains. Anyway, I agree with the suggestion of taking the train whenever possible.

 

[It'sElectric]

Driven in plenty of "snowstorms" in the Midwest, and never have I used snowtires...nor can I even really recall seeing anyone with snow tires. For what it's worth.

Just drive slowly, no sudden accelerations or brakes, and you'll be just fine.

 

[PirateHotel]

Buy the extra insurance.. then the low-speed impacts will be fun!

 

[Ariee]

Not sure if this is the right forum for this question.

If I'm renting a car in a city which might be snowing (say Chicago, NYC in Jan), do you think the car rental company would automatically have snow tires on their cars? I just feel safer driving in the snow with snow tires.

I'm changing my post. I thought about it again. I don't think car's come with snow tires. Your safe bet is to call and ask. I think you can get a car with snow tires but it will be extra.

G'luck and stay safe,
A

 

[Llenroc]

Christ, don't be a *****. Snow tires are uncommon (well under 10%) in Chicago and rare in NYC.

 

[WholeLottaGame7]

If you're traveling in the mid-Atlantic/NE (Boston, NYC, Philly, D.C), Bolt Bus is a pretty sweet deal. Cheap, nice buses, and free wi-fi. Plus, you don't have to hassle with airports/luggage each time.

 

[AttyHubby]

If you're traveling in the mid-Atlantic/NE (Boston, NYC, Philly, D.C), Bolt Bus is a pretty sweet deal. Cheap, nice buses, and free wi-fi. Plus, you don't have to hassle with airports/luggage each time.

This. Megabus is similar and even better, IMO.

 

[SoCuteMD]

FWIW, some of you seem to be confused by what snow tires are and aren't.

Snow tires =/= chains. Unless you are very familiar, it's unlikely you'd be able to look at a car and tell if it had snow tires.

That being said, the only people I know who put snow tires on their cars are people who live in TRULY snowy/icy climates (Colorado, Utah, Vermont, Maine come to mind as places where I know people who do this). Lower New York, urban/suburban Chicago, etc. - not so much. No rental car companies that I know of rent cars with snow tires.

Also, no rental place that I'm aware of