It's snowy weather...

...and we drive. If you're taking your family on a ski holiday, prepare yourself for difficult driving conditions. If you are going abroad and hiring a car in Germany, Switzerland or Austria, you simply will have to drive through the snow.

Low temperatures have an impact on cars. If you are driving a diesel car, give it some time to warm up. Do not turn on the engine and speed. Some people have a hard time finding out what kind of fuel the car needs (real story). It is written on your rental documents and the inner site of the petrol flap.

Do not underestimate nature and the conditions on the roads. Your car may have all the fancy anti-skid systems, but other cars may not. You might have enough space to stop, but the vehicles behind you may need more time and distance to manage the same.

Winter takes by surprise even people in Germany. It takes some time to clean the roads after the heavy snowfalls in the cities. Give yourself more time to arrive at your destination. If your car stays outside during the night exposed to snowfall, do not forget to shovel the snow from the front and rear lights!

Car hire companies in Germany, Switzerland and Austria require complimentary winterisation fees for winter tyres, spikes, ice scraper, etc. Look for the ¨Winter Tyres Included¨ sign on our booking engine so that you don't have to pay these fees locally.

The basic rule for driving in winter is simple: slow down! Auto Europe wishes you a safe drive!