Rental Cars with Winter Tires

[jmac1971]

Hi all!

I'm going to Newfoundland in January of 2008 and will need a car. I've rented there in the past and received cars with so-called 'all season' tires but in a blizzard they're nothing but a hazard. Does anyone know of a car rental agency that rents cars with winter tires??

Thanks so much for your help!!

JMac

[Pete_Coach]

I rent cars everywhere and have never seen winter tires on a rental. I have seen pretty aggressive tires on SUV that I have rented (in Gander, as a matter of coincidence) but never on cars.

[jerryhung]

Rented SUV from Avis Montreal to Quebec, all season tires only

It had difficulties going up a steep uphill, ironic that the van is Chevy "Uplander"

[trucanuck]

Most rental car places don't have winter tires.
NFLD may be different, but your best bet would be to call the local offices there (ENTERPRISE, Avis, Hertz, Dollar, Budget etc.)

[HighFlyer]

All rental cars are only kept for a very short period of time by the major rental agencies. It is not feasible for them to carry an inventory of tires which may not be compatible with the next fleet.

[CoffeeAddict]

If you're really really concerned maybe grab a set of chains for the tires? I have no idea how much this would be as i've never looked into yet though.

Private rental agencies might have something up your alley. here in Toronto anyway the specialty agencies have a lot of selection that aren't typically at rental agencies. They might be able to help you out more than the big chain agencies.

[jmac1971]

Thanks to all who have responded so far. What I've found in my research is that Discount rents pick up trucks and moving vans with snow tires. So far that's about it. Avis, Enterprise, National and Dollar all use only 'all weather tires' which are useless in a storm.

If anyone else knows more info, it's greatly appreciated!

[Fragle]

If you only have all-season tires on a rental in NFLD, best advice I can give would be to find a rental with separate traction control, abs, etc.

Have a cellphone with you in the vehicle in case you break down or get stuck somethere, and always drive for the conditions!

[johnsa]

Just rent a sport Ute or 4x4 truck...most of their factory "all-season" tires have a much more aggressive tread pattern for winter.....

[jmac1971]

Hi and thanks again all for your help. I just heard from Budget rental cars and they said that at certain locations they'll put snow tires on your rental for $7 a day. Not the best thing but certainly gives me options.

[jmac1971]

I forgot to post this but I did rent with Budget, they did have cars with snow tires and I didn't have to pay the $7 a day. Basically I phoned them a day or two before I picked up my car and asked them to hold one that had snow tires on it. They did and it was a good rental experience.