Winter Holiday Makers Should Reserve Winter Tyres With Their Car Hire, Warns Carrentals.Co.Uk

December 18, 2010 – Carrentals.co.uk, the UK's top comparison website has advised customers that those taking winter holidays this year should reserve winter tyres and snow chains with their car hire at the time of booking so that they do not get stung by additional costs or lack of availability when they arrive.

Winter tyres and snow chains are not part of the car hire package and it is likely that most car rental companies will charge an added extra for these items. However, many customers assume that they will be included in the price and so they end up having to request them at the last minute. The short notice could result in customers making risky journey without the correct tyres.

Gareth Robinson, Managing Director of Carrentals.co.uk, says: "Many customers find the laws a little confusing as they vary so much between countries. And unsurprisingly, many skiers expect that winter tyres will be include with their car hire, but this is rarely the case. Customers should request a 'snow pack' from car rental companies at the time of booking. This will include the appropriate tyres and snow chains and will vary in price depending on suppliers."

"The reason that winter tyres do not come as standard in many destinations, such as Geneva or Milan, is because often car hire is not purchased for winter holidays and vehicles don't require winter tyres unless they are being driven in the snowy mountains. Suppliers ask that the appropriate tyres are specifically requested at the time of booking to assure that customers have the most appropriate tyres.

The laws and recommendations regarding winter tyres are as follows:

Country - Winter Tyres Requirement

Austria - Compulsory between 1st November and 15th April

Canada - Recommended for mountain driving or snowy conditions, but not mandatory

France - Recommended for mountain driving or snowy conditions, but not mandatory

Italy - Recommended during the winter months as weather conditions cannot be predicted

Sweden - Compulsory for Swedish registered vehicles between 1st December and 31st March

Switzerland - Not mandatory, but drivers may be fined for not having winter tyres fitted if involved in an accident

Germany - Not mandatory, but drivers may be fined for not having winter tyres fitted if involved in an accident

USA - Recommended for mountain driving or snowy conditions, but not mandatory

"In addition to winter tyres, drivers should carry snow chains at all times for their own safety, although these should only be fitted in bad conditions. Both of these items should be booked in advance to guarantee the best prices and availability."

"Although you can rent snow chains at a car rental company at a cost, it is a good idea to purchase them at a local supermarket. This way if they are unused they can be returned for a refund. This option is often cheaper and easier."

Skiers can find deals on car rental from £15 per day at Milan Malpensa Airport; from £26 per day from Calgary Airport; from £24 per day at Geneva Airport; and Salzburg Airport from £21 per day.

Carrentals.co.uk is the top comparator, finding car rental deals with famous companies including Holiday Autos, Alamo, Budget, Auto Europe, and Sixt. To find the best winter deals visit www.carrentals.co.uk.

*All prices are based on 7 day rentals from 10 January 2011 and are subject to change.