An Ontario winter can turn a short drive into a slow one. Snow, ice and early darkness change how a car behaves and how long a trip takes. Most winter rentals go without a problem, and a little preparation makes the difference. This guide covers what we see most often at handovers.
Winter tires
All-season tires lose grip as the temperature drops. Winter tires stay softer in the cold and grip much better on snow and ice. If you are driving outside the city, in the snow belts north of Toronto, or early in the morning on untreated roads, ask for winter tires in your request. The fee is $15 a day, capped at $150 for the rental.
Before you set off
- Clear all the snow and ice from the windows, the mirrors, the lights and the roof. Snow sliding off the roof onto the windshield can blind you at the first stop.
- Check that the washer fluid works. Salt spray covers a windshield in minutes on the highway.
- Make sure there is a snow brush in the car. Ask at the handover if you do not see one.
- Turn on the headlights, not just the daytime running lights, so you are seen from behind.
On the road
Leave much more space than usual between you and the car in front. Brake and turn gently, and slow down well before corners and ramps. Bridges and overpasses freeze before the road around them. If the car starts to slide, look and steer where you want to go, and do not stamp on the brakes.
Check road conditions before a longer trip. Ontario 511 shows closures and conditions on provincial highways. Snow squalls off the Great Lakes can bring sudden whiteouts, especially north of Barrie and along the 401 west of the city.
Electric and hybrid cars in the cold
Cold weather shortens an electric car's range, sometimes by a lot. Plan longer winter trips with a charging stop, and keep some margin. Pre-heating the car while it is plugged in saves battery for the road. Return the car with the charge it had at pickup: recharging costs $10 for each 10% of battery, plus a $25 service fee. A hybrid is less affected by the cold and needs no charging.
Choosing a car for winter
If your trip takes you out of the city, a car with all-wheel drive and a little more ground clearance copes better with unploughed side roads and cottage driveways. Each car's page lists its drive. All-wheel drive helps the car move off and stay straight, but it does not help it stop: winter tires matter more than the drive.
Parking in a snowstorm
When the City of Toronto declares a major snowstorm, parking is banned on the streets marked as snow routes, and cars left there can be ticketed and towed. Check the signs where you park, and move the car if a storm is coming. Tickets and towing during a rental are the renter's, plus $40 for each ticket we process.
If something goes wrong
Roadside assistance is included in every rental, around the clock. If the car breaks down or gets stuck, get to a safe place and call the number on your agreement. If there is a collision, make sure everyone is safe, call the police if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked, and tell us as soon as you can. Take photos of the scene and of the other car's plate.
The car stays in Ontario
The car can go anywhere in Ontario. Driving into Quebec or the United States needs our written agreement first, so ask in your request if your plans include it.