Winter products
Get ready for the winter
Stay safe on the winter roads with proper winter equipment. Varying by country, Avis may have snow tyres, snow chains, and ski/snowboard racks to make the trip easier and safer. If they are available in the country and location that you are renting in, you can book them online under Extras.
Winter tires
Most countries require winter tires across the region by law during winter. In some countries, winter tires are fitted free of charge, but other countries may charge a fee.
In Finland, your rental car has winter tires by default and without extra fee when the law requires. Please note though that Finland is a long country: If you pick up a car in southern Finland in autumn or spring, but want to drive to the north, please let us know this in advanca so that we can prepare with the right tires under your car.
Snow chains
Certain regions have a law that requires the use of snow chains. These are available to rent at car hire location in those regions. It is possible to book them during the booking process but they are available on limited locations. The prices vary between countries.
Please note that we do not offer snow chains in Finland.
Ski racks
If you are going to hit the slopes, a ski rack is the way to go. The ski rack is available at selected locations and countries only, and it is possible to be reserved online during the booking process. Ski racks will also fit snowboards due to the magnetic ski racks. Prices vary between countries.
Please note that ski racks are not available in Finland.
Ski boxes
The ski boxes are not only perfect for skis and snowboards, but can be used to store plenty of luggage, winter equipment or extra bags. The ski box is available at selected locations and countries only, and it is possible to be reserved online during the booking process. Prices vary between countries.
Please note that ski boxes are not available in Finland.
Rules for winter tyres in Europe
Austria
Between 1 November and 15 April it is mandatory to have winter tyres on all car wheels or snow chains on drive wheels. Outside these months the use of winter tyres can be mandatory too. Winter tyres must have a profile of minimum 4mm. Snow chains may be used when conditions require it: the road needs to be entirely covered in snow or black ice. The use of snow chains is not allowed in the Arlberg Tunnel.
Czech Republic
Winter tyres are mandatory between 1 November and 31 March. They need to have the M+S label (Mud & Snow) and a tread depth of minimum 4mm. During the winter months it is also mandatory to carry snow chains in your car. However, you are only allowed to use these in cases of black ice or snow.
Croatia
Winter tyres are mandatory in wintery conditions, need to have a profile of minimum 4mm and show the M+S label (Mud & Snow). Studded tyres are not permitted. Snow chains are mandatory in cases of black ice or when there is more than 5cm of snow.
Finland
Winter tyres are compulsory between 1 December and 1 March. Snow chains are allowed when weather circumstances require it.
France
Winter tyres are not compulsory but it is advisable to use them. On some roads the use of winter tyres can be mandatory (this will be sign-posted). Snow chains can only be used on snow-covered roads. On many mountain passes, the use of snow chains is compulsory, which will also be signposted.
Germany
In wintery conditions, cars must have the appropriate winter equipment. In Germany, this also includes winter tyres, windscreen washer fluid and proper windscreen wipers. Under certain circumstances the use of snow chains can be mandatory (this will be signposted). The same rules apply to 4x4’s. When driving with snow chains, a speed limit of 50 km/h applies.
Italy
On mountain roads, the use of winter equipment (winter tyres and/or snow chains) can be mandatory. If this is the case, it will be signposted. In the Aosta Valley, winter tyres are compulsory between 15 October and 30 April.
Norway
If wintery conditions require it, the car needs to have the appropriate winter equipment (winter tyres, snow chains or studded tyres). The tread depth has to be minimum 3mm. In cases of black ice or snow, snow chains are mandatory for cars with summer tyres.
Slovenia
Between 1 November and 15 April it is mandatory to use winter tyres with a profile of minimum 3mm in wintery conditions. The use of studded tyres is not allowed. It is mandatory to carry snow chains in your vehicle if it doesn’t have winter tyres.
Slovakia
It is mandatory to use winter tyres with the M+S label (Mud & Snow) in cases of black ice or snow. The use of studded tyres is not allowed. During the winter months, it is mandatory to carry snow chains in your vehicle.
Sweden
Winter equipment (winter tyres, snow chains or studded tyres) is mandatory between 1 December and 1 April if the weather conditions require it. In cases of black ice or snow, the use of snow chains is allowed.
Switzerland
Although winter tyres are not compulsory, it is advisable to use them because you will be fined if you cause nuisance on the road. Snow chains are mandatory when road conditions require them (this will be signposted). When driving with snow chains, the speed limit is 50 km/h. The use of snow chains is not allowed in the Selisberg Tunnel, de St. Gotthard Tunnel and the San Bernardino Tunnel.
Please check the ANWB website for more information.