How does the Refuelling/Recharging Service work at SIXT?

Driving in snowy or icy conditions can be difficult, even for the most experienced drivers. This is why SIXT offers bookable winter tyres with your car hire for all relevant locations and seasons. Simply use the booking form above to browse vehicles and prices for your chosen winter destination. 

If you're visiting Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France or any other top winter destination for skiing or otherwise, our rentals with winter tyres will ensure you're safe and sound driving in snowy conditions. Hoping to transport your skis too? You can choose to include magnetic ski racks as an optional extra to be equipped with your vehicle. 

 

How to book winter & snow tyres

Unlike our other optional upgrades like snow chains (which provide extra grip to all-season tyres) and ski racks, our snow tyres come as standard when they are required by local driving laws. To make sure you're renting a vehicle with winter tyres, when selecting your car online you will see beside the car if they are included. 

If they're not included automatically, they can be as an extra. To add-on winter tyres to your hire car, simply select the option after you have chosen your ideal car category. The price will be shown and updated automatically. 

 

Drive safe with winter equipment for your car rental 

Snow tyres are essential for safe driving in winter but are only required for harsh conditions. This is why they are unavailable (for your rental) in the UK but common in Alpine European destinations. It's worth noting that in many parts of Europe, they are a legal requirement. For example in Finland, Latvia, and Estonia, winter tyres are mandatory within a certain time frame, and in Germany and Austria, all vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres in wintry conditions. Unlike summer tyres, winter tyres - or snow tyres - don't harden in cold weather, so the road grip is much better. 

*Subject to availability. Even though winter tyres are not available in some locations of the UK, SIXT provides them in many areas that experience winter conditions around the country. 
 

In Germany & Austria

In Germany and Austria, winter tyres are required by law during the snowy seasons, but you can rest assured that your SIXT car hire will come equipped with them as standard during this period. 
 

In France

Winter tyres in France are not required by law but can be useful should you be planning on driving on Alpine roads or going to ski destinations. After entering your desired pick-up locations and dates, you will see which cars are available with snow tyres and then how much they cost per day. You can also choose to add snow chains with your vehicle which can be applied to the all-season tyres. Our helpful staff in-branch can also advise on which is best for your trip. 
 

In Switzerland

There is no legal obligation to have your car equipped with winter tyres in Switzerland but you may be found liable if you are involved in an accident when your car is not properly kitted out for the season. After entering your desired pick-up locations and dates, you will see which of our rental vehicles in Switzerland are bookable with snow tyres and then how much they cost per day. Our helpful staff in-branch can also advise on which is best for your trip. 

 

Renting a car and driving it in Europe 

Driving a rental car on unfamiliar roads can be worrying enough without the added complication of challenging wintry weather. It is worth bearing in mind that no weather is impossible to drive in so long as you have the correct equipment to do so safely. At SIXT rent a car we are dedicated to providing you with those essential add-ons to your car hire and to offer the full range of snow chains to help to keep you moving in snow and ice. For a small extra cost, you can hire a car with winter equipment and enjoy peace of mind that you can drive safely and legally, whatever the weather throws at you. 

SIXT offers a wide range of protection options and practical extras to make your ride with SIXT even more comfortable and stress-free. You can add these options when booking online or directly at the SIXT branch.

Protection Options

• Damage Waiver (LDW) & Theft Protection
• Tyre and Windscreen Protection
• Roadside protection

For more information on our protection options, click here.

Extras

• Additional driver
• Child seats and baby carriers
• Refuelling/Recharging Service
• Sat nav
• Unlimited mileage
• Winter tyres
• Snow chains

For more information on our useful extras, click here.

Add a sat nav to your booking and reach your destination with ease – whether you’re travelling in a new city or an unfamiliar country. With precise display on the screen and clear voice guidance, you’ll always stay on the best route.

Benefits of our sat nav systems

• Relaxed travel: No need for maps – simply enter your destination and go.
• Journey time in view: Always know your estimated time of arrival.
• Joints of Interest (POI): Quickly find petrol stations, restaurants, or attractions.
• Multilingual: Choose your preferred language.
• Perfect for travel: Many systems include maps for over a dozen European countries.

Add a sat nav to your booking

With this extra, you are guaranteed to receive a sat nav for your rental. Simply select “Navigation system and Android Auto / Apple CarPlay” under “What extras do you need?”.

Easy to use

Enter your destination address, postcode, or point of interest, and the system will calculate the fastest route from your location. If needed, our SIXT team will be happy to assist you with the setup, ensuring a smooth start to your journey.

A car hire with unlimited mileage is the perfect choice for holidays or any trip where you want maximum mobility. At SIXT, you can choose from a wide range of high-quality vehicles – from compact cars to SUVs, minivans, sedans, and subject to availability even convertibles. Whatever your budget or the number of passengers, our modern fleet has the right vehicle to suit your needs.

Availability and vehicle classes

Unlimited mileage is available for many vehicles for rentals up to 27 days. Luxury cars, as well as trucks/vans, are offered with specific mileage packages. During booking, it is clearly indicated which vehicles include the “unlimited mileage” option.

Unlimited mileage across Europe and worldwide

Vehicles with unlimited mileage are available at numerous SIXT locations worldwide, allowing you to plan flexible tours in Europe or other destinations without worrying about extra charges. Typically, economy and compact cars include unlimited mileage, while higher-end vehicles offer this option less frequently.

Comfortable and stress-free travel

With a car rental offering unlimited mileage, you can enjoy your journey with ease and flexibility – SIXT takes you safely, comfortably, and in style to your destination, no matter how far you go.

Driving on snowy or icy roads is rarely an enjoyable experience but using snow chains on your SIXT car rental's wheels can make your drive safer and more stable, as well as eliminating the anxiety of driving in wintry conditions. Snow chains enable you to drive more safely in two ways. Firstly they add traction as the wheels turn, and secondly, they help to eliminate wheel spin by biting the road surface so that the wheels move forward. Make sure your ski trip or winter drive is safe and secure with the useful addition of snow chains on your SIXT car hire. 

* Subject to availability. Whereas snow chains are not available in the UK, SIXT offers them in most of the other European countries, like Germany, Austria and Switzerland. 

 

The benefits of driving with snow chains

In some parts of Europe, snow chains are compulsory at certain times of the year, such as mountainous regions in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Finland and even in some parts of Italy and France. Sometimes if the weather is weather is so severe, local authorities may require that tyre chains be installed onto your car. 

If you're jetting off for the skiing season and require extra reassurance and peace of mind when driving, consider choosing the snow chains extra for your car rental. For extra comfort and reliability, our 4x4 and SUV hires can provide excellent traction on icy roads in snowy climates. 

 

Renting a car and driving it in Europe

Driving a rental car on unfamiliar roads can be worrying enough without the added complication of challenging wintry weather. It is worth bearing in mind that no weather is impossible to drive in so long as you have the correct equipment to do so safely. At SIXT Rent A Car we are dedicated to providing you with those essential add-ons to your car hire and to offer the full range of snow chains and winter tyres to help to keep you moving in snow and ice. For a small extra cost, you can hire a car with winter equipment and enjoy peace of mind that you can drive safely and legally, whatever the weather throws at you. 

At SIXT, all rental vehicles are provided fully fueled or, for electric vehicles, fully charged – so you can start your journey immediately. With our Refuelling/Recharging Service, you can return the vehicle empty or with a fully discharged battery at the end of your rental. This makes drop-off even more flexible and allows you to make the most of your rental time.

How does the Refuelling/Recharging Service work?

• Select our Refuelling/Recharging Service when booking.
• Receive the vehicle fully fueled or fully charged.
• At the end of your rental, return the car empty or fully discharged – simple and hassle-free.
• The refuelled litres will be charged at the current pump price.

Why choose the Refuelling/Recharging Service?

Flexible return: Return the vehicle empty or discharge the battery without refueling or charging.

Comfort included: Easy and convenient, especially for short rentals or tight schedules.

Without the Refuelling/Recharging Service: You refuel or recharge the vehicle yourself before returning it. If the vehicle is not fully fueled or charged, additional charges may apply. The Refuelling/Recharging Service helps you avoid these costs easily in advance.

With SIXT’s additional driver option, you can share the driving experience – ideal for families, friends, or travel companions. On longer journeys or when exploring new places, a second driver can provide more flexibility and comfort.

How to add an additional driver

• Additional drivers can be added during the booking process under “Rate and Extras”.
• At vehicle pick-up, the additional driver’s valid driving licence is sufficient; presence of the additional driver is mandatory.
• Alternatively, an additional driver can be registered later at any SIXT branch.

Requirements for registering an additional driver

• Valid driving licence (or international driving permit, if required)
• Minimum age and driving experience according to the chosen vehicle category

Documents to present at pick-up for the main driver

• Driving licence of the additional driver
• Valid ID card or passport
• DVLA check code for UK licence holders which can be obtained through the DVLA website.

Special notes

Certain vehicle categories, such as vans or luxury vehicles, may have additional requirements: minimum age, driving licence class, and driving experience.For more helpful information on eligible drivers and requirements, please refer to our terms and conditions (T&Cs).