Help Centre
Get help with your bookings, picking up your vehicle, emergencies and more.
Search help topics

Car hire with winter tyres

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. 
Was this answer helpful ?
Yes, it was helpful
No, I still need help