Venturing out in winter can be daunting, especially when it involves driving a hire van in the snow. This guide aims to equip you with essential tips and insights to ensure a safe and seamless experience during your journey.
Understanding Your Van
Before you hit the snowy roads, it is crucial to familiarise yourself with the hire van you have chosen. Many rental companies, including our conveniently located Warrington depot near the Cockhedge Shopping Centre and ASDA, offer a variety of vans suited for different needs. Understanding the vehicle’s features, such as the heating system, brakes, and tyre conditions, can play a significant role in driving a hire van in snow effectively.
Check the Tyres
Tyres are your only contact with the road, making them critical in snowy conditions. When hiring a van, make sure to check that it is equipped with winter tyres, as they provide better grip on icy surfaces. If the hire company doesn’t mention the type of tyres fitted, don’t hesitate to ask before finalising your booking.
Pre-Driving Preparation
Before you embark on your journey, proper preparation is key to safe driving in snowy conditions.
Clear Snow and Ice
Before you start driving a hire van in snow, ensure you clear any snow and ice from the roof, windows, and lights. Accumulated snow can slide onto your windshield while driving, obstructing your view, or create a hazard for other motorists, potentially leading to accidents.
Plan Your Route
Another important step is to plan your route carefully. Choose roads that are likely to be cleared and salted. Avoid any shortcuts through hilly areas or routes that are not often maintained in winter.
Check Weather Conditions
Keep an eye on the weather forecast. If the snow is particularly heavy or a storm is predicted, consider postponing your trip. As we offer flexible hire periods starting from just four hours, you can easily adjust your plans as needed.
Safe Driving Techniques
Driving a hire van in the snow requires a different skill set than ordinary driving. Here are several techniques to master the conditions:
Maintain a Steady Speed
One of the best practices when driving in snow is to maintain a steady speed. Sudden acceleration can lead to skidding, and braking can cause your vehicle to lose traction. If you feel the van starting to skid, remain calm and steer gently into the direction you want to go.
Increase Your Following Distance
When the roads are slick, increasing your following distance can give you the time needed to react should the vehicle in front of you stop suddenly. This extra space is crucial when driving a hire van in snow as larger vehicles take longer to stop.
Use Low Gears
Utilising low gears can help maintain traction on slippery surfaces. Engage lower gears, especially when going downhill, to help control your speed without relying solely on brakes.
Dealing with Emergencies
Despite taking precautions, emergencies can still occur while driving a hire van in snow. Here’s what to do:
Stay Calm
If you encounter difficulties such as getting stuck or skidding, it’s important to stay calm. If you are stuck, try to gently accelerate and steer in the direction of the road. Avoid spinning your wheels, as this could dig you in deeper.
Use Your Breakdown Cover
As part of our transparent pricing policy, all our hire vans include UK insurance and breakdown cover. If you find yourself in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to call for help. Knowing that you have this support can make driving a hire van in snow less stressful.
Driving a hire van in snow can be an intimidating experience, but with the right preparation and techniques, it can also be a safe one. Always remember to check your vehicle, plan your route, and maintain safe driving practices. When renting a van with us in central Warrington, you can enjoy transparent pricing without worrying about hidden costs— the price you see is the price you pay. Flexible hire periods starting from just four hours make it easy to fit your plans. Stay safe, and happy driving!
Warrington Van Hire
Our central Warrington Van Hire depot is easily accessible by foot from all the main local transportation networks, including the central train station and the bus terminal. If you come by car, we have secure on-site car parking that you can use for the duration of your Warrington van rental period. For Van Hire Warrington, Van Hire Runcorn, Van Hire Widnes, Van Hire Altrincham & Van Hire St Helens call us today to check availability.
