While your trusty Startrescue.co.uk annual breakdown cover will always provide assistance if you suffer mechanical problems on the road, the snow and ice of winter nevertheless demands some preparation. One effective way of countering the weather is by buying or renting a vehicle that handles poor weather better. Here are three top tips to help you out.
1. If your normally reliable hatchback simply cannot cope with the snow and the ice, then you might consider renting a 4x4 - especially if the weather turns particularly bad. A 4x4 can spell sudden liberation in icy conditions, but it comes at a price. At £150 for a Range Rover, £135 for a Discovery and around a £100 for a Freelander per day, it's not cheap. Equally, others may have the same idea - so keep an eye on the weather forecast and make sure you're first in line!
2. If you're in the market for a new (or new second hand) car, and 4x4s aren't really your thing, then you might think about getting hold of an all-wheel-drive car. You can buy a 2005 Fiat Panda 4x4 for as little as £3,000, or a 2005 Volvo V70 AWD Sport for around £7,500. Ideal if you'd prefer to sidestep the 'Chelsea tractor' disdain.
3. If neither 4x4s nor all-wheel drive cars are your thing, then at the very least you might consider getting hold of a front wheel drive car. A front wheel drive car will provide significantly better performance on ice and snow.
4. Finally, you may wish to consider temporarily exchanging your normal tyres for winter tyres when they are required. They are actually a mandatory requirement in some European countries during Winter and you should always check the law requirements in any country you will be travelling through during Winter conditions. Your local tyre specialist will be able to provide you with the best advice on Winter tyres to suit your vehicle.
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