How to Survive Driving a Rental Truck in the Snow

Should You Drive a Rental Truck in the Snow?

 Winter driving is inherently more dangerous, particularly when it snows. Reduced mobility, icy roads, and drivers who don't know how to operate their vehicles in such conditions can make it hazardous for even the most seasoned truck driver.

With that said, whether it's safe for you to drive a rental truck in the snow depends on a few factors:

• Is snow on the ground or just in the air? If it's not sticking, you're probably fine to drive.
• Are the roads icy? Black ice, slush, and compacted snow can make even straightforward stretches dangerous, especially for heavier vehicles like moving trucks.
• How confident are you in your winter driving abilities? If you're used to mountain or winter driving, operating during mild to moderate snowfall likely isn't an issue.
• Do you need to cross a mountain pass or other steep inclines? If so, and the weather is expected to be particularly severe, it might be better to wait.

Check rental company policies about weather-related cancellations so you can be prepared. Ultimately, you know your driving ability and comfort level. If you feel safe driving the truck in the snow, use your judgment. However, if you have any hesitations, it's probably best to reschedule.

Or, skip the hassle altogether by booking full-service movers on HireAHelper. The pros handle all the loading, transportation, and unloading. If you live somewhere that gets plenty of snow, local movers have the experience of driving moving trucks safely in winter weather.

How to Prepare to Drive in the Snow

Taking a few extra steps can go a long way in making your winter move safer, especially when snow is a factor. Even if you're confident driving in wintry conditions, it's worth reviewing some simple precautions to help keep your trip safe and on track.

Research Your Route

One of the best things you can do for your move is to plan out your route well before you embark. Google Maps is a great starting point and can show you major highways and mountain passes.

If snow is on the forecast for moving day, pay close attention to your state's Department of Transportation alerts page. They may recommend or mandate the use of chains during your travels, and if you’ve already planned out your route, you can tell at a glance if you’ll need them where you’re headed.

You may also notice weigh stations on your route. While you're on the DOT page, double-check if your state requires rental trucks to be weighed. Some states want nearly every truck to stop at weigh stations.

Inspect and Ready Your Vehicle

 In an ideal world, every rental truck would roll off the lot ready for all weather. In reality, it's better to check before you drive off the lot to avoid unpleasant surprises. Ensure you do the following:

• Confirm antifreeze and wiper fluid levels are where they should be. Get them filled if they're not.
• Double-check that your truck has a spare tire, jack, and tire iron.
• Have flares and reflective triangles on hand. They improve visibility and warn other drivers if you break down or get into an accident at night. Plus, in a pinch, you can start a fire with a flare.
• If you're driving through a mountainous region, tire chains are recommended if the snow is severe. Check with your state's DOT for up-to-date information on whether they're required.

If it’s already snowing by the time you’re ready to hit the road, start by warming up your vehicle. Then, clear any snow or ice, paying special attention to the windows, mirrors, lights, and steps. Don't forget to sweep the roof and sides so all that snow doesn't blow onto the unsuspecting car behind you.

Pack Supplies

Getting stranded while traveling is never convenient, but during snowy weather, it comes with far more complications. Keep these items on hand just in case:

• Good boots
• Warm clothes (with extras in case something gets wet)
• Sunglasses (don't count on hats to help when the sun reflects off the snow)
• Food, water, and a first aid kit
• Flashlight, batteries, and emergency blankets
• Ice scraper
• Toolkit with basic tools
• Matches (Keep them in a sealed plastic bag. They're useless if they're wet.)
• Wiper fluid, windshield deicer, and a jug of antifreeze.

Get Emergency Equipment

In all likelihood, your move will go off without a hitch. But it's better to be safe than sorry, so you should carry some emergency equipment just in case. Plus, these could come in handy if you find another driver stranded in the snow. Be sure you have a shovel, a bag of sand, jumper cables, and tow straps onboard.

Tempted to throw down some rock salt in a snowdrift? Don't be. If you get stuck and need traction, you want sand instead. Rock salt does melt snow, but not instantly. If you use it, you could be waiting around a while until it works.

Should I Get Chains for a Moving Truck?

This depends on the type of roads you're driving and the current weather conditions. Chain laws vary by state, and just because you don’t own the vehicle you’re driving doesn’t mean you’re exempt from using them.

Some rental agreements ban chains

Check your rental agreement. Some expressly prohibit attaching chains to your tires because they can cause damage, especially if you don't put them on correctly.

What to do if chains are required

If your agreement bans chains and they're required on the roads you're driving, stop and contact your rental company. They can make recommendations, but it’s likely you won’t be able to proceed.

However, if you add chains against your user agreement, you risk voiding your insurance coverage and racking up extra fees. And if you try to drive without chains, you put yourself and other drivers at risk or face traffic citations. So your best bet is to wait out the snow if there's no other choice.

If you're allowed to use chains

If you’re required to use chains and your rental agreement doesn't prohibit them, make sure you put them on as instructed. Since they can be tough to find last minute, try checking with local auto parts stores, tire shops, or even some rental locations ahead of time to see if they sell or rent snow chains. It’s worth getting a set in advance if there’s a chance a heavy snowfall is on the way.

How to Load Your Truck for Safe Winter Driving

Loading your truck safely is always a top priority. During the winter, it's even more crucial to ensure your truck is evenly balanced and items don’t shift.

If it's snowy while you're loading your truck, take these precautions:

• Use salt or sand around the loading zone to minimize ice formation and increase traction.
• Don't skip the grippy boots if it's wet, snowy, or icy. Choose a pair rated for snow or ice, and double-layer your socks if necessary to keep your feet warm and dry.
• Distribute the weight evenly as you load. This improves traction and balance as you drive, which is especially important on roads wet with snow.
• Don't overload the truck. Avoid stacking top-heavy piles that could tip if your truck slides.
• Ensure all items are tightly secured so they won't shift around and throw off the truck's balance.

Tips for Safe Snow Driving

Driving in snow is all about caution and preparation. These tips will help you stay in control, protect your truck (and yourself), and avoid common cold-weather hazards on the road.

• Speed: Slow down. You might need to go slower than you'd expect. Your loaded rental truck won't stop on a dime, especially if the roads are icy or you're going downhill.
• Space: Leave plenty of extra room ahead of you. Other drivers might try to stop quicker than your truck can, and in ice and snow, that’s extra dangerous.
• Attention: Pay attention to icy spots, snow buildup, and other drivers. Not everyone adjusts their driving to the road conditions.
• Line of Sight: Keep your lights and mirrors clear of ice, frost, and fog. Pull over and clear them if you have to.
• Fuel: Don't drain your gas tank! If you drop to about half-full, stop and refuel. Low gas levels can lead to water condensation in the fuel lines.
• Phones: Minimize your phone usage. Cold weather causes batteries to drain quicker, and when it's freezing or you're driving long distances, you want as much power as possible.
• Weather: Keep an eye on weather conditions and forecasts. It might be sunny on one side of a mountain pass but snowy on the other.

What to Do if You Get Stuck

If you find yourself stuck in the snow in your rental truck, proceed carefully. It might be tempting to hit the gas pedal to the floor, but you'll find yourself going nowhere fast. Follow these tips instead:

• Confirm there's no snow blocking the exhaust pipe.
• Clear snow from around the tires. Then try to move the truck. If it won’t budge, rock it gently forward and backward, shifting between drive and reverse in small increments.
• Add traction if needed. Spread sand or kitty litter around the tires. No traction supplies? Try using your floor mats for extra grip.
• Call for help if you're still stuck. You could get the attention of another driver kind enough to pull over. Otherwise, call roadside assistance.