Do you think it is necessary to get winter tires for a car rental in Germany?

I am going to be in Cologne and Duesseldorf area, but we are also planning to got to Konstanz (near Swiss border) to visit family (2nd week of January).

Sixt has Winter Tires for about 15 euros a day. Are the standard tires in Europe THAT BAD? I drive with all season radials in NYC and have no problem with the snow.

If there is no chance for snow or it hasn't snowed yet, does not having the snow tires make that much a difference?

I am paying only 166 euros for 4 days and I think it is silly to pay almost 60 euros for somthing I may not need.

However, since I don't live in Europe nor have I rented a car in Europe in the dead of winter, I want to make sure I am not being penny wise, but pound foolish.

Anyone have any experience with the whole "winter tire" thing?

- HobokenFlyer

Don't waste your money. In the event of snow, the Germans will plow the Autobahns very rapidly, or at least that has been my experience.

Enjoy your trip and don't fret over a little snow. The vehicle you get should be more than able to handle it, anyway.

Don't waste your money. In the event of snow, the Germans will plow the Autobahns very rapidly, or at least that has been my experience....


I agree! However, HobokenFlyer better study the "fine prints". I remember some insurance exclusions, when the car is not equipped with MS-Tires.
There was a thread in "Other Car Rentals"

I believe a new regulation/law has come into effect recently which essentially requires you to have winter tires in winter. I would find it very odd if you could rent cars in Germany now without winter tires. But as I haven't rented a car in Germany for a while, I can't confirm that.

I would definitely get winter tires in the second week of January, especially given that you will be driving in the South.

SmilingBoy.

Moving thread to Western Europe
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

Winter tires are essential. After seeing 40 winters in Germany, I think driving with summer tires in winter is simply thoughtless, foolish and dangerous. Everybody I know change their car's tires twice a year. I don't understand how rental agencies could even offer the option of summer tires in winter. It's not only snow you have to worry about. Icy roads are frequent, especially in the morning, and much worse than snow.
Besides, there is a new law that states cars need appropriate equipment according to the weather conditions. Meaning that you'll be in real trouble if you have an accident or any other meetings with the police while driving on wintery roads with summer tires.

P.S. Check if the agency's standard tires are summer tires or if they have at least those "M&S" (mud and snow) all year round tires. With the latter you'll get by if you avoid the mountains.

Yes, as mentioned, it is illegal not to have winter or all-weather tires in wintery conditions. While you may be fine driving around with "summer" tires, you will get into trouble if you happen to be stopped by the police, etc., and they would probably make you stop and park your car right there and then (aside from fines, etc.).

So try to get Sixt to give you a car that has M+S (i.e. all-weather) tires. It's ridiculous that they want to charge you for winter tires knowing that driving around with summer ones would be illegal...