Originally Posted by
JIMCHI
I will be renting Avis cars in several locations where there will be snow, such as Casper, WY and Syracuse, NY. Does Avis equip all their cars with snow tires at locations like this? In checking the Avis website for rates, etc. at these locations there is no option to reserve a car with snowtires. I can't imagine Avis renting a car at these locations during the snowy season without snow tires.
I often rent vehicles for a couple of weeks for a ski road trip. I do not bother with the substantial extra cost of renting a SUV because so many come in 2WD version as well as 4WD and you cannot pre-book the 4WD. I buy a set of chains after picking-up the car, as insurance if I get stuck on difficult snow conditions.. A number of auto parts chains have an option to return the chains at any branch for a full refund if un-used. In any case the cost of a basic set of chains is a fraction of the difference in rental cost between a car and SUV. If I cannot return the chains I donate to a thrift shop just before returning the car.