Due to snow and ice, it becomes quite dangerous to drive during winter.
That’s why most drivers take precautions, including using winter tires.
If you rent a vehicle from U-Haul, here is a million-dollar question.
Does U-Haul have winter tires?
Since U-Haul is based in the United States and Canada is known for snowing during corresponding seasons, some of its rental vehicles company use winter tires to cater for such times.
Whether the trucks have winter tires or otherwise depends on their area of operation.
Most trucks have all-season tires to make them suitable for moving throughout the year.
However, local U-Haul trucks have winter tires in areas such as Quebec and Montreal.
Here’s more to learn about winter tires, U-Haul and driving under such conditions, so check them out!
Is There Air in the Back of a U-Haul?
Whereas the back of a U-Haul truck isn’t airtight, it lacks ventilation.
So, the air circulation within the cargo area isn’t excellent or even close.
Consequently, you should empty containers with flammable material, such as gas tanks, before transporting them.
If you have a propane tank, ensure it is also turned off completely.
Equally important, disconnect the propane tank from a BBQ for safety while driving or travelling in a U-Haul truck.
What Kind of Gas Does a U-Haul Take?
A U-Haul vehicle takes unleaded gasoline.
What Should You Consider When Driving a Rental Truck During Winter?
If you must drive a rental truck during winter, remember the following things;
- First, only drive a vehicle exceeding 10 feet during winter if it is unavoidable
- Weather is usually unpredictable during the winter season; hence crucial to stay updated regarding weather forecasts.
- Whereas the weather might be clear now, there are high chances of changing for the worse for the day.
- Since it will be freezing, the battery output will most likely reduce hence the need to use as little as possible to ensure you have the power to complete your journey.
- Avoid the fuel line’s water condensation by ensuring the gas tank is at least half full to avoid low fuel levels.
- Your lights should be clear of fog, frost and ice at all times
- The same applies to the mirrors
- Pay close attention to any snow build-up or icy spot
- Remember, some careless drivers don’t pay much attention to such, but it is important to pay attention yourself, regardless
- Since most drivers often stop driving suddenly and randomly, ensure there’s always a space between your car and the one ahead of it
- Ensure that you maintain a low speed when driving
- It is no secret that the loaded truck won’t stop immediately as you want it to hence the need to be cautious.
- As soon as you feel uncomfortable driving, look for a safe place, pull over and consider driving again once it gets better.
- The left door should remain closed.
- Always have planned stops unless there is an emergency.
- Ensure that the truck is ideal for driving during winter, including the tires and any other necessary maintenance.
- Besides slow driving, you should also ensure that it is steady
- Have a map to ensure you know where you are and are always headed.
- It is always advisable to drive on a familiar route during winter.
- If it is way too unfamiliar or you aren’t comfortable driving during this season, remember that you can always hire someone to do the job.
- Carry a phone charger compatible with the truck’s power outlet.
- Leave the house when it is fully charged.
- An extra phone can also go a long way under these circumstances.
- Always reach out when stuck, whether to a family member, friend or a rental company such as U-Haul.
Do You Put Snow Tires on a Truck?
If staying without gloves and a coat is uncomfortable due to cold weather, consider putting winter tires on your truck.
They don’t need to be snow tires since the winter ones are often adequate.
After all, their tread patterns are designed especially for this season.
Thanks to their depth, these treads disperse sleet and snow excellently, thus improving traction throughout the snowy or icy road.
Besides, winter tires have soft rubber hence grip firmly on snow and ice.
In addition to trucks, any AWD or 4WD vehicle needs these tires for excellent driving performance during winter.
How Do You Know if Your Tires Are for Snow?
If you check your tires’ sidewalls, you will know if your tires are for snow.
If you see the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF) or the M+S symbol on the sidewall, that’s the case.
Here’s a detailed discussion of the two industry standards.
M+S Symbol
It is no secret that there are various types of tires, usually for different occasions.
That’s where the M+S symbol came about to differentiate between the various tread design geometry.
So, this symbol distinguished the knobby, bias-ply tires from their straight rib counterparts.
It indicated that these tires were suitable for muddy and snowy roads.
Whereas this symbol has been sufficient for a while, that will change starting 30th September 2024.
After all, some tests weren’t carried out during this tire marking.
3PMSF Symbol
If an all-weather or winter tire was produced on or after 1st January 2018, it should have this symbol since it became mandatory on this date.
Since its M + S counterpart is also becoming extinct soon, replacing your tire with one with the 3PMSF symbol going forward is also advisable.
The symbol is an upgrade since tires have to pass a standardized brake test on snow to get it.
That was never the case for the other symbol.
3PMSF mark shows the tire can handle extreme snowy conditions thanks to their designs, allowing them to offer great traction and driving experience.
Do You Need Snow Tires on All 4 Tires?
As economical as it may sound, avoid installing snow tires on just your vehicle’s back or front.
On the contrary, ensure that all 4 tires are snow tires.
For instance, if you install snow tires on only the front, expect fishtailing or oversteering when braking or around corners despite low speeds.
On the other hand, installing snow tires on the back only leads to understeering.
Therefore, ensure you use all 4 snow tires to avoid these scenarios.
References
https://www.reddit.com/r/uHaul/comments/q4wy8z/uhaul_in_the_winter/
https://www.tranbc.ca/2013/02/14/winter-driving-tips-for-new-truckers/
https://www.dunntire.com/blog/Do-Four-Wheel-Drive-Vehicles-Need-Winter-Tires#