Chicago winters can swing from flurries to lake‑effect whiteouts in a few hours. If you’re landing at O’Hare and heading for meetings or a family visit, you’ll want a vehicle that handles slush, wind, and black‑ice mornings. Pick up smoothly at the airport’s consolidated facility—the car rental area routes you straight to I‑190 and the Kennedy.
Do rentals come with snow tires? In the U.S., dedicated winter tires are uncommon in standard fleets. Most vehicles use all‑season tires, which perform well for typical plowed streets at city speeds. If you expect heavier snow or plan to visit hillier suburbs, request an AWD class from our all‑wheel‑drive SUVs.
What to ask at the counter. Confirm that washer fluid is winter‑rated, wipers are fresh, and the scraper/brush is in the trunk. If you’re hauling family gear, heated seats and remote start on our comfortable minivans can make early departures far easier.
Driving habits beat hardware. Leave longer gaps, brake gently, and expect bridges and ramps to ice first. Switch to lower gears on slick ramps and clear the roof before exiting the garage so snow doesn’t slide onto the windshield at speed.
Return day planning. Give yourself extra time for snowbanks and slower traffic near the airport. Fleet teams at partners such as Hertz at ORD keep return lanes moving, but early arrival reduces stress if a squall hits.
From the UK or Ireland? Switch the site to our car hire view to compare the same vehicles and coverage in pounds.
Winter‑driving checklist
- Carry gloves, a hat, and a small flashlight in the glovebox.
- Clear all windows and mirrors before moving—visibility is everything.
- Keep the tank at least half full to avoid frozen‑door surprises at fuel stops.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
Hola Car Rentals offers Free Cancellation up to 48 hours, All‑Inclusive+ coverage with maximum protection on selected itineraries, and transparent pricing with no surprise fees. Our cashback on tolls helps with expressway runs after plows clear the lanes.
Bottom line: You rarely need dedicated snow tires in Chicago, but choosing AWD and driving smoothly makes a big difference. Add a few minutes to every leg and you’ll be right on schedule. Book with Hola Car Rentals for a winter setup that keeps your trip on track.
Overnight realities. Street parking can shrink after plows create banks along the curb. Before you commit to a space, make sure you can open the doors fully and that you’re outside any snow‑route signage. When temperatures swing, ice can glue wiper blades to the glass—free them gently before starting the sweep.
Visibility first. Aim the vents toward the windshield for the first few minutes, use rear defrost early, and keep a microfiber cloth for inside fog. A clear cabin prevents fatigue and keeps you focused on pedestrians stepping between parked cars.
EV considerations. If you’re trying an electric model in winter, factor in reduced range from heater use and colder batteries. Plan charging stops near your destination rather than mid‑highway, and precondition the cabin while plugged in to save range.
FAQ
Should I bring chains? Chains are not typical for Chicago streets and are generally unnecessary on plowed roads.
What about black ice? Expect it on bridges before sunrise and after sunset; slow inputs and steady throttle are your friends.
Can I request a snow brush? Yes—ask at pickup if it isn’t already in the trunk.
Plan B for storms. If a heavy band is forecast, shift nonessential drives, use well‑lit garages, and route along arterials that get priority plowing. A calm schedule turns winter weather into background noise—not a headline.
Return smart. Arrive early for returns so attendants can check exterior surfaces under good light. Brush off snow before entering the lanes, and keep the receipt handy for your records.
Final pre‑trip check. Verify tire pressures after the first cold night; cooler air lowers PSI. Balanced tires, clear sensors, and topped‑off washer fluid make winter miles easier.
