A winter in Toronto can be pretty magical: twinkling lights, snowy streets and cozy cityscapes. It also comes with its own driving challenges: slick roads, heavy snowfall, rapid weather changes, and crowded holiday traffic. If you’re coming to Toronto and renting a car, being prepared can make your winter travel safe, seamless, and splendid.

At Holiday Car Rental, we believe that every great driver is a confident one—especially in winter. Fortunately, there are tips from experts to help you become a pro on Toronto’s winter roads.

1. Choose the Right Rental Car for Winter Conditions

When it comes to driving safely, it all begins with selecting the right vehicle. Consider:

• AWD or 4WD
  These cars provide better grip when navigating icy or snowy roads.
• Winter Tires (Highly Recommended)
  Winter tires offer more traction, shorter stopping distances, and are easier to control. Request winterized options from Holiday Car Rental.
• Vehicle Size
  • Small cars are easy to drive but may not power through deep snow.
  • SUVs have even more clearance and stability.

If you’re not sure, our team can help you select a winter-friendly model.

2. Review the Vehicle Before You Drive

Toronto winters can be unpredictable. Get to know your rental car:

• Locate the defrost controls
• If you have heated mirrors and seats, set them off.
• Try the windshield wipers and make sure there is plenty of fluid in your reservoir
• Locate the traction control button
• Search for an ice scraper in the boot (enquire if there's none there)

A simple walk-around check makes a big difference.

3. Drive Slower—Toronto Roads Are Slippery

Snow and ice are the dominant risks. Reduce speed, especially when:

• Approaching intersections
• Going downhill
• Merging onto highways
• This is for people driving at night or early in the morning (black ice is srs biz).

Increase the distance between you and other vehicles to account for longer braking distances.

4. Use Smooth, Gentle Movements

Toronto’s winter roads require finesse:

• Accelerate slowly
• Avoid sudden braking
• Steer gradually
• If your wheels begin to skid, take your foot off the gas and steer gently in the direction you’d like to go.

Sudden actions increase the risk of losing control.

5. Keep a Safe Following Distance

In wintertime, however, add a few extra seconds — at least 5–6.

This gives you more time to stop or react if the vehicle in front of you suddenly comes to a stop.

6. Watch for Snowplows and Salt Trucks

The city does an admirable job of keeping streets passable, but its snowplows are bulky and slow.

Remember:

• Never pass a plow that’s in operation — visibility can be limited
• Stay out of the way and give them a bit of room to clear the road
• Salt trucks will be making frequent stops

Patience rewards winter drivers.

7. Plan Your Routes and Check Weather Conditions

Before heading out:

• Monitor local news or apps for weather updates
• Don't use back roads or poorly maintained streets during heavy snowfall.
• It is likewise the time to travel on major roads and highways — they always get cleared first.

Holiday Car Rental also provides navigation so you do not get lost on your way.

Final Thoughts

Driving in Toronto in the winter takes patience, preparation, and the right vehicle. Between this advice and the dependable winter-ready cars offered by Holiday Car Rental, you can get out and explore the city in all weather while resting easy.

Looking to rent a winter-safe vehicle?

Holiday Car Rental has cars, SUVs, and 100% winterized vehicles available for your peace of mind.