Ankara Car Rental Winter Driving Guide: Safe Travel in Snow, Ice, and Fog Conditions 2026

Ankara’s harsh winter conditions turn the car rental experience into a process that is both challenging and unique. Snow-covered roads, icy intersections, and foggy mornings that reduce visibility make driving risky without proper preparation. In this guide, we will cover all the details of safe travel in the winter season by taking advantage of Ankara car rental services.

Why Is Winter Driving Different in Ankara?

Ankara is a city that bears the climatic characteristics of the Central Anatolia Region. During winter months, temperatures drop below zero, heavy snowfall occurs, and the risk of icing increases especially in areas far from the city center. Considering this climatic reality when evaluating Ankara car rental options is a critical step for both your safety and comfort.

Ankara’s Winter Climate Characteristics

While the average winter temperature in the city center ranges between -2°C and 4°C, in high-altitude areas such as the Çankırı road, Elmadağ, and Beypazarı, these values can drop to -10°C. The number of snowy days averages 25-30 per year, and foggy days exceed 40. These data clearly show that winter driving has requirements that are incomparably different from ordinary summer driving.

Critical Winter Risks

Icing: Especially bridges, viaducts, and shaded road sections remain below freezing point
Fog: Dense fog in the morning hours can reduce visibility to below 50 meters
Snow accumulation: Road capacity decreases rapidly during sudden snowfall
Wind: Ice wind in open terrain disrupts driving stability

Car Rental in Winter Conditions: What to Consider?

When renting a car in the winter season, you need to make a much more careful choice than in summer months. Professional companies like Fores Car Rental keep vehicles with equipment suitable for winter conditions in their fleets; however, choosing the right vehicle is your responsibility.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Winter

Vehicle selection forms the basis of safety and comfort in winter driving. Sedans with low ground clearance struggle in snow accumulation, while SUV and crossover models perform better. You can use the following criteria to filter winter-suitable vehicles among Ankara rent a car services:

Priority Vehicle Features

ABS and ESP systems: Essential for brake and stability control on slippery surfaces
4WD/AWD option: Increases traction on snowy and icy roads
Ground clearance: At least 15 cm of road height provides an advantage on snow-accumulated roads
Overlooked detail: Winter wiper blades and anti-fog window system

Winter Tire Requirement and M+S Rules

In Turkey, winter tire requirement is enforced between December 1 and April 1. It is a legal obligation for Ankara car rental companies to have M+S (Mud and Snow or snowflake symbol) tires on their rental vehicles. Be sure to confirm this detail when renting.

M+S tires provide 30-40% shorter braking distances compared to summer tires below 7°C. While their tread patterns increase grip on snow and slush, their special compounds maintain flexibility at low temperatures. This difference can determine the fine line between an accident and a safe stop in an emergency braking situation.

Winter M+S tires provide 30-40% shorter braking distances compared to summer tires below 7°C.

Driving Techniques on Snowy and Icy Roads

As much as the right vehicle and tire selection, driving technique is also a cornerstone of winter safety. Below you can find the basic principles you need to apply on Ankara’s snowy and icy roads.

Basic Winter Driving Principles

The most important rule in winter driving is to be slow and anticipatory. Every maneuver requires longer distance and time compared to summer conditions. Braking distance increases 2-3 times on snowy surfaces and 5-8 times on icy surfaces.

Speed and Following Distance

City driving: Travel at 30-40% below normal speed
Following distance: At least 4-6 second rule (2-3 seconds in summer)
On curves: Slow down before braking, keep speed constant in the curve
Automatic transmission: Use engine braking in low gear

What to Do When Skidding?

Panicking when the vehicle starts to skid is the biggest mistake. The correct reaction chain should be as follows:

Release the accelerator: Suddenly cutting the gas or braking — this increases the skid
Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid: If the rear is sliding to the right, turn the steering wheel to the right
Controlled braking: In vehicles with ABS, keep the brake pressed; in those without, pump the brake
Regain balance: When the vehicle straightens, gently apply the accelerator

When applying these techniques on Ankara’s mountain and plateau roads, extra caution is required; because roadside safety barriers may be limited on these roads.

Driving Strategies in Foggy Weather

In Ankara, fog is one of the most common meteorological events during winter months, especially in the morning and evening hours. In these conditions where visibility is severely restricted, apply the following strategies to make your Ankara car rental experience safe.

Safety Measures in Foggy Conditions

Use fog lights: Normal headlights reflect light back in fog, further reducing visibility
Do not use high beams: They scatter light in the fog layer and affect oncoming vehicles
Use lane markings as reference: The right lane line is the safest guide showing the direction of the road
Binocular effect: Distance perception is distorted in foggy environments — you perceive objects as closer than they actually are

60% of fog-related accidents in Turkey occur at intersections and turning points. Following the daily fog warnings of the Turkish State Meteorological Service should be an integral part of your journey planning.

Foggy road conditions in Ankara during winter months — visibility decreases critically

Ankara Winter Routes: Where to Go, What to Watch Out For?

Winter routes extending from Ankara center to the surroundings offer unique experiences with the right preparation. Here are the winter routes you can safely visit with a rental car and things to watch out for:

Elmadağ Ski Center Route

Located 25 km from Ankara, Elmadağ Ski Center is an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts. However, the last 5 kilometers of the road are prone to icing. We recommend choosing a 4WD when taking this route with daily car rental.

Beypazarı and Ayaş Thermal Route

Beypazarı and Ayaş, famous for their thermal springs in winter, are among the easiest winter destinations to reach with a rental car. The road is wide and well-maintained; however, watch out for morning fog.

Eskişehir Road

The Ankara-Eskişehir road, which is at highway standards, is the safest long-distance route in winter conditions. Snow clearing operations are carried out regularly and emergency assistance stations are available.

Emergency Preparedness for Winter Travel

Emergency preparedness when renting a car in winter conditions is an often overlooked but critically important issue. It should not be forgotten that help may take a long time to arrive on Ankara’s ring roads and in rural areas.

Emergency Kit Requirements

Tow rope: With at least 4-ton capacity
Jumper cables: Battery drain is common in cold weather
Ice scraper and brush: Essential for cleaning window ice
Spare antifreeze: Against radiator freezing
First aid kit and blanket: Vital in waiting situations
Rechargeable flashlight: For nighttime breakdowns and foggy conditions
Tire pump: Pressure drop is a common winter problem

Things to Check in the Rental Agreement

Confirm the following items in the rental agreement you make with Fores Car Rental:

Roadside assistance coverage and response time
Procedures in case of accident and damage
Winter tire change responsibility
Towing service fee and limits
Availability of fire extinguisher and first aid kit

Frequently Asked Questions About Ankara Winter Driving

Are winter tires mandatory?

Yes, the M+S tire requirement is valid throughout Turkey between December 1 and April 1. Ankara car rental companies are obliged to provide vehicles that comply with this requirement. It is recommended to check the tire condition during rental.

Can I use chains on a rental car?

Most rental agreements allow the use of chains; however, some companies may impose restrictions due to the risk of damage. In heavy snow conditions, chains are the most effective equipment for your safety. The General Directorate of Highways announces routes where chains are mandatory.

SUV or sedan in Ankara during winter?

For city use in Ankara, a sedan may be sufficient; however, if you are going to ring roads and rural areas, choose an SUV or crossover. Among Ankara car rental options, 4WD SUV models offer the best performance in terms of winter safety.

Conclusion: Proper Preparation for Safe Winter Driving

Ankara’s winter conditions can turn into a safe experience with proper preparation and conscious driving. When using Ankara car rental services, skipping steps such as choosing a winter-suitable vehicle, M+S tire check, and emergency preparedness creates unacceptable risks in terms of safety.

As Fores Car Rental, we equip our fleet appropriately for winter conditions to offer a safe and comfortable travel experience in the winter season as well. For your Ankara rent a car needs, we are with you with our expert team on winter driving. Remember: The most important equipment in winter driving is a conscious and prepared driver.

Vehicle Maintenance and Checks in Winter Conditions

Before setting off on a winter journey with a rental car, checking the vehicle’s technical condition is of great importance for both safety and comfort. Although most Ankara car rental companies put their vehicles through regular maintenance, the short checks you perform during rental allow you to detect potential problems in advance.

Pre-Trip Checks

When driving in winter conditions, be sure to apply the following checklist before starting your journey. These checks take a total of 10-15 minutes but significantly increase your safety.

Engine and Fluid Checks

Antifreeze level: Should provide freeze protection down to -30°C. Inquire about the antifreeze ratio during rental
Engine oil: 5W-30 or 0W-30 viscosity oil should be preferred for winter. Oil fluidity at low temperatures directly affects engine protection
Windshield washer fluid: Washer fluid that does not freeze down to -25°C should be used. Standard washer fluids can freeze and cause damage to the window system
Battery check: Battery capacity drops by 30-40% in cold weather. Check the battery age and charge level
Brake system: Make sure the ABS light is not on and the brake pedal feels firm

Lighting and Visibility Checks

Short days and foggy conditions in winter multiply the importance of lighting systems. Check that all headlights, fog lights, and turn signals are in working order. The rear fog light is a critical safety element for vehicles coming from behind to notice you in foggy weather.

Make sure the window defogger is full and the wiper blades are undamaged and flexible. In winter, wiper blades can freeze and scratch the glass; therefore, winter wiper blades should be preferred.

Parking and Storage Tips in Ankara Winter

Parking a vehicle in winter months becomes a much more strategic operation than in summer. Choosing a parking spot in Ankara during the winter season with a rental car is decisive for both vehicle safety and the comfort of the morning journey.

Choosing the Right Parking Spot

If possible, prefer indoor parking lots. In open parking, pay attention to the following criteria:

Wind protection: Behind buildings or spots sheltered from wind reduce the risk of icing
Sun direction: An east-facing spot that gets morning sun speeds up the thawing of window ice
Slope control: When parking on sloping roads, pay attention to the handbrake and gear position
Avoid under trees: Snow-laden branches can break, and falling ice chunks from trees can cause damage

Morning Defrosting Guide

Using hot water to defrost the vehicle’s windows in the morning is absolutely wrong. The sudden temperature difference between the glass and water can cause the glass to crack. Instead:

Start the vehicle and set the heating system to defrost mode
Remove the thick ice layer with an ice scraper
Melt the remaining thin ice layer with a window defogger spray
Do not set off until all windows are completely clear

This process takes an average of 5-10 minutes and is the first step of safe driving. Setting off with partial visibility poses a risk for both yourself and other drivers.

Fuel Saving and Economic Tips in Winter Driving

Fuel consumption in winter conditions increases by 15-20% compared to summer months. The main reasons for this increase include cold engine starts, use of the heating system, driving in low gear on slippery surfaces, and increased idling time. Apply the following tips to optimize your Ankara car rental experience economically as well.

Fuel Saving Strategies

Engine warm-up: Let it idle for 1-2 minutes before setting off, but do not exceed 5 minutes
Gradual acceleration: Avoid aggressive acceleration for the first 5 km with a cold engine
Long trip planning: A single long trip instead of frequent short-distance journeys saves fuel by maintaining engine temperature
Tire pressure: Tire pressure decreases by 0.1 bar for every 10°C drop. Check pressure monthly in winter
Unnecessary load: Remove heavy loads other than emergency equipment like snow chains and ice scraper