Suitable Car to hire in March

Question

Hi there, we are looking at hiring a Chevy Suburban or similar for our upcoming trip (we hired this type of car on our last trip to the States and my husband loved it and the boot space is what we need as travelling with 5 people including a baby).

Is this type of car suitable for where we will be driving though in possibly snowy weather. It doesn’t say what type of tyres it has etc on the listing. We will be travelling between Denver/Breckenridge/Frisco etc and possibly down to Colorado Springs before heading back to Denver. Looking at hiring the car from Budget through Klook. Thanks!

Answer

A Chevy Suburban or similar large SUV can be a suitable choice for your March trip in Colorado, especially considering you are traveling with five people and a baby, and need plenty of boot space. However, there are several important factors to consider regarding snowy and mountainous driving conditions.

Driving between Denver, Breckenridge, Frisco, and potentially Colorado Springs involves routes that can be challenging in winter or early spring due to snow, ice, and steep grades, particularly on Interstate 70 west of Denver and mountain passes like Loveland Pass or the Eisenhower Tunnel.

Key considerations for the vehicle:

Drive type: Ensure the vehicle is equipped with four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). A Suburban typically has 4WD options, which is highly recommended for snowy mountain roads.
Winter tires: Check with the rental company whether the SUV comes with snow tires or all-season tires rated for winter conditions. Most U.S. rental cars do not come standard with winter tires, so it’s worth requesting them, especially for higher passes and unpredictable snow in March.
Size and handling: The Suburban is large and offers excellent space, but it is less maneuverable on tight mountain roads or in heavy snow compared to mid-size SUVs. Drivers should be comfortable handling a larger vehicle in potentially icy conditions.
Chains: In Colorado, rental companies sometimes provide chains upon request, and some mountain roads may require them when snow accumulates. Ask Budget if they offer chains or traction devices for this vehicle.

Additional tips for winter driving in Colorado:

Check road conditions daily via CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation) before setting out.
Leave extra travel time for mountain routes and be prepared for sudden weather changes.
Consider starting drives early in the day to avoid nighttime icy conditions.
Even with 4WD or AWD, drive cautiously, maintain safe distances, and avoid sudden acceleration or braking on snow or ice.

In summary, a Chevy Suburban can work well for your family and luggage needs, provided it has 4WD and ideally winter-rated tires. Confirm these details with Budget before booking, and consider carrying traction aids or chains for added safety on mountain roads. For maximum safety, some travelers opt for slightly smaller 4WD SUVs with good winter tires, as they are easier to handle on icy passes, but for space and comfort, a Suburban is a reasonable choice.

Suitable Car to hire in March

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