'Tis the season for winter driving for many of us across the US. With winter driving, safety is the top priority and one of the biggest factors of safe winter driving is making sure your vehicle is in proper working order. Most importantly, you want winter rated tires. In addition, you want to make sure the rest of your vehicle is in good shape, including brakes, wipers, and a healthy battery to ensure your vehicle will start in colder temperatures.

Beyond the basics, you may want to consider a vehicle that is best suited for winter driving conditions. A key feature to look for is all-wheel-drive (AWD) or four-wheel-drive (4x4) for increased traction. Having four wheels of traction can be helpful when climbing slippery hills and helps to keep you from getting stuck in deeper snow.

Many modern vehicles that are equipped with all-wheel drive, have an auto mode that requires no input from the driver and engages AWD mode when the tires begin to slip. AWD can be found on many SUVs, crossovers, and even some sedans and hatchbacks. Two of our favorite AWD crossovers include the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

In addition to AWD, a vehicle with higher ground clearance will help prevent getting stuck in deeper snow. Trucks, SUVs and crossovers tend to have higher ground clearance than sedans and hatchbacks, making them the ideal choice when you encounter deep snow. Some of the most popular vehicles with plenty of ground clearance include the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Ford Bronco Sport.

If you encounter winter driving and are looking for a vehicle that is ready to take on the season's challenges, browse our inventory online or visit the Hertz Car Sales location near you. We offer a big selection of popular models at low no-haggle prices.