-
Archives
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
-
Meta

Tips to Help You Navigate Your Winter Move
December 8, 2017
CommentPlanning a move can be a stressful time in any season, but winter offers its own set of unique challenges for Penske Truck Rental’s household movers.
Bitter, biting winds coupled with frigid temperatures and blowing snow can make navigating roadways a challenge.
With your safety in mind, Penske Truck Rental has assembled a few winter driving safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe in the event of winter weather.
One of the first major hurdles is adjusting to the difference in driving a rental truck compared to another type of vehicle such as cars. Trucks take longer to stop and are not as low to the ground as personal vehicles.
“We want our customers to have the safest move possible, so it is important to keep in mind the size of the rental truck,” said Jeff Werner, director of rental contact centers for Penske Truck Rental. “The rental trucks are larger and heavier than our customers’ everyday vehicle.”
Central Reservation’s Moving Advisors are trained to offer winter driving safety tips for renters whose moves takes them into areas experiencing winter weather.
When you slide into the driver’s seat, make sure to take a few minutes to let the truck warm up before starting your journey.
Before you leave:
- Check weather sources before your move to help you plan out your trip. When traveling, listen to local radio stations for the forecast.
- Make sure you have a snowbrush and ice scraper in your truck during your move to remove snow and ice from all windows, lights, hood and roof.
- Stock your vehicle with basic supplies like warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, extra food, bottled water, road flares and a first-aid kid. Sunglasses help cut glare from snow.
Movers traveling through mountain passes or northern states may be required to have tire chains available in the event of a snow or ice storm, so it is a good idea to have them on hand.
“We do not reimburse customers for the tire chains, but we will make them aware if they are traveling through some of the mountain passes that require them,” said Tara Reinhart, assistant manager of training in Penske’s Central Reservations department.
While driving:
- Leave extra room between the truck and the vehicle in front of you. Trucks require even more time and room to stop in bad weather.
- Don’t force too much power on the drive wheels; this can cause you to lose traction when driving in the snow and result in a side skid.
- Use extra caution when traveling across bridges and overpasses. They freeze before the road.
There are also special considerations you should take when driving a diesel-powered truck in cold weather.
You should always park your truck out of the wind and remember to turn off all lights to allow batteries to maintain a full charge. Cold weather decreases the battery output.
In the unlikely event of an equipment malfunction, Penske 24/7 Roadside Assistance is available to help.
It’s not too late to plan your winter move. Penske Truck Rental offers free unlimited miles on all one-way truck rentals, discounts for AAA members, college students and members of the military as well as packing supplies and 24/7 roadside assistance. Are you ready to make a reservation? Visit the Penske Truck Rental website for more information.
By Bernie Mixon
Speak Your Mind