All You Need To Know About Car Sharing this Winter

KINTO makes getting out and about easier, with car share options in convenient locations, so you can visit somewhere new even when the temperature drops. Keep your ride comfortable and hassle-free this winter with KINTO.

What is car share?

Need access to a vehicle but don't own one? Car share services, like KINTO, offer convenient vehicle rental options for users without the need for ownership.

With KINTO, you'll have access to a fleet of on-demand vehicles to fuel your spontaneity. Use the KINTO app on your smartphone to see live availability, book, unlock and drive.

Plus, every KINTO booking includes fuel, insurance, servicing, maintenance and 24/7 Roadside Assistance so you can drive with confidence.

New to KINTO? Get All the Car Share Tips You Need.

Keeping your car share comfortable this Winter

The only cool things this winter should be your outfit and your destination—not your ride. Keep your KINTO toasty with these handy tips for winter travel.

1. Heater on! Drive in comfort with the heater on chilly days.
2. For a long-term car rental or a road trip adventure, consider adding blankets to the car to keep it extra cosy.
3. Put the cupholders to good use with a cup of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, chai, or your favourite warm drink.
4. Crank up the heat with KINTO's Winter Roadtrip Playlist, designed to get you grooving.
5. Pack an umbrella–Don't let the rain stop you from exploring.

KINTO's Best Tip: Pack towels if you're going out to the country, mountains, beaches, or anywhere you might get wet. Leaving your damp raincoat in the boot and sitting on a dry seat after a big hike can do wonders for your comfort.

Car sharing is great for apartment dwellers, uni students or those needing a car for a few days.

Apartment dwellers

Living in the city often means limited or no parking, but that doesn't mean you have to live without the freedom of driving. KINTO car share makes it easy for those living in the inner city to access a car when needed. Grocery run? Weekend escape? Trip to IKEA? KINTO have you covered.

Uni students

Don't rely on public transport when juggling classes, work, and maintaining a social life. Car sharing is a flexible and convenient solution; KINTO makes travelling to placements, heading home for the holidays, or getting to your events a breeze.

Short-term car needs

Not everyone needs a car full-time. Shauna, who runs @shaunashauna_ doesn't own a car, but she uses KINTO car share when she needs it. Here's what Shauna had to say:

When my mum and sister came to visit Melbourne, I booked a KINTO for the weekend so I could play tour guide (and, yes, chauffeur). Having a car made it so much easier to get around, especially with winter weather doing its thing.

If you're planning a winter road trip, my top tips are:

1. Take five minutes before hitting the road to get comfortable with the car – figure out the heater, wipers, and demister, and set up CarPlay or sync your playlist. Getting everything sorted before you drive is much safer (and less stressful).
2. Always keep a jacket, umbrella, and snacks in the car (trust me).
3. Allow more time than you think you need-Melbourne traffic plus rain equals chaos.

Honestly, using KINTO meant I could focus on making memories rather than stressing about logistics. 10/10, I would book again.

Weather varies by region so ensure you find a car that suits your needs

Winter roads can be unpredictable, so it's important to be prepared before you set off. Here are our top safety tips and cautions for winter car share:

• Temperatures drop overnight, creating icy mornings, especially for cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide and Hobart.
• Leave a little earlier to defrost windscreens, and remember to use cold water only!
• Consider your local conditions to choose the right vehicle type for your destination.
• This is generally part of the KINTO pickup routine, but check tyres, lights, and windscreen wiper fluid is topped up before you go.  
• Drive slowly, stay alert to changing road conditions, and beware of ice on the road.  
• Maintain a safe distance to the vehicle in front, as it takes twice as much distance to come to a stop in the rain.

Remember, you can report any issues from previous drivers through the app. If you notice that a car needs cleaning, please let us know by submitting a Damage Report in the app or emailing us at info@kinto.com.au.

Colder Weather means higher demand for KINTO car sharing

While a range of KINTO vehicles is available across each city—especially with our expanded fleet in Sydney—booking in advance gives you a better chance to secure the car you want. Vehicle types can be limited and are often in high demand, so planning ahead is key.

What car share should I choose?

The best-suited car share for your trip will depend on your plans.

Heading out of the city for a weekend away or an outdoor adventure?

Take to the open roads in the rugged and reliable Toyota Hilux, RAV4 or Kluger, with more cabin space for your baggage and spacious seats for a comfortable journey.

Staying local to run errands, attend meetings or for a casual day out?

For narrow streets and easier inner-city parking, the more compact Yaris, Corolla, bZ4X, or Camry are especially efficient for urban areas.

See live availability and find nearby vehicles in the KINTO app–real-time updates mean you'll always know which cars are ready to hit the road when you are.

Want to explore all KINTO vehicle types before you book? Take a look at the full range and pricing here to find the perfect match for your trip.

Whether you're heading into the Blue Mountains, exploring the Yarra Valley, travelling to foothill towns, hiking the Flinders Ranges, visiting the coast, or just heading to parties or outings in the city with friends, KINTO car share can get you there.

Your Australian Winter adventures are calling, so get set and go with KINTO Car Share.

What happens if you break down in a hire car?

All KINTO cars come with 24/7 Roadside Assistance, covering breakdowns, mechanical or electrical faults, flat tyres, flat batteries, or if you have run out of fuel.

If you need Roadside Assistance, call 1300 832 772.

Do you have to clean a hire car?

KINTO relies on our members to keep the rental cars neat. At the end of your journey, please remove all rubbish and personal belongings from the vehicle and clean any spills or messes before returning the KINTO to its parking space.

If you notice that a car requires cleaning, please notify us by submitting a Damage Report through the app or emailing us at info@kinto.com.au. If the vehicle is in an unacceptable condition, please call 1300 4KINTO so we can make other arrangements, or report the damage, end your journey and request a refund.

Are winter tyres necessary?

No. Winter tyres aren't usually necessary in most Australian cities. In colder areas, be aware of icy roads and local driving conditions. KINTO's range of reliable Toyota hybrids is ready to take on your plans, whatever the cooler seasons bring.

What cars drive best on ice?

If you're driving in slippery conditions, an all-wheel drive is generally considered the best option due to its improved traction and stability. Explore the KINTO fleet and discover the perfect car share option to suit your needs.