JP Vuokraus Oy – Vehicle Winter Use Guidelines

(General guidelines, valid year-round)

These winter use guidelines apply to all vehicles rented by JP Vuokraus Oy.
The guidelines are general and apply to all vehicles unless otherwise specifically stated for a particular vehicle.

These guidelines complement the rental terms and conditions.
All responsibilities, costs, and the applicability of insurance related to vehicle use are determined in accordance with the rental terms and conditions.

JP Vuokraus Oy has a strong background in the automotive industry and vehicle repair services, as well as close cooperation with professional repair shops (including Huotarit Oy).
We are familiar with the factors that may lead to vehicle damage, especially in Lapland’s demanding conditions — and this is exactly why these guidelines have been created.
The purpose of these instructions is to make vehicle use easier, reduce human oversight, and ensure a smooth and reliable customer experience.

1. In brief – the most important points first

Most of our customers are already familiar with these basic principles.
These guidelines primarily serve as a reminder and as support for those who may not be accustomed to Lapland’s winter conditions.

For winter use, we recommend:

calm and steady driving
anticipation of conditions
taking vehicle technology into account

Following these principles helps ensure reliable vehicle operation and a safe, uninterrupted rental experience.

2. Fuel level and Webasto operation

During winter use, it is recommended to keep at least half a tank of fuel in the vehicle.

A sufficient fuel level:

reduces condensation formation
is a prerequisite for reliable Webasto operation
supports overall vehicle reliability in cold conditions

Please note:

Not all of our vehicles are equipped with Webasto
Some vehicles have an engine block heater only
Some vehicles have both an engine block heater and Webasto

3. Engine Preheating – Obligation and Basic Principle

Engine preheating is mandatory for all JP Vuokraus Oy vehicles when the outside temperature is −10 °C or colder.

Engine preheating serves two essential purposes:

safely increasing the engine temperature
maintaining sufficient battery charge, especially in cold conditions

The times listed below are the standard minimum recommendations for electric engine preheating.
Shorter preheating times are considered a cold start, unless the approved urgent situation procedure described later in this section has been fully followed.

Recommended Minimum Engine Preheating Times

−10 to −15 °C → at least 1 hour
−16 to −24 °C → at least 2 hours
−25 to −29 °C → at least 3 hours
−30 °C or colder → at least 4 hours

Please note: Standard 2-hour timer settings on engine heating poles are not sufficient on their own in severe Lapland winter conditions.
If necessary, the timer must be reset/extended, or engine preheating must be continued according to these instructions.

Urgent Situation – Approved Exception Procedure

If the schedule does not allow for the full recommended preheating time, the following procedure may be used in urgent situations, even in severe cold conditions (down to −30 °C):

2 hours of electric engine preheating using an external power outlet (engine heating pole)
the outlet timer must be reset/extended, so that electric heating continues
Webasto is then started
Webasto must operate continuously for at least 30 minutes

The vehicle must remain connected to the external power outlet also during Webasto operation, whenever possible, in order to:

maintain sufficient battery charge
ensure reliable Webasto operation

This procedure (2 h electric preheating + timer extension + 30 min Webasto) is a proven and approved method for safe engine start-up in urgent situations.

Mandatory Conditions in Urgent Situations

The use of Webasto in an urgent situation is accepted only if:

Webasto has been running continuously for at least 30 minutes
Webasto operation has been verified in practice (sound and heat output)
the vehicle has sufficient battery charge and fuel level

Pressing the Webasto activation button alone is not sufficient.

If Webasto has not actually started and the vehicle is started cold, this is considered a cold start.

4. Engine block heater, battery maintainer, and battery

Most of our vans are equipped with:

an engine block heater
a battery maintainer

Important to note:

In cold conditions, the vehicle’s alternator may not fully recharge the starter or auxiliary battery during driving
Therefore, engine block heating time may need to be extended depending on temperature

The goal is to ensure:

sufficient battery charge
reliable engine starting
safe Webasto operation

5. Webasto use – essential minimum requirements

Webasto is a secondary heating method, not the primary one.

Using Webasto alone does not replace electric engine preheating when temperatures are –20 °C or colder.
In such conditions, the vehicle must be connected to an external power outlet.

Mandatory Webasto requirements

Minimum continuous operating time: 30 minutes
15 minutes is not sufficient
20 minutes is not sufficient
25 minutes is not sufficient

The engine must not be started until:

Webasto has been running for at least 30 minutes
Webasto operation has been verified in practice

Verifying Webasto operation

When starting Webasto:

listen for the startup sound
return to the vehicle after 5–15 minutes
confirm operation by sound and heat output

Indicator lights alone are not sufficient.

In extreme cold, Webasto may fail to start due to low battery charge, even if the system itself is technically functional.

6. Starting and driving with a cold engine

After starting the engine in cold conditions:

apply light throttle briefly at startup
allow the engine to idle for approximately 15 minutes

When beginning to drive:

drive gently during the first 20 minutes
avoid strong acceleration and high engine speeds

A calm driving style supports:

vehicle durability
safe operation
a smooth rental experience

7. Driving, snow, and road conditions

Winter driving requires extra care and caution.

The vehicle must not be used on:

unplowed or unsuitable roads
terrain that is too demanding for road vehicles
ski tracks, snowmobile trails, or other non-road areas

Driving errors, such as getting stuck in snow or leaving the road without vehicle damage, are not considered insurance events.

8. Responsibilities – briefly and clearly

Following these guidelines helps prevent situations that may lead to:

technical damage
rental interruptions
additional costs

Similar to incorrect refueling, lost keys, or driving in unsuitable areas, cold starting contrary to these instructions is considered negligent use.

If engine preheating has not been performed according to the guidelines and damage occurs as a result, the damage is not covered by insurance and the renter is fully responsible for the costs.

9. Technical support during the rental

JP Vuokraus Oy provides 24/7 technical support during the rental period.

📞 +358 44 060 9511

In emergencies: call immediately
For important but non-urgent matters: take a photo and send a message — we respond quickly

We cooperate with Hinaus Hartikainen, enabling fast towing services and, if necessary, a replacement vehicle.
In all situations, please contact JP Vuokraus Oy first so matters can be handled efficiently and correctly.

Rental terms and conditions are available at:
https://www.jpvuokraus.fi/en/ehdot