You’re ready to hit the road, but your car has other plans—stuck in a snowbank with tires spinning. Before your frustration gets out of hand, take a deep breath. With the right techniques and a little patience, you can free your vehicle and get back on track. Here’s your step-by-step guide to escape the snow’s icy grip without breaking a sweat—or your car!

1. Stay Safe and Assess the Situation

Before doing anything, ensure you’re safe. Turn on your hazard lights and assess the situation. Are other vehicles nearby? Make sure you’re visible to others and have enough space to work around your car safely.

2. Clear the Exhaust Pipe

Check your car’s tailpipe for snow and ice. A clogged exhaust can cause dangerous carbon monoxide to back up into the vehicle’s cabin. Clearing it is a critical safety step before you start working to free your car.

3. Start Shoveling

Use a shovel or any sturdy tool to remove snow around the tires, under the car, and along the path you want to travel. Clearing as much snow as possible will make it easier to gain traction and move forward.

4. Try Melting the Snow

If the snow around your wheels is packed and icy, try sprinkling salt or a de-icing agent. Be cautious, as salt can cause rust on your vehicle, and some chemicals may be harmful to pets and the environment.

5. Add Traction

Improve your grip by spreading dry materials like sand, kitty litter, or even your car’s floor mats under the tires. These items can provide the friction needed to get your car moving.

Pro Tip: Lower your window slightly to listen for spinning wheels as you press on the gas. If you hear them spinning, it’s not working.

6. Choose the Right Driving Technique

Depending on your type of vehicle, you will want to take advantage of its strengths.

      • 4-Wheel Drive: If your vehicle has a 4-wheel drive option, turn it on to deliver power to all wheels. Use a low gear in an automatic to reduce wheel spinning.
      • Front-Wheel Drive: Turn your steering wheel left and right repeatedly to find a patch of traction.
      • Manual Transmission: Start in second gear to reduce wheel spin and increase grip.

7. Turn Off Traction Control

Your traction control system can prevent your wheels from spinning, which helps in skids but can hinder your efforts when stuck. Temporarily disable it to give your wheels the power they need to move.

8. Rock Your Vehicle

Gently rock your car by shifting between forward and reverse gears. Apply light gas pressure—avoid flooring it—and stop if it’s not working after a few tries to prevent transmission damage.

9. Let Air Out of Your Tires

In extreme cases, slightly deflate your tires to increase surface contact and improve traction. Only do this if you’re near a place to reinflate them, as driving on underinflated tires can be dangerous.

10. Call for Roadside Assistance

If all else fails, it’s time to call for help. Roadside assistance professionals have the tools and expertise to safely free your vehicle.

After You’re Unstuck

Once your car is free, pull over in a safe spot and inspect your tires. Spinning wheels can pack snow and ice into the treads, making steering difficult. Use a snow scraper to clear them and restore proper grip. Don’t forget to turn your traction control back on before resuming your drive. Follow winter driving safety tips to prevent any future issues.

Be Prepared for the Future

Getting stuck in deep snow can damage your car’s transmission, battery, or drivetrain. Get your car checked out if you have been stuck in deep snow.

In addition, prepare for any future incidents. Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle, including:

  • Ice scraper and snow brush
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight and flares
  • Blankets
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Car jack
  • Cell phone charger
  • Kitty litter or sand for traction

Finally, make sure your vehicle is protected for winter with the right insurance. This will help add peace of mind. Safe travels.

 

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

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