While it's best to avoid driving in the snow altogether, for many people, like essential workers, staying home isn't an option. Because of this, it’s important to know how to free your car from a mound of snow in case you ever find yourself stuck. Even if you're a veteran driver or are no stranger to snowy conditions, it's always wise to refresh your memory. Keep reading for some advice on what to do when your car is stuck in the snow.
Helpful Tips for Before It Snows
If you're watching the forecast and can anticipate your car getting stuck, taking a few proactive steps can help immensely. To prepare for a snowstorm and prevent your car from being trapped, try the following:
- Install Snow Tires - If you have a set of snow tires, be sure to install them before the storm to ensure you have the traction to drive yourself out of the snow. If you don't have snow tires, you might want to consider getting some.
- Pack a Snow Shovel - Keep a snow shovel in your car. You never know when it might come in handy if you end up in a jam.
- Attach Snow Chains - If you don’t have snow tires, snow chains can be an effective alternative. Although these can still be added when it's already started snowing, it’s far easier to put them on your tires beforehand.
Of course, you don’t always have the opportunity to prepare for the coming snow, which is why it’s important to familiarize yourself with some tricks.
Tips to Get Your Car Out of the Snow
If you followed the previous precautions but still wound up stuck in the snow somewhere, there are a few things you need to do. First, you’ll want to disable your traction control, as your vehicle may trigger the braking mechanism in the tires if the system senses no traction. You should also turn on your four-wheel drive if your car comes equipped with it. Finally, shovel the snow around your tires, clearing a few feet in front and behind to move the car back and forth. After these steps, you can try the following:
- Rock Your Car: Straighten your tires and place your vehicle in the lowest gear. Slowly move forward and then slowly reverse when you can’t go further. Continue this trend to compact the snow and make it easier to get out. But be sure not to rev your engine.
- Find Some Help: Ask for help pushing the car from neighbors or bystanders. Ensure you’re in the right gear, and then gently press the gas while they push. It also helps to ensure those pushing are not pressing against a delicate part of the car, such as the rear panel or window.
- Add Traction: Lay down sand, salt, kitty litter, or cardboard in front of your tires. Do not use antifreeze to melt the snow, as it’s corrosive to metal and can damage your tires and undercarriage.
If all else fails and you’re not in a rush, you can let the air out of your tires to gain better traction. This is ideal for those who have a portable tire inflator.
With these tips, you should be able to get your car unstuck if you do find yourself in this unfortunate situation. Regardless, you still need to be mindful of the driving conditions after you free your car. Driving in wintery conditions is difficult and often unsafe, which is why you should ensure you have the right insurance to keep you protected. World Insurance agents can pair you with the best auto insurance for your needs. If you want to invest in better protections for the winter season, get in touch today.
This article is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.