Fresh snow is beautiful, but it can be dangerous. Unfortunately, getting stuck in the snow is pretty common. Luckily, if you do happen to get stuck in the snow, there are several things you can do to get yourself out.
1. Call for help if needed.
The first thing you should do if your car gets stuck in the snow is assess how stuck you really are. If you’re on a level surface with only a few inches of snow, you can likely get yourself out using the tips below. However, if you’re caught in a snow bank three feet deep, you’re probably going to be stuck until you call for help. If you’re stuck in very deep snow, call a tow truck or your roadside assistance service to help you.
2. Clear the area around your tires.
If it’s safe to get out of your vehicle to do so, go ahead and clear the area around your tires. It would be helpful to keep a snow shovel in your car if you’re going to be driving in these conditions. If you don’t have a shovel handy, you can try using your ice scraper. Dig out the snow from around your tires, underneath your vehicle, in front of and behind it.
3. "Rock" the car to get unstuck.
To "rock" your car, start with your wheels straight and then gently accelerate forward. When the car starts moving, take your foot off the accelerator, brake, and shift to "reverse." Then gently accelerate in reverse. Brake after the car moves slightly backward, and then shift to "drive" and accelerate slightly forward. Do this over and over again, until you create a free path for your car to get out. Try this a few times, but if it doesn’t work, don’t be afraid to call for help.
4. Add traction.
During snowy months, it’s a good idea to travel with a bag of sand, gravel, or cat litter in your trunk. Putting these elements around your wheels can help create some much-needed traction for your tires to help get you unstuck. Even your car’s floor mats can help in a pinch. Place these traction helpers around your tires and see if that helps get your vehicle unstuck.
5. Keep calm.
Easy to say but harder to accomplish! The first time your car gets stuck in snow can be a scary experience. Even the tenth time can be super stressful! If you can avoid driving in the snow, do so, but sometimes it’s necessary to go out in unpleasant conditions. Be prepared for the possibility of getting stuck. Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter weather (check out our blog post on this topic here). If you do become stuck, avoid abrupt movements like slamming on the brakes. Know that getting stuck isn’t the end of the world and there are many options for you once you are stuck. Keeping yourself safe is ultimately the most important thing, and calling for help when you need to may be your safest and smartest option.
If you find yourself stuck in snow this winter, keep these tips in mind. We hope this helps! If you’d like to learn more about defensive driving and traffic safety, visit our website and see what online courses we offer in your state!