Must Read: Car Stuck in the Snow

Is your car stuck in the snow? Or has it ever been stuck? If you’ve experienced this before, you know just how frustrating it can be to deal with. Many times, if you have no idea what you are doing and your car is stuck, it’s likely you might make the situation worse. Just in case it does happen to you, we want you to be prepared and educated. Keep reading for tips and warnings from several sources.

How to Get Your Car Out of the Snow – WikiHow

Follow these recommendations from WikiHow on getting your car out of the snow:

1. Check the tailpipe and make sure snow is not covering it. If it is, properly clear it off otherwise the deadly fumes from your car exhaust could pump into your car.
2. Dig away excess snow and ice. Start with the tires and then work your way up. Follow up with more snow and ice removal around the car once you’ve cleared it off.
3. Use snow chains.
4. Somehow create traction under all four tires, especially the front two.
5. Ride the brakes if you know how.
6. As a last resort you can use floor mats to try and create traction. Just note this might destroy them.
7. Use salt, sand or cat litter in front of tires to help ice and snow melt.
8. Straighten the wheels.
9. Use low gear as you pull out
10. Let air out of the tires because it can help with traction. Stop though if they appear too low or much lower than when you started.
11. Rock the car if you know how.
12. If you have a front-wheel drive vehicle and the wheels are spinning, turn them slightly in a different direction to give yourself more traction.

Warnings:

• Rocking the car can destroy the transmission so only do this if you know how and as a last resort. It might even be a good option to call a tow truck instead.
• Don’t lay on the gas. Excessive high speed spinning can overheat and damage tires. It can also dig a deeper hole making the situation worse.
• If you veer off the road and are not in a safe place, just stay in your car and call for help.

What You Should & Shouldn’t Do – Cherry Hill Nissan

What You Shouldn’t Do:

Do not spin your tires because it causes 2 problems:

1. It makes your car sit deeper on top of snow beneath it
2. Snow underneath your tires melts reducing traction

What You Should Do:

• Put your car in reverse and press gently on the gas. If this doesn’t work then keep reading.
• Free the tailpipe of any snow.
• Remove snow from beneath your vehicle.
• Straighten your wheels.
• Place sand/lime underneath your tires to increase traction.
• Ride the brakes.

Last Resort

If your car is stuck and your afraid to DIY or if all of your efforts have failed, it’s time to call a tow truck. They are built for reasons like this. In fact, I’ve seen a standard tow truck pull a 5th Wheel Camper and Double Tired truck out of mud before. They have the resources and knowledge and while potentially pricey, it’s your best bet.

If you notice any damage done to your car, remember to file a claim. You might have to pay your deductible but if damagers are extremely high, it’s a small price to pay.

Resources: Cherry Hill Nissan, Red Plum, Wiki How

 

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