How to Get Your Car Unstuck from Snow

Getting stuck in the middle of a big pile of snow or on a stretch of ice can be an all-too-common occurrence during the cold winter months. Luckily, we have a few tips and tricks that can get your car free in no time, even if you don’t have one of the best vehicles for winter driving.

How to prepare for driving in the snow

Before the winter hits and you have to drive in the snow, you should winterize your car and consider stocking it with some winter essentials, including:

• Shovel for snow
• First aid kit
• Car scraper for ice and snow
• Flashlight
• Snow chains for your tires (if appropriate for your location)
• Flares
• Blankets
• Charger for your cellphone
• Tire pressure gauge
• Toolkit
• Sand or kitty litter

Steps to free a car stuck in snow

If your car is stuck in the snow and you have the tools above, you can try a few options to get unstuck. Here are a few things to do first to make sure you get out safely:

  1. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
  2. Turn off traction control so that your tires can have full power.
  3. Put the car in the lowest gear to help gain traction.
  4. Roll your window down so you can hear it if your tires start to spin.

If the situation ever becomes unsafe or dangerous, call professional help.

However, if the road is safe and you’ve followed the steps above, it’s time to start working on getting your vehicle out of the snow.

1. Clear a path around your tires

Try to dig snow and ice away from the drive tires. You want to free up a few feet in front of and behind the tires so you can move the car back and forth. This is particularly important if your tires aren’t winterized, or if you haven’t taken steps to prepare your vehicle for the winter. Be sure to also dig out any snow under the front or middle of your car that is higher than its ground clearance.

2. Rock your car free of the snow

Carefully switching from drive to reverse can help dislodge some of the snow around your wheels. But be careful not to wreck your transmission. Putting your foot on the brake at the peak of each “rock,” so the car is motionless when changing gears, this helps. It’s also helpful to shift to neutral for a second before making the transition.

3. Don’t floor the accelerator

You’ll always be tempted to floor it if you’re stuck in snow or ice, but don’t. Go easy on the pedal to give the vehicle just a little gas for a moment, then let off. Repeat to enhance the needed “rocking” motion. It’s momentum that sets you free, not power.

4. Add traction under your tires

If you still can’t get your car free, you can next try to gain traction under your wheels. Things such as sandbags, salt, dirt or even kitty litter can be used when your car is stuck in snow. Throw several handfuls under your tires for improved traction, then try gently accelerating again.

It is also important to remember to turn off traction control if you are stuck in snow. This Traction Control is one of several safety features that can help you keep control of your vehicle if you hit ice on the road, but leaving it on while stuck in snow is a different story. Traction control prevents wheelspin, which is the rotation of a vehicle’s wheels without traction and can sometimes help you get your car out of snow. Remember to turn it back on once you’re back on the road.

5. Get others to help push your car

If you have other people in your car, or friendly onlookers who can help, simply pushing your car out of the snow can be an easy solution. Gently press the gas while the car is being pushed to add additional momentum. Safety always comes first, so make sure you’re in forward gear and the ground isn’t too slippery for helpers to push. Always be sure that everyone is in a safe spot before accelerating. Using snow chains can also help create traction under your tires, making it easier to move through snow and ice.

6. Ask for help

Whether you’re stuck in snow or hit a stretch of ice, remain calm. Don’t do anything abrupt, like slamming on the brakes. If you do that, you’ll transfer your vehicle’s weight to your front wheels, which lightens up the rear and makes it likely that your rear end will spin. Instead, gradually let off the gas and hold the steering steady until you’ve cleared the ice.

What to do when your car is unstuck from snow

Once your car is finally unstuck, keep driving safely. If you have to stop and get out, make sure to get your car to a safe spot first. Once you’re back on the road, drive slowly and safely with your traction control system back on.

Your car getting stuck isn’t the only concern when winter comes along. Snowy and icy pavement can lead to accidents. To help you navigate inclement weather this winter, check out these safety tips for driving in the snow.

TIPS

Tips For Night Driving In The Rain

Driving in heavy rain at night can be treacherous. The darkness and the weather can combine to create extremely dangerous conditions. However, you can stay safe on the road with a few simple safe driving tips.

In this blog post will discuss some tips for driving in heavy rain at night.

Tip 01: Check everything before heading out.

Before you even turn on your car, it’s important to check a few things. Make sure your car’s windshield wipers are in good working condition and that you have plenty of windshield wiper fluid.

It’s also wise to check your tires. In heavy rain, your tires can make the difference between staying on the road and hydroplaning. On slippery roads, balding tires may significantly diminish traction resulting in hydroplaning.

Lastly, check your air conditioning. Rain can cause the temperature outside to decrease, which increases the likelihood that your windows will fog up. Your A/C should be capable of keeping the temperature inside your car at the same level as the outside to prevent fogging.

Tip 02: Drive slow and stay below speed limits.

Although it may seem apparent, this point has to be made again. Driving too fast in heavy rain is a recipe for disaster. Not only will you have a hard time seeing, but you’re also more likely to lose control of your car. Avoid driving completely in severe weather if you can. However, if you must go outside, make careful to move slowly.

Tip 03: Keep hazard lights turned off and headlights on.

When your automobile is stopped on the side of the road, your hazard lights should be on. They convey to other drivers the need for caution. However, they may also be a distraction, so it’s better to leave them off when driving in a lot of rain. As for headlights, make sure they’re on so you can see and be seen by other drivers.

Tip 04: Avoid standing water.

Standing water is one of the biggest dangers of driving in heavy rain. Finding another route is best if you can’t see the ground through the water. Failure to remain safe on wet roads can result in hydroplaning.

It happens when your car’s tires begin to contact standing water rather than the road’s surface. Drivers start to hydroplane, which causes them to lose control of their cars. The driver may experience significant stress from feeling out of control.

Be sure to keep your calm at all times if you find yourself hydroplaning. Put your foot off the gas slowly and turn your automobile in the desired direction. Finally, avoid making any sharp bends or braking your car.

Tip 05: Don’t drive if you’re not comfortable.

If you don’t feel comfortable driving in certain weather conditions, don’t do it. Driving in heavy rain at night can be dangerous and stressful, not to mention the risk of hydroplaning, so only attempt it if you’re confident in your abilities. If not, wait until the weather clears up or find another way to get to your destination.

Always keep road safety as your first concern when driving in heavy rain at night. Following these safe driving tips can help ensure a safe and smooth journey.

TIPS

10 Crucial Things To Know Before You Start Driving In The Rain

Driving in rain, whether a sprinkle or a heavy downpour, can be one of the most difficult driving situations a driver encounters. Rainy conditions are directly associated with higher accident rates. No matter what part of the country you live in, it is almost certain that you will be required to drive your vehicle in the rain at some point. Knowing how wet roads and reduced visibility affects the way your vehicle handles will help you drive safely in rainy conditions.

1-Wait Until the Weather Improves if Possible

If you feel uncomfortable driving in the rain and can postpone your trip or commute, wait until the weather improves before driving. There is no reason to put yourself in danger if driving in wet conditions is not necessary.

2-Double Check Your Car’s Equipment

Make sure that your car’s equipment is in working order before encountering rainy weather. Check your headlights, tail lights, and windshield wipers to make sure that they will work efficiently when they are needed. Also check the tread of your vehicle’s tires. Balding tires can severely reduce traction on wet roadways.

3- Slow Down

Not only should you adhere to the posted speed limit when driving in wet weather conditions, you should drive considerably slower than you normally would. Wet roads are very dangerous. Your vehicle’s reaction time is much slower when it is raining. Reduced speed is imperative in rainy weather.

4-Turn On Your Headlights

Most states require drivers to turn on their vehicles’ lights while driving in rain. Even if it is only misting, turning on your vehicle’s headlights will increase both your own visibility and other drivers’ ability to see your car on the road.

5-Use Your Windshield Wipers

While this may seem like common sense, some people forget to turn on their windshield wipers in light rain. Most cars’ windshield wiper speed is adjustable to clear moisture from the glass in a light mist or in a heavy downpour. There are also several products available that can be sprayed or wiped onto the glass and claim to defer the collection of rainwater.

6-Maintain a Safe Distance Between Cars

Keep a greater distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. Stopping your vehicle will be more difficult when driving in the rain. Maintain a distance of several car lengths between your car and other vehicles.

7-Avoid Heavy Braking

Try to slow your vehicle by taking your foot off the accelerator earlier than you normally would in preparation to slow down or stop. Don’t use cruise control so your attention on using both the gas and brake are in tune.

8-Watch Out For Standing Water

Driving through standing water can cause hydroplaning to occur. Which is when you lose traction and skid across the surface of the road. To avoid hydroplaning, drive around places where water has collected by changing lanes or safely steering around such areas.

9- Let Off The Gas When Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is one of the most common car accidents in the rain because drivers can lose control. If your car hydroplanes, calmly take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction that the front of your car needs to go. Avoid making sudden turns or slamming on your brakes.

10- Ventilate Your Car

Rain causes humidity levels to increase. You may find that your vehicle’s windows become foggy when you operate your vehicle while it is raining. Most cars’ ventilation systems include a function that will work to reduce this type of fog that develops on the interior of your windows and windshield. It may be necessary to pull over if you are no longer able to see through your windows.

(https://driving-tests.org/)

TIPS

Crucial Things To Know Before You Start Driving In The Rain

Driving in rain, whether a sprinkle or a heavy downpour, can be one of the most difficult driving situations a driver encounters. Rainy conditions are directly associated with higher accident rates. No matter what part of the country you live in, it is almost certain that you will be required to drive your vehicle in the rain at some point. Knowing how wet roads and reduced visibility affects the way your vehicle handles will help you drive safely in rainy conditions.
Tips for Driving in the Rain
1 Wait Until the Weather Improves if Possible
If you feel uncomfortable driving in the rain and can postpone your trip or commute, wait until the weather improves before driving. There is no reason to put yourself in danger if driving in wet conditions is not necessary.
2 Double Check Your Car’s Equipment
Make sure that your car’s equipment is in working order before encountering rainy weather. Check your headlights, tail lights, and windshield wipers to make sure that they will work efficiently when they are needed. Also check the tread of your vehicle’s tires. Balding tires can severely reduce traction on wet roadways.
3 Slow Down
Not only should you adhere to the posted speed limit when driving in wet weather conditions, you should drive considerably slower than you normally would. Wet roads are very dangerous. Your vehicle’s reaction time is much slower when it is raining. Reduced speed is imperative in rainy weather.
4 Turn On Your Headlights
Most states require drivers to turn on their vehicles’ lights while driving in rain. Even if it is only misting, turning on your vehicle’s headlights will increase both your own visibility and other drivers’ ability to see your car on the road.
5 Use Your Windshield Wipers
While this may seem like common sense, some people forget to turn on their windshield wipers in light rain. Most cars’ windshield wiper speed is adjustable to clear moisture from the glass in a light mist or in a heavy downpour. There are also several products available that can be sprayed or wiped onto the glass and claim to defer the collection of rainwater.
6 Maintain a Safe Distance Between Cars
Keep a greater distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. Stopping your vehicle will be more difficult when driving in the rain. Maintain a distance of several car lengths between your car and other vehicles.
7 Avoid Heavy Braking
Try to slow your vehicle by taking your foot off the accelerator earlier than you normally would in preparation to slow down or stop. Don’t use cruise control so your attention on using both the gas and brake are in tune.
8 Watch Out For Standing Water
Driving through standing water can cause hydroplaning to occur. Which is when you lose traction and skid across the surface of the road. To avoid hydroplaning, drive around places where water has collected by changing lanes or safely steering around such areas.
10 Let Off The Gas When Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is one of the most common car accidents in the rain because drivers can lose control. If your car hydroplanes, calmly take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction that the front of your car needs to go. Avoid making sudden turns or slamming on your brakes. 10 Ventilate Your Car
Rain causes humidity levels to increase. You may find that your vehicle’s windows become foggy when you operate your vehicle while it is raining. Most cars’ ventilation systems include a function that will work to reduce this type of fog that develops on the interior of your windows and windshield. It may be necessary to pull over if you are no longer able to see through your windows.
Staying safe while driving in the rain is simple if you make a conscious effort to employ these safety precautions. Remember that reducing your speed and turning on your lights are two of the simplest and most effective ways of reducing the chances of an accident caused by wet weather.

Uncategorized