Driving in a snowstorm can be immensely frustrating. It’s best to avoid driving when it starts to snow, but sometimes you have no choice. If you’re careful and follow our winter driving safety tips, you can relax a bit about traveling in the snow. But if you find yourself stuck, whether in your driveway or on the highway, here are some tips from My Auto Store to help figure out how to get unstuck in the snow.
Prevent Your Car From Breaking Down
Most important out of all these tips is to make sure your car is ready for winter weather. It can be dangerous to drive around with worn-out brakes or a failing alternator, especially during the winter. Not keeping your car maintained can leave you on the side of the road in the middle of a snowstorm! It is important to stay on top of scheduled maintenance for your vehicle.
Try a Lower Gear and Gentle Acceleration
One of the first things to try if you find your vehicle is stuck in the snow is shifting to your lowest gear. By shifting to a lower gear, you can be sure that your tires are spinning slowly, helping them get traction. When you hit the gas hard in a higher gear, your tires can spin too quickly and dig in further. Turning off your traction control and switching on your low-range four-wheel drive may also help.
Turn the Wheel
If lower gears aren’t working, try turning the steering wheel in both directions and gently accelerating. Again, too much acceleration can make you more stuck. And if you’re moving the steering wheel and suddenly gain traction, you may find yourself accelerating right into a tree or other obstacle.
Time for the Shovel
If the above tips fail, it’s time to get out of the car and take a look at your situation. It’s a good idea to carry a snow shovel and some kitty litter in your car during winter for this exact reason. Once you’ve cleared the snow around your tires with the shovel, sprinkle kitty litter under your tires or use your floor mats to give you a better grip.
Phone a Friend
If all else fails, one of the best ways to get unstuck in the snow is to call for some backup. Sometimes a friend or neighbor can help you push your vehicle free. If not, emergency road services need to be called.
Get Your Car Back in Working Order
If you find your vehicle damaged from a snowy incident, or you want to be prepared for winter driving, you can repair your vehicle affordably with used parts. At My Auto Store, you can get reliable, inspected used parts that will save you money. So, contact us today!
