An unplowed street. Snow drifted on the road. These and a thousand other traps await the winter driver. Venture in, and you could find yourself stuck. These hints can get you on your way again.
Travel with Tools
Before the snow flies, stash these four items in your vehicle to increase the likelihood that you can get yourself, or someone else, unstuck:
Poultry grit. The insoluble crushed granite used as poultry grit beats sand for traction because the grains are bigger and sharper. Buy a bag of grit at a feed store and carry it in a lidded bucket.
Folding shovel. A military-style entrenching tool works great: the blade locks straight for digging or at a right angle to the handle for scooping.
Traction mats. Folding plastic mats provide traction.
Nylon tow strap. A strap beats a chain or cable because it stretches and recoils, minimizing shock to the towed and towing vehicles. Buy a 2-inch-wide strap 20 feet long for passenger vehicles and pickups.
Prep the Surface of the Snow
Before you can get unstuck, you have to create a path for the tire. Adding traction ups the odds of escape considerably.
Dig Away the Snow
Wet, heavy snow wedges in front of and behind your tires, hampering attempts to drive out. This is where the shovel comes in handy. Remove as much snow as you can from around all four wheels and away from the body and underside of the vehicle. If you can dig to a solid base, such as packed snow, ice, or pavement.
Increase Traction
Improving traction improves your chances of getting out. Spread poultry grit in front of and behind your drive wheels, as close as you can to the tread contact points or layout traction mats. The differential on most vehicles diverts power to the wheel with the least traction, so spread grit or put mats under both drive wheels. Electronic traction control on many cars employs braking and power control to maximize traction to both wheels.
Rock Out
Rocking your car back and forth usually starts you moving again, even in moderately deep dry snow, as long as you aren’t against a curb or something. If you have nosed into an obstacle, see Get Pushed or Dragged Out below.
To rock out, straighten your front wheels and gently accelerate forward as far as possible without spinning your tires (it’s a game of inches). Quickly shift into reverse and gently accelerate back. Keep at it, establishing a rhythm and building momentum. Stop if you have no traction because spinning your wheels digs you in deeper. If you feel your tires grabbing the ground, accelerate a little harder. As you make headway, steer slightly, if necessary. Once you start moving, keep going. If you use traction mats, don’t stop the car until you’re far enough to not get trapped again.
Get Pushed or Dragged Out
If you’re nosed against an obstacle, rocking is out as an option. Try to back up while helpers push the car.
If you can’t drive out, tow the car with another vehicle. Attach a tow strap to the tow hook or other solid point on each vehicle. (Vehicle owner’s manuals often show towing points, and some cars have attachable tow hooks.) Don’t hook a tow strap to suspension parts, drive axles or body panels. Have bystanders stand clear, straighten your wheels and gently accelerate in the direction you’re being pulled.