What to do if your car is stuck in the snow: useful tips for drivers
13 January 04:40
Heavy snowfall, gusty winds, and sharp temperature changes have turned Ukrainian roads into a real challenge for drivers. Recently, the Kyiv-Chop highway was completely blocked due to bad weather, and motorists were stuck in snow traps for hours.
Due to snow drifts, slippery road surfaces, and poor visibility, drivers report difficult driving conditions, and city authorities are urging drivers to refrain from long trips unless absolutely necessary. Suburban roads and roadsides are particularly dangerous, where cars often get stuck in deep snow. The main thing is not to panic and to follow a clear algorithm so as not to worsen the situation and get out of the snowdrift safely. Komersant explains what to do, with reference toEconomic News.
Step-by-step algorithm of actions if your car is stuck in the snow
As soon as you feel the wheels starting to spin, stop and get out of the car to assess the situation. Slamming on the gas and trying to drive forward and backward can only make the problem worse, as the car may dig itself even deeper into the snow.
First, assess the depth of the snowdrift, the position of the car, and the possibility of freeing the wheels from the snowdrift on your own.
How to properly clear snow from under your car
Experienced drivers recommend keeping a shovel in the trunk of your car. This will allow you to clear the snow under the drive wheels and the underbody. It is important to remove the snow pile that forms under the car and hinders movement.
Create a small track for moving forward or backward — this will significantly increase your chances of getting out without outside help.
How to rock the car to get out of a snowdrift
One of the most effective ways is to gently rock the car. For cars with a manual transmission, it is worth smoothly alternating between first and reverse gears, gradually increasing the amplitude of movement. On the other hand, owners of cars with automatic transmissions should carefully switch between D and R modes without pressing the gas pedal sharply, as sudden movements can damage the transmission.
What to do if your car is stuck in the snow: use improvised means and reduce tire pressure for better wheel traction
If rocking does not work, use improvised materials to improve the grip of the tires on the road surface. Place branches, boards, rubber mats from the interior, or stones under the wheels. You can also sprinkle sand, salt, or other abrasives on the snow — this should also improve wheel traction.
As a last resort, you can slightly reduce the pressure in the tires. This will increase the contact area between the wheels and the snow and help you get out of the snowdrift. However, immediately after driving onto a cleared road, the tires must be inflated to the recommended level.
If your attempts to free the car are unsuccessful, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Other drivers or passers-by can help push the car out or pull it out of the snowdrift with a tow rope.
What you absolutely must not do if your car is stuck in the snow
Drivers often make a number of mistakes that only make the situation worse. If your car is stuck in the snow, do not:
- accelerate sharply — this will bury the wheels even deeper;
- stay in the car with the engine running for a long time — there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if the exhaust pipe is covered with snow;
- ignore the cold and fatigue — in difficult conditions, this is dangerous for your life.
In difficult winter conditions, the main thing is to keep a cool head, follow the correct sequence of actions, and basic safety rules. By following these rules, you will be able to free your car from a snowdrift without damaging it or causing yourself unnecessary stress.
Author: Olya Yushko
