If you live in an area that gets snow during the winter, you have probably debated snow tires vs chains. Both are tools that can keep you safe in inclement weather, giving you traction and grip so you can keep driving. However, what if you get caught in the snow without your snow chains? What if the snow is too deep or slippery for your snow tires to grip properly and you get stuck?
Safety Precautions & Enlisting Help
When you find yourself stuck, the first thing you should do is turn off your vehicle’s traction control. Your wheels need power to get you out. Traction control actually cuts your power. Turn on your dome light and flashers immediately to improve your visibility.
Also, remove any snow from around your exhaust pipe, and run the motor for 10 minutes at a time for each hour you are in your vehicle. If you can, immediately contact someone who can help. Choose a friend with an appropriate vehicle or emergency services, and stay in the vehicle until they arrive. If you are in an area with lots of people, you can ask for help getting out.
Rock Your Vehicle
If you find yourself alone, after turning off your traction control, rock your vehicle back and forth. Roll your window down and listen for where your wheels spin and where they actually get traction. Turn your wheel slightly as you do this. Make sure your vehicle is in the lowest gear. Avoid revving the engine.
Gently apply gas in reverse and forward. Roll a little at a time, but stop if your tires start spinning. You can push your brake and gas at the same time but only do this for a few seconds. Turn your wheels slightly to the right or left if you don’t have any obstructions.
Add Traction
If you forgot your tire chains for trucks, you can add traction in a few other ways. Add sand, kitty litter, carpet samples, floor mats or cardboard under your wheels. Focus on the wheels that cannot get a grip if you don’t have enough to give traction to all your wheels.
Clear Out Around Your Tires
If you have a shovel or long window scraper, you can also remove the snow from around your tires. This should allow you to see what your tires slip on as well as remove obstacles that prevent them from moving forward.
What To Avoid
First, avoid getting stuck in the first place by keeping your foot on the gas as long as you aren’t facing danger. When you slide and slip, keep your foot on the gas. Don’t increase your gas, but don’t stop. Also, avoid spinning your wheels. If your wheels begin to spin, stop immediately because you can get stuck worse.
Preventing Future Incidents
To prevent getting stuck in the future, purchase high-quality snow tires or tire chains. You should also pack your vehicle in preparation for the winter, adding a shovel, a few pieces of carpet, sand or kitty litter, emergency beacons and an extra cell phone charger.
As winter sets in, prepare your vehicle for the weather you will encounter, and learn driving techniques and strategies to protect you when you are in the snow.
Write and Win: Participate in Creative writing Contest & International Essay Contest and win fabulous prizes.
