What to do if your car is stuck in the snow. Top 5 tips

Winter brings hassles to car owners and they are not always pleasant. Ice and snow can be a problem for motorists at this time. A car on a snowy, slippery road can stall. Let's find out how to get out of the situation, using improvised means or special equipment.

If your car is stuck on a difficult stretch of road, the first thing to do is not to panic and get out of the car to properly assess the situation and understand whether you can handle the problem or whether you'll need to call a tow truck.

The first thing to do is not to panic and get out of the car to properly assess the situation and understand whether you can handle the problem or whether you'll need to call a tow truck.

Tip #1

Clean the wheels and underbody area. Clear the road in front of the vehicle so that it can move forward when it touches down. If your car is stuck in a parking space and you don't have a snow shovel handy, use something handy: sticks, boards, tree branches.

When the car can move forward at least a little, don't accelerate, back up slowly. This way, by moving cautiously forwards and backwards, you can create a rut for acceleration, which will help you get out of the ice trap.

Tip #2

Lift the car with a jack and put under the wheels: interior mats, flat boards, unnecessary rags. Remember, driving out of the snow with the help of foreign objects placed under the wheels, you can provoke an accident. A rug or a branch can fly out from under the wheels while driving and hit a car coming towards you. So drive slowly and make sure there are no cars in the vicinity before you start driving.

Tip #3

If you live out of town or if heavy snowfall is not uncommon in your area, you can prepare for snow drifts well in advance. Buy anti-skid chains to put on your wheels. The chains can be used to get you out of deep snow quickly or to get you through a slippery hill without skidding.

Tip #4

When driving out of snow drifts, you can try to lower the pressure in the tyres a little.   Doing this is contraindicated if the car is too low. Slightly deflated tyres give more grip on slippery and snowy road surfaces.

Tip #5

Don't hesitate to ask for help from bystanders when they are nearby. If the car is pushed by several men at once, you're more likely to be able to get off. Another car owner can also help you by hooking the car with a tow rope. When towing, make sure you do it as smoothly as possible, otherwise you could be damaged by a broken tow rope.

Change your tyres on time, keep your car in good working order, and get regular maintenance. Pay attention to the equipment used in the car service. A timely diagnosis and repair with MSG Equipment will help you feel confident on the winter road!