How to Get a Car Out of Snow

One of the worst realities of driving in winter conditions is the potential to get stuck in the snow.

Getting your vehicle stuck in the snow, be it only a few feet or a proper snowbank, is not only inconvenient and annoying but also potentially dangerous. In snowstorm conditions, your vehicle could be struck by another vehicle or by snow plows. You could also become stranded.

You can increase your winter tire performance with a dedicated set of winter tires, and hopefully will avoid any skids which will put you in a ditch to begin with. Winter tires perform better than other tire types in true winter conditions, especially in temperatures 45F and lower.

Check out other winter driving tips like how to drive in the snow and our picks for the best winter tires to prepare for this cold season.

CAR STUCK IN THE SNOW

Vehicles get stuck in snow for a variety of reasons. One can be because the snow can be too slippery for your tires to gain traction. There might be ice beneath the snow, too.

Or, there’s simply too much snow and your tires and drivetrain are overwhelmed.

If your car is already stuck, or you just want to know how to handle this situation yourself, we’ve compiled a list of tips, techniques and procedures on how to get your stuck vehicle out of snow.

How to get your car out of snow

When you do get yourself free, pull away slowly and in low gear to prevent uncontrolled or unexpected spinning or sliding. When it comes to winter driving, slow and controlled is the key.

Here are our recommended steps for getting your vehicle out of snow:

1. Assess the situation

Identify where and how you are stuck. You need to get an idea of how to pull yourself out and whether there are any obstacles. See how much work needs to be done (and this may fuel your decision to call a professional recovery service).

Make sure that you are not in any immediate danger where you’ve gotten stuck. If you’re on the edge of a lake or pond, for example, take extreme care to make sure you or your vehicle don’t end up submerged. Be careful to avoid any traffic going by, hopefully at low speeds.

2. Remove excess snow

This seems obvious but many drivers think they can power their way out of a snowbank or drift to unstick themselves. Vehicles get caught in snow in the first place because they are overwhelmed with snow and ice and lose traction or ability to properly operate.

Scoop snow away from all four tires, all around and underneath. This will help with the next step. This is when keeping an emergency roadside car kit with you is very handy. You can check out our road trip checklist for safety prep.

Do not spin your tires. If you spin your tires for an extended period of time, it can create a slippery surface beneath them that makes getting out even harder.

3. Try the braking technique

If your tires don’t move at all or they spin, try braking at the same time as (gently) pressing the gas. It should decrease the spinning and transfer power to your wheels. Don’t do this for more than a few seconds as it can overheat your brakes.

If you have a front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicle and there aren’t any curbs or other cars nearby, you can also try turning your wheels slightly the other direction and see if that helps your tires gain traction.

4. Try going in reverse

You know that the driving path behind you is drivable since you have trouble going forward. You can try reversing your vehicle, and even getting an inch or two back can be enough to unstick you from the snow. Drive in a controlled, steady and slow manner or else you might end up stuck again (and in an even worse position).

5. Rock your vehicle

If reversing doesn’t work, try rocking your vehicle back and forth a little bit to free yourself of the traction-less spot on your tire’s contact patch. This also helps compress the snow and gives you more to grip. Note: winter-related vehicle features like traction control may inhibit your ability to free yourself.

6. Let some air out of your tires

Off-road drivers will tell you that letting air out of your tires helps them boost traction. This is because a looser tire has more contact with the driving surface, allowing for more grip. You can take some out of your tires (emphasizing the word “some” here!). Don’t forget to inflate your tires once you’re on pavement again.

7. Add traction with tools and materials

Sometimes your tires need a little extra help, and this is where the contents of your trunk can come in handy. Floor mats, sand, sidewalk salt, dirt or cat litter can be the thing standing between you and a plowed road. You can also try using leaves, branches and stones from an obliging natural area nearby but be careful not to damage or puncture your tires.

Enthusiasts who off-road frequently or drivers who frequent roads in severe weather (such as mountain passes) may also have traction boards or tire chains handy.

Use sand, cat litter, salt or stones by sprinkling them in front and near your tires so they can catch. Floor mats, wooden boards and other flat surfaces should be laid in front of the tires so they can climb on top (and out of snow).

8. Enlist others to help

Passengers or helpful motorists passing by can be just the right boost you need to push your car out of the snowbank. Some pickup drivers may have the capability to winch or pull you out with tow ropes or straps. Make sure to do this as safely as possible and not endanger anyone for the sake of freeing your vehicle. Tow straps or ropes can spring backwards and strike a vehicle or person with great force.

9. Call a professional

If all else fails, it’s time to call a professional recovery service to get you out. This isn’t a failure, it’s just a reality that sometimes you can’t DIY safety.

Kitty litter for snow

Cat litter is a popular and old school solution for getting vehicles out of snow. Many teenagers in severe winter regions are urged to keep a container of cat litter in their vehicles.

Cat litter is an excellent source of emergency traction because it is inexpensive, easily available and absorbs moisture. It is non-corrosive, so it will not damage driving surfaces. And it is safe for both people and pets.

Cat litter is best for emergency traction needs because it can absorb so much moisture that it will stick to pavement, which you don’t really want in your driveway. For non-emergency situations, sand and salt may be better. Salt melts ice and snow but doesn’t provide much immediate traction compared to sand. Sand, however, will not remove ice and snow.

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Making sure your tires are in the best shape possible will help keep you as safe as possible. Our tire inspection services are FREE! Let’s get you taken care of.

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