Driving Tips to Use When You’re Stuck in Snow and Ice

Finding yourself trapped in your car due to snow and ice is unpleasant, and can even be dangerous. You risk damage to your vehicle and even having to wait in freezing temperatures for a tow.

But if you proactively plan and prepare for the worst, you can avoid being stuck in the first place. And if you are stuck in the ice and snow, there are a few tried and true techniques you can employ to ensure you get your car unstuck from the ice and back on the road in Madison, TN in no time.

Preparation saves you valuable time

One of the best things you can do to prepare and plan for a drive in the snow is to perform routine maintenance on your car. This includes regular oil changes, tire rotations and even windshield wiper replacement to make sure you have the best visibility on the road.

You can even outfit your vehicle with tires and gear made for trekking through deep snow and ice. Studded snow tires make easy work of thick ice, and snow chains are your best bet for avoiding getting stuck. If you can, make sure the car you drive in the snow is equipped with four-wheel drive, although it is not necessary for some terrain.

Even if you cannot afford snow chains or studded tires, you are not out of luck. Carry a large piece of cardboard for additional traction or a shovel for digging a way out of deep snow. Both can be a great defense against getting your car stuck in the snow and ice.

When the worst happens, get your car out from the ice

Even if you take all the precautions above, there is a chance you will still get stuck in the ice in Madison, TN. Cardboard, cat litter or shoveled dirt can be placed in front of your cars’ tires to give them an opportunity to get free from the ice or deep snow.

When this doesn’t break your car free from a tough position, try putting your car in drive and reverse to see if there is traction in either direction. Avoid spinning your tires, as this is unnecessary and can actually dig you deeper into the ice. You can even utilize the brakes or emergency brake while pressing the gas to control tire spin further.

Enlist some friends or bystanders to help you—the added weight can help shift your car into a better position to start moving along the ice or snow again. Try the technique of rocking the car back and forth to gain some inertia and spring your car free from a bad situation.

Lastly, try letting some air out of your tires. Although this technique may give your tires more traction, it should be used only as a last resort and if there is a place nearby to refill your tires to a safe level again.

After an incident, get your car looked at by a professional

The best way to ensure you do not get stuck in the ice and snow again is to have your car looked at before heading back up the mountain. There is a chance you need your tires changed out or rotated again, as they may have suffered damage during the process of getting your car unstuck from the snow in Madison, TN.

When you need professional help, turn to the experts at Rivergate Muffler & Auto Repair. We will get you back on the road in short order!

Categorised in: Driving Tips

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