What To Do If Car Gets Stuck in Snow
Posted on January 20, 2025
Harsh Canadian winters can create challenging driving conditions, leaving many vehicles stuck in snowbanks, ditches, or icy driveways.
Toronto alone recently experienced heavy snowfall that caused hazardous road conditions and left numerous cars stuck in snow, highlighting the importance of preparation and knowing how to handle such situations.
With roads often covered in thick layers of snow and ice, even semi-trucks and electric vehicles aren’t immune to getting stuck. So, what do you do when your car gets stuck in the snow?
Whether it’s a tires-spinning-in-place scenario on your morning commute or a car stuck in snow at night on an icy backroad, knowing the right steps can save you time, frustration, and costly repairs.
In this guide, we’ll break down what to do if your car is stuck in snow, along with expert tips to help you stay safe and get back on the road quickly.
Steps On What to Do If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in the snow, you need to stay calm and know what to do next. By following a few simple steps, you can safely free your car without causing damage or getting yourself stuck further. Here’s the process to get you back on the road.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first step when your car gets stuck in snow is to stay calm and assess the situation. Take a moment to figure out what’s happening—whether your car is stuck in a snow pile, hit a tree or obstacle, or slid into a ditch.
Start by turning off your traction control system (TCS) to help your tires grip better and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Check for obstacles around the car, like deep snow or ice, and only exit the vehicle if it’s safe, keeping an eye on traffic and visibility.
2. Clear Snow Around the Tires
Once you’ve assessed the situation, the next step is to clear the snow around your tires. Packed snow creates resistance and reduces the traction your car needs to get moving.
- Start by digging out the snow around the drive tires—clearing in front, behind, and underneath.
- Make sure to create a path long enough for the wheels to move forward and back a few feet.
- Don’t forget to remove snow under the car, especially if it’s blocking the vehicle’s underside.
- If you don’t have a shovel, use whatever tool you can, like an ice scraper or screwdriver, to break up ice and improve traction.
- Lastly, always clear the tailpipe to avoid dangerous carbon monoxide buildup before starting the engine.
3. Rocking the Car to Gain Momentum
Rocking the car is a great way to gain momentum and free it from the snow. This technique involves gently shifting between drive and reverse to create enough traction to move. Start by shifting slowly and avoid pressing the gas pedal too hard.
Use the car’s momentum to gradually dislodge it. Be careful not to spin the tires for too long, as this can overheat them or cause the car to sink deeper into the snow.
4. Use Traction Aids to Free Your Car
If rocking the car doesn’t work, it’s time to use traction aids to help free your car. Adding traction can give your tires the grip they need to move out of the snow. Ideal items include sand, kitty litter, traction boards, or even your car mats.
If you don’t have these, you can use alternatives like cardboard or wood planks. Simply place the aid directly in front of or behind the stuck tires and accelerate slowly to gain traction and get your car moving. Be cautious when using hard materials like wood or metal – accelerating too quickly could cause them to hit the car's underside and cause damage. Take it slow and steady!
5. Let a Bit of Air Out of Your Tires
Another trick to gain traction is letting some air out of your tires. Slightly deflating the tires increases their surface area, helping them grip the road better. However, this method should only be used if you’re close to a gas station or mechanic where you can reinflate the tires quickly.
Driving on underinflated tires for too long is unsafe and can lead to permanent damage. Once you’re out of the snow, make it a priority to restore the tire pressure to the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
What to Do If Your Car Is Stuck in a Snow Ditch
Getting stuck in a snow ditch can be a frustrating and tricky situation. The slope and depth of the snow make it hard to drive back onto the road. Here’s how you can handle it safely and effectively:
1. Assess the Situation
Check how steep the ditch is and the type of surface beneath your tires—ice or deep snow. Trying to force your way out can cause damage, so the best option is often calling a towing service. If it’s safe, set up a spotter with a flashlight to keep other cars aware of your situation.
2. Be Careful When Asking for Help
If volunteers offer to help, ensure they know how to push or pull your car safely. Modern cars are fragile, so ask helpers to push on the reinforced steel area of the bumper, not the lightweight body panels.
3. Rock the Car with Help
Rocking the car back and forth can help, but it requires skill and care. If you have helpers, place them at both ends of the car to assist. Make sure no one is in the path of the vehicle when it moves.
4. Improve Traction
Clear snow and ice around your tires to create a path. If you don’t have a shovel, stamp down the snow with your feet. Use items like car mats for extra grip but avoid damaging expensive ones—it might cost less to call a tow truck.
5. Throttle Lightly
When trying to move, use only a small amount of gas to prevent spinning tires. This reduces the risk of throwing gravel or snow, which could hurt anyone helping.
6. Clean Your Car Afterward
Once you’re free, head to a car wash to remove ice and slush from your undercarriage and wheels. If left, it can freeze and cause vibrations or damage to your vehicle.
How To Deal with a Car Stuck in Snow at Night
Getting stuck in the snow is challenging enough, but it’s even more stressful when it happens at night. Darkness, cold temperatures, and reduced visibility can make the situation more dangerous. Here’s how to handle it safely:
1. Stay Safe and Visible
Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and place emergency reflectors or flares around your car if you have them. Stay in the car for warmth unless it’s safe to exit.
If you decide to step out, make sure there’s enough light to see what you’re doing—ask a companion to hold a flashlight if needed. If it’s too dark or cold, it’s safer to remain in the vehicle.
2. Stay Warm
Run the engine intermittently to stay warm but check that the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Keep a blanket or extra clothing handy to stay comfortable while you wait.
3. Signal for Help
If visibility is poor or conditions are severe, call for emergency services or roadside assistance. They can help get your car out of the snow safely and ensure you’re not stranded for long.
Dealing with a snowstorm at night requires caution and preparedness, so focus on staying safe and seeking help when needed.
Tips for Electric Cars Stuck in Snow
Driving an electric vehicle (EV) in snowy conditions comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some tips to help you handle your EV if it gets stuck in snow and keep it running smoothly in winter weather:
1. Use the HVAC System Wisely
Using your EV’s heating system (HVAC) in cold weather can significantly impact its range. For example, the Genesis GV60 displayed a 436 km range at start-up with an outside temperature of -5°C. Use the HVAC efficiently to conserve battery power.
2. Adjust Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking can cause strong deceleration, which may lead to sliding on icy roads. Reduce the regen level to maintain better control and avoid sudden stops that could lead to collisions.
3. Clear Snow from Wheel Wells
Snow or ice buildup in wheel wells can create an imbalance, making the car feel wobbly at higher speeds. If this happens, stop safely, clear out the buildup, and continue driving.
4. Choose the Right Drive Mode
Electric vehicles typically have drive modes like Eco, Comfort/Normal, and Sport. Stick to Comfort/Normal for balanced control. Eco may limit acceleration too much for snowy starts, while Sport could cause wheel spin due to excess power.
5. Handle Frozen Door Handles Carefully
Modern EVs with pop-out door handles can freeze shut. Avoid pouring hot water on them, as this could damage the parts. Instead, gently warm the handle or use de-icing products to unfreeze it.
When to Call for Help
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your car may remain stuck in the snow. Knowing when to call for help is crucial for your safety. Here are some clear signs it’s time to reach out for assistance:
1. The Car Won’t Move
After multiple attempts to free your car using techniques like rocking, clearing snow, or applying traction aids, it’s still stuck. Calling for professional help can prevent further damage to your vehicle.
2. You’re in a Dangerous Location
If you’re stuck during a snowstorm, on a busy road, or in an area with poor visibility, staying in your car and calling for roadside assistance or emergency services is the safest option.
3. Fuel, Battery, or Safety Concerns
Running low on fuel or EV battery power is a serious risk, especially in freezing temperatures. Additionally, if you feel unsafe due to cold weather, limited supplies, or exhaustion, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Reaching out for assistance ensures both your safety and that of your vehicle, especially in hazardous conditions. Always prioritize staying warm, visible, and protected while waiting for help to arrive.
Don’t Let the Snow Ruin Your Drive: Be Winter-ready with CarHub Caledon Chrysler
Getting stuck in the snow is never fun, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can handle these winter challenges with ease. Whether it's clearing snow, using traction aids, or knowing when to call for help, these simple steps can help you get back on the road safely.
Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready with CarHub Caledon Chrysler. We offer expert services like tire checks, battery tests, and winter vehicle maintenance to keep you safe and confident all season long.
Stop by for a comprehensive winter prep consultation, and don’t forget to explore our blog for more tips and advice on navigating the colder months!