How To Get Your Vehicle Unstuck from the Snow

Driving in winter weather conditions can be dangerous, especially if you are going on longer trips. The main problem is that various winter situations can lead to the vehicle getting stuck in snowbanks. How can you get your vehicle unstuck from the snow in such situations?

But what causes this phenomenon in winter conditions?

Loss of traction is the simple answer. Any number of things can get you stuck, including ice and deep snow on the road surface, snow or mud packed between the tread elements, sudden winter storms, etc. All of these will cut off the tire's surface contact, preventing its biting edges from firmly gripping the road.

As a result, tires will lose their necessary traction, which makes the vehicle's performance in winter months that harder.

So, what can you do to save the situation and get unstuck? How can you improve your winter driving safety?

Avoid Getting Stuck if Possible

If possible, be sure to avoid getting stuck in snow. This is easier said than done, of course, but there are a few things you can do to prevent problems.

First of all, get yourself good winter tires, with a detailed tire tread. You should never drive on snow- and ice-covered road surfaces with summer or all season tires. They are unable to handle harsh winter weather situations. While some all season tires are able to provide the needed road grip, make sure they have adequate tread left on them.

Additionally, if your vehicle has traction control you need to know when to use it. While it can be helpful on icy roads, it can easily ruin the tires' traction if not used correctly. If you wish to learn more about using traction control in winter conditions, check out our blog post about it.

Lastly, to ensure your safety, stay clear of deep snow. Fresh or untouched snow can easily pack between the tread elements, blocking the surface contact. On the other hand, minimize braking on slick surfaces, as it can suddenly make you lose control over the vehicle.

Be Prepared for Unexpected Winter Situations

Starting on your winter weather adventure, even if it is just your regular commute to work, unprepared is a bad idea. Icy and snowy conditions can cause problems in a matter of seconds.

Therefore, both drivers and vehicles need to be prepared for the worst.

The good news is that this is not hard to do. You just need a few extra things, which can be carried in your vehicle. They do not have to take up lots of space, but they will help you out when the snow starts falling.

Winter Tires

Tires which are specifically manufactured for harsh winter situations will make your job easier. They are made with more rubber and a detailed, high-centered tread pattern which helps to optimize their ice and snow performance.

As a result, winter tires will minimize the possibility of the car getting stuck in the first place. Additionally, the extra biting edges of these tires will generate the necessary road grip, which will help in sticky situations.

Floor Mats

When you are in a pinch and have no other traction aids, floor mats will work.

Place the mats in front of the drive wheels - whether they it is a rear or front-wheel drive car - with the carpeted side facing down. The carpeting will adhere to packed snow and ice, which will provide better traction in winter conditions.

Tire Chains

Apart from winter tires If you live in or are driving to areas with harsh winter situations investing in tire or snow chains, traction straps, or snow socks is a good idea.

These items will provide the necessary traction on ice and snow surfaces. The only issue is that you will need to limit your speed on public roads to 30 mph or less. Also be sure to check if these items are legal or not, as different states have different regulations.

What to Keep in Your Car?

These items do not come with the vehicle, and it is possible you will not keep them in your vehicle throughout the year. However, they will be able to add traction or get you unstuck from a snow bank.

Snow Shovel

A shovel can help in several ways. Use it to remove deep snow from underneath your vehicle. Cars that sit low to the ground can actually ride up on snow that’s deep enough. When that happens, even all-wheel-drive won’t help you much.

You also can use it to score ice and packed snow around your drive wheels, and to shovel snow away from them. A collapsible shovel stores more easily in limited trunk space. All in all, it's worth the space as it is the best ground clearance method.

Traction Materials

Sprinkle the traction materials in front of and behind your drive wheels - front wheels on front-wheel-drive, rear wheels on rear-wheel-drive, and all wheels on all- or four-wheel drive vehicles. Store them in the trunk in a tight-lidded plastic container or plastic bag along with a twist tie.

If they freeze while stored in the trunk, rap them against a hard surface once or twice to break them up. Double-bagging will help prevent leaks. Effective traction aids are sand, gravel, ashes, and kitty litter.

Sand, Gravel, or Ash

Gain traction by sprinkling them around the tires. They will create traction by generating friction between the tire and the surface. Sand, gravel, ash provide a surface area for the tire to grip onto, helping to improve its performance.

Kitty Litter

Kitty litter is another excellent traction material. It is perfect, as it is known for its water-absorbing capability. This provides enough traction for the tire to drive forward, as it enhances traction between the tread area and the surface.

Traction Mats

If you don’t want to mess with some kind of granular traction aid, consider traction mats. They are available singularly or in sets of two. A set is advisable.

They work best if excess snow is shoveled away before placing them ahead of the drive tires, with an edge touching each tire. This allows the tires to gain traction. Traction mats roll up, fold or stay flat for storage. Some rigid styles double as shovels.

What Else Can You Do to Get the Vehicle Unstuck from the Snow?

When your car is stuck and you run out of other options, do not panic. There are some last resort possibilities that will provide the tires with enough momentum to get your car out of the snow bank.

Rock Your Way Out

Rocking your vehicle forward and back—drive, then reverse, then drive, then reverse, and so on until momentum carries you out—can help get you rolling from a frozen stop, but you’ll have to deactivate traction control. Not sure how? 

Gear Selection

Starting out in second gear rather than first can help. The lowest gear will not provide the necessary power to your vehicle and immediately switching to a higher gear can solve the problem. It will generate more traction between the tire and the surface.

That’s easy on a manual transmission car, but it’s trickier on an automatic. Not all automatic transmission cars allow it, but when you can, shift to second gear to start out. It reduces torque, lowering the likelihood that tires will spin.

Call Your Auto Club

Roadside assistance and auto club memberships can save you if all else fails. While you will probably spend some time waiting in bad weather, they will still be able to help you out.

As an alternative, you can get emergency road service covered as part of your vehicle insurance policy. You’ll have to front the cost of a tow truck, but you’ll get reimbursed for qualified help after you submit a claim. You can use any towing service you like. Get receipts!

How to Get Your Rear-Wheel Drive Vehicle Unstuck from the Snow?

What happens when you get stuck in the snow with a rear-wheel-drive car?

Well, the short answer is everything that is written above.

Being prepared for harsh winter conditions means the same steps for all types of vehicles. Storing traction materials, tire chains, snow shovels, being up to date with your car insurance will all help you get your rear-wheel-drive car unstuck.

The only difference is that the traction mats or materials do not go under the front tires. You will need to use them on the back tires. Also, make sure your vehicle is equipped with good-quality winter tires. It will save you from headaches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should You Turn Off Traction Control in Snow?

The traction control system will help to improve the rainy and snowy traction, optimizing the tire's forward motion in such conditions. However, if your vehicle gets stuck in the snow, it should be turned off. It prevents wheel spin, which will hinder you in getting the car unstuck.

How Do You Rock a Stuck Car?

To rock a stuck car out of mud or snow, you need to keep the steering wheel straight. Be sure to be careful and not dig the tires more in. Switch between going back and forward slowly, going as far as possible. Do this until the tire gets the necessary traction and it is able to get the car unstuck.