Stuck in the snow? Follow a few dos and don’ts to help get unstuck

For most Canadians, winter includes snow, ice, cold weather—and the possibility of your vehicle getting stuck in deep snow. “If it does happen, check for any damage that may have been caused, and make sure your vehicle is safe to continue,” says Ryan Peterson, Manager of CAA’s Automotive Services. Here are a few other dos and don’ts to get you back on the road again.

DO pack a kit

Always keep a winter driving safety kit in your vehicle in case you have to wait until CAA Roadside Assistance arrives to help. Pick up a roadside emergency kit at your local CAA Store. Add a few other items to be fully prepared: a cell phone charger, non-perishable food, sand or kitty litter, water, a shovel and booster cables. Pack extra winter gear like mitts, toques, boots and blankets.

DON’T panic

If you slide off the road, stay calm and see whether any injuries require a 911 call. Otherwise, assess the situation. Can you get “unstuck” easily or is it time to call CAA? Members can request assistance online at caamanitoba.com/auto, call 1-800-222-4357 or download the CAA Mobile App. While you wait, clear the exhaust pipe of snow to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning inside the car.

DO clear the tires

Ensure all wheels are straight. Use a small shovel to dig a short path in front and behind each wheel. Sprinkle the path with sand or kitty litter for traction. You can also use the vehicle floor mats: Place them around the wheel that seems to be spinning most. As a preventative measure, CAA recommends winter tires—the rubber compound allows for better traction and control.

DON’T use some features

Avoid using traction control. It may seem counterintuitive—since you’re trying to gain traction—but not using this feature will let your wheels spin when needed to free the vehicle. If you keep traction control on and hit the gas, nothing will really happen since it reduces power to the wheel that keeps spinning. It might also completely stop power to all four wheels.

DO accelerate gently

Apply the gas very smoothly and, once the vehicle stops the forward motion, press the brake so your vehicle does not fall back into the rut again. Do the same thing in reverse and continue rocking back and forth to gain momentum until the vehicle is freed. But be careful and gentle with this procedure as even gentle rocking and switching gears can be harmful to the vehicle.