1. Slip smart
When the vehicle is fully stopped, pressing harder on the accelerator is not productive. The drive wheels may sink deeper into the snow, and the car ends up sitting on its belly. The practical approach is to avoid spinning the tires and instead focus on gaining traction. If the ice underneath is thin, there might be a chance to melt and scrape away enough snow to reach compacted pavement. This tactic is sometimes used by heavy trucks on short, steep snow climbs, but it should be applied with care and only when conditions allow.
2. Turn the steering wheel
If the car starts to slide and cannot move, gently steer to the right and left. The goal is to free the slipping wheel so the vehicle can regain control. This technique is most effective on front‑wheel‑drive vehicles. For rear‑wheel‑drive cars, straightening the front wheels can reduce resistance and help the wheels regain grip rather than digging further into the snow.
The rear wheel may have dug into the snow, leaving the car immobilized.
3. Rolling
Once the car has moved a few centimeters, it can be gently rolled out of the track. The easiest method is for vehicles with a manual transmission: apply a controlled amount of throttle to reach the edge of the snow hole without slipping, then release the accelerator and depress the clutch to disengage drive wheels. The car will roll backward and forward, gradually building momentum until it breaks free.
Automatic transmission cars require a different rhythm: switch between drive and reverse to create a similar pulling and releasing action. This helps manuals and automatics alike to climb out without spinning the tires.
4. Decrease tire pressure
Reducing tire pressure increases the contact area between tire and ground, providing better flotation on soft snow and increasing the chance of escape from a snow trench. A cautious reduction to 1.0–1.2 bar is typically safe, but going lower risks tire bead damage or a loss of control. After escaping the snow, restore tire pressure to the recommended level for normal driving.
5. Dig under
A shovel stored in the trunk greatly improves the odds of escaping a snow trap. Clear snow from around all four wheels in the direction of travel and create a track path for the wheels to follow. Returning the shovel to the trunk after shaping the path is a good practice to keep the area clear for movement.
6. Sprinkle
Carrying a small bag of crushed stone, granite, or marble chips (about 2–4 kilograms) can help when a wheel loses traction. Sprinkling these materials under the slipping wheel and forming a tiny path can provide a reliable grip on icy patches. Preplaced granules along the route can serve as a practical boost when climbing or maneuvering on slick surfaces.
These granules are often available in small containers placed at access points on snowy tracks, making it easier to deploy when necessary.
7. Put under the wheels
When a wheel sits in a shallow depression, placing a firm, grippy object beneath can improve traction. A floor mat or a sturdy rag can offer better grip than bare ice. For frequent winter travel, dedicated snow ladders or traction aids can be a worthwhile investment, especially on longer drives with variable road conditions. The ladders may require some adjustment as the vehicle moves, but they provide substantial traction when properly deployed.
8. Jack up
If there is enough clearance, lifting the side of the car with a jack can help. Elevating the wheel frees it to move snow out of the way and allows the tire to regain contact with firmer ground. This action reduces the depth of the trench and enables the vehicle to proceed once traction is restored.
9. Wear bracelets
Wheel bracelets offer a compact alternative to traditional chains. They are quick to install and require minimal trunk space. Placing a bracelet on a single wheel can be enough to regain traction. Caution is advised, though: improper installation or aggressive driving with bracelets can stress the transmission and other components. For longer, steeper obstacles, applying three or four bracelets per wheel improves bite and prevents lateral slipping. In heavy snow scenarios, some drivers compare this to the effort of installing chains, though bracelets can be less cumbersome in simpler situations.
When attempts like sprinkling sand or stones fail, bracelets remain a practical option for immediate traction. They come in kit form and can be added as needed to finish the climb.
In some cases, adding traction aids after initial attempts has proven beneficial, especially when the vehicle already has some traction but is still struggling.
10. Push out
As a last resort, asking passersby for help to push the vehicle can be effective. Ensure that the crew avoids damaging body panels or lighting, and communicate clearly to control the pace and direction. A coordinated push can break free from light snow depths or shallow ruts when executed safely.
11. Pull
If a vehicle remains on solid ground while a companion car sits partly in a roadside ditch, a tow can be arranged. Any capable vehicle with a sturdy, long rope or tow strap can act as a pulling aid. The goal is a controlled, steady pull that extracts the stuck vehicle without causing damage. In rural settings, a strong animal once performed this role, demonstrating the old but enduring value of a reliable pull when needed.
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