3 Tips For Winter Driving

Your wheels are spinning, but going nowhere fast … 

and we’re off.

Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go. That is, until we get stuck!

Along with the sparkling winter snow, comes the slick ice. Gone are the friction-laden roads that were so easy to drive on in the summer. With snow already falling in Michigan, getting from point A to point B isn’t always seamless. So, how do you get your vehicle unstuck? 

How to get your vehicle unstuck

It’s a frustrating time of year for drivers. But with these tips you can minimize the time it will take you to get unstuck. Plus, if you see another driver who’s stuck, you’ll be able to lend a helping hand!

Gaining momentum and traction

Three ways to get unstuck:

1. The Rocking Method
2. Store something in your vehicle to slide under your tires
3. Keep a tow or recovery strap with you

1. The Rocking Method

Time to rock!

It’s called “rocking,” and this is a classic way to get unstuck.

If you drive an automatic, shift into the lowest gear. If you drive a manual, shift into 3rd or 4th. This will reduce the shock to your tires and you’ll gain more control to prevent your tires from spinning. Make sure you turn off traction control.

Use the engine to go forward (even a few inches is progress), put it in reverse, roll backward, shift to drive, and roll forward. Repeat this to build momentum.

Have someone help you push, but stop pushing when the car rocks back. Then push again. Get that rhythm going until you have enough “oomph” to get unstuck.

Spinning your tires doesn’t help. Remember: Less is more when it comes to hitting the gas. Be gentle. Don’t gun it! 

Once you make it over the hump, drive until you are on solid ground. 

Stop rocking the car if it doesn’t work after 5 minutes, so you don’t damage your transmission.
 

2. Keep something in your truck to slide under your tires (rug, chain, small shovel)

The Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts have got it right: Be prepared!

This couldn’t be truer during the winter months in Michigan. With slippery roads in the near future, sooner or later you’re liable to get stuck.

Keep something on hand that will give you traction, if you should find yourself in this situation. You may use what you have, like one of your car mats. A car mat increases traction under your tire, allowing your car to pull forward.

Items that do the trick:

• Car mats
• Welcome mats
• Old blankets
• Pieces of carpet / carpet squares (save scraps after your next remodel or buy at a discount at the store.)
• Trunk liner
• Salt (this has the added benefit of melting the ice.)
• Kitty litter
• Sand
• Rocks or pebbles (quarter sized and smaller.)
• Small branches and sticks

Put your solid or gritty material of choice around all sides of the tires to gain traction.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Put your car in park.
Step 2: Take your car mat (or other object) and place it under the stuck tire. The rest of the mat should be in front of the tire, so the tire can run over the mat.
Step 3: Drive forward slowly until you’re on solid (un-slippery) ground.
Step 4: Don’t forget to pick up your floor mat. You’ll need it next time!

3. If all else fails, keep a tow strap (or recovery strap) in the backseat or trunk!

Recovery Straps

Recovery straps (snatch straps) are made of stretchy nylon and have loops on both ends. Recovery straps can be a lifesaver when your vehicle gets stuck. Instead of calling an expensive tow truck, you can use another vehicle by utilizing the recovery strap.

To use a recovery strap:

1. Make sure your recovery strap is in good shape (not frayed or warn).
2. Attach the strap to the back of the vehicle that will be pulling you.
3. Attach the other end of the strap to the front of the stuck vehicle.
4. Thread the strap through the eye of the other end.
5. Make sure the strap is not rubbing against anything sharp.
6. Anchor shackles can be used as hardware to secure the strap, if needed.
7. When the pulling vehicle moves forward, the strap pulls the stuck vehicle out of the snow!

Tow straps

The main difference between a tow strap and a recovery strap is the fabric’s stretchiness. A tow strap is less stretchy.

Be safe out there!

Whether using a recovery or tow strap, be safe. Straps can break and go flying. Therefore, keep your innocent bystanders away.

Your method of choice

Go with the easiest method for you or what works in your situation. And remember to always drive safely!

Contact us

Looking for a car or truck to get you where you need to go this winter? Stop by Thelen Auto Group to go for a test drive! If you get stuck on an icy road, you now know how to get unstuck!

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