The winter season is not the best time to be driving outside. With so many inches of snow piling on the road, it’s only a matter of time before you end up getting stuck. When this happens, you’ll have no choice but to find help-and urgently if you don’t want to remain stranded in the freezing conditions. This post explains how a tow company can help get you out of trouble when your car is stuck in snow.
Who should I call when stuck in snow?
You always want to contact the right service provider to get your car out of trouble when stranded in the snow. Vehicle tow companies have electric winches and other equipment on board for this kind of job. A good company will come prepared with all the tools needed, so they don’t waste time getting you out of snow. Luckily, many companies provide 24-hour road services, so the tow truck will still arrive to help even when it’s late at night.
What are snow chains?
Snow chains play a crucial role when driving in the snow. They help improve traction and make it easier for a vehicle to get out of trouble, especially when heavy snowfall or blizzard conditions are in play. Snow chains are also known as tire chains because they provide better traction control on tires-providing more stability than traditional all-season tires. The right place to get snow chains is at a tire repair shop or car accessory store.
Can your tow company come put chains on my tires if I get stuck in the snow?
Yes, your service provider can come and install chains on your car’s front and rear tires. Generally, tow companies will come to your rescue with all the tools necessary to get your vehicle moving. These are important preventive measures during the winter season and will come in handy when there is a lot of snow outside. Just remember to tell them you’ll need the chains when you place the call to your tow company.
Can I get unstuck from the snow without calling a tow company?
It’s possible to get unstuck from the snow without calling a tow company, but it won’t be easy. There are a few tricks you can try your luck with before you settle for summoning a tow truck. These include:
Push the car
You want to step on the gas pedal as other people push the car from behind. This will require a lot of effort on your part-you’ll need to put some muscle into it. It will be more applicable if you have passengers in the car to help you push.
Use a shovel to give your car traction
This only works in limited conditions and is not applicable when there’s too much snow outside. You’ll need to scoop out some of the fresh powdery snow on the road so you can gain traction with the tires.
Free your car from ice by rubbing saltwater on it
This is only applicable when you are stuck in ice, not snow. Saltwater has the property of melting away frozen conditions-which can help free your car from being trapped by ice.
Reduce the tire pressure
Reducing the pressure in your tires will help increase the contact surface between your car and snow for better ground clearance. In addition, less pressure means there is more friction on the road. This can be helpful in getting unstuck from a slippery icy situation.
Add some traction
You can add traction to your tires by pouring some sand or cat litter on your tires. This will give you a better grip when driving in the snow. If you don’t have access to these, your car floor mats or newspapers will also do.
Use snow chains
Chains do a great job of providing your wheels with stability when driving in the snow. They are easy to use and come in handy during an emergency situation-which is why they should be a key part of any winter driving safety kit you have in your car.
How do I prepare my car for driving in the snow?
You can do a few things to prepare your car for driving when the snow starts falling. These include:
-Ensure there is no ice on the windows and mirrors of your car. Ice will make it difficult for you to see where you’re going, especially with all that deep snow outside! You don’t want to get caught off guard by this.
-Make sure to also carry a first-aid kit with you at all times, just in case something happens during your drive!
-Make sure to have your wiper blades in great shape. You don’t want them breaking on you mid-drive. If they are broken, it can be challenging for you to see where you’re going.
-Lastly, make a point of carrying all the emergency equipment you can manage, including:
- Water and high-calorie snacks
- De-icer fluid
- Jumper cables
- A thermal blanket
- A fully charged power bank
- Road salt or kitty litter
- Ice shovel
- Plastic ice scraper
- Tire chains
- Snowbrush
Stuck in Snow? Call Us for Help!
If you’re stuck in the snow and need assistance, call Speeds Towing for all winter emergencies. We have a fleet of tow trucks that will show up at your location in a flash. Our 24 hour towing Gresham service ensures you can contact us any time of the day of the week!