Winter is still upon us and if you’ve ever gotten your car stuck in the snow, you know how frustrating it can be. Our fuel card company has a few simple tips for getting yourself out of a sticky situation and on your way. We suggest that before you try to free your car, make sure your tailpipe isn’t blocked up with snow. If it is, it could drive the exhaust gasses into the car’s cabin. Once that’s been checked, try to:
1. Dig your way out
Keep a shovel in your car. This way, you can use it to dig yourself a path out of the snow. If a shovel is too big, invest in a garden trowel (just be prepared for the process to take longer).
2. Use your floor mats
If you’re dealing with more ice than snow on the road, you won’t be able to shovel it away. Instead, you can use your floor mats to give your tires traction. Put them underneath the wheels that drive the car (either the front or the back), but be prepared – you may have to buy new ones.
3. Sprinkle salt and/or litter
Keep a bag of rock salt and a bag of kitty litter in your car. You can sprinkle salt on the snow in front of your car to help it melt. Then, if you encounter ice on the road, lay down some kitty litter in front of the wheels that drive the car for traction.
4. Fit your tires with snow chains
By doing this, you’ll improve the traction of tires get in the snow and you’ll be less likely to get stuck.
5. Lay down branches
If all else fails and you’re on a rural road, collect some branches, leaves, sticks, twigs, and other tree materials. Then, lay the materials underneath the wheels that drive the car for more traction.
6. Let some air out
If your tires are properly inflated (and you have a way to re-inflate them), let some air out of them. This way, they’ll be able to grip the snow a little better.
