Car stuck in snow: what to do?

Car stuck in snow: what to do?
Benoit Charette


 
Car stuck in snow: what to do?
IN COLLABORATION WITH PROMUTUEL ASSURANCE
Snow is a real threat on the roads of Quebec. After a long storm, it can bury your vehicle, giving you a hard time pulling it out. On the road, it turns to black ice and can cause loss of control, deviating your course in a snowbank and trapping you there.

In collaboration with Promutuel Insurance, we are giving you advice on how to get your car out of the snow, without danger. No matter the situation, remember that your safety is the top priority!

Winter and road accidents
Snow and bad winter weather make Quebec roads hazardous, even for the most seasoned motorists. Did you know that, according to the Groupement des assureurs du Québec (GAA), you are 30% more likely to have a road accident in winter than in summer? When it comes to insurance, Canadian insurers usually see an increase of nearly 50% in auto insurance claims during the cold season.

With such statistics, it goes without saying that it is essential to adapt your driving, to be extra careful behind the wheel and to have tires in good condition, in winter.

Self buried in snow after a storm
After a long storm, you find your car surrounded, if not completely covered, in snow. What can be done to free it without damaging it? Here's how to get her out of this situation, safely:

1. Put on warm clothes
Since this operation could take a long time and you will be in direct contact with snow and ice, be sure to put on warm clothing. Don't forget snow pants, boots, gloves, toque and any other accessories you need to protect yourself from the cold.

2. Take out the snow brush and the shovel.
Start by removing the snow from your car, using a broom designed for this purpose. Then, with a shovel, clear the wheels of your car. This will give you better traction when trying to get your car out of the snowbank. Also remove snow 2 feet from the front and back of your car to have more leeway when performing the back-and-forth method. If you're using a metal shovel, which can be particularly good at breaking up ice, go smoothly near the tires and bodywork.

Did you know ?

Did you know ? According to section 498.1 of the Highway Safety Code, it is forbidden to drive a vehicle covered with snow, ice or any other material likely to come loose and present a danger to road users. Thus, all motorists are required to clear snow from their car on pain of a fine ranging from $ 60 to $ 100.

3. Be sure to spread salt or sand
Your car can get stuck in the snow because your wheels are off the ground, unable to propel your vehicle, or because the snow under your wheels has turned to ice, forcing your tires to spin. To remedy the second situation, spread salt or sand around your tires. If you don't have one, you can even use cat litter. After spreading the abrasive, try to get your car out of the snow.

4. Use the anti-slip plates
Despite your best efforts so far, is your car still stuck in the snow? Try the anti-slip plates, an essential winter tool that should always be in the trunk of your car.
- Front-wheel drive car: place the metal tongue glued to the front tires, the jagged side on the snow.
- Rear-wheel drive car: place the metal tongue glued to the rear tires, the jagged side on the snow.

Once the plates are installed, try to move your car forward until the surface of your tires is completely on them.

5. Use the back-and-forth technique
Do you have no plates, shovel or snow removal product and you are stuck in the snow? Before calling for help, try the back-and-forth technique. To do this, go as far as possible and back immediately until your car comes to a stop. Return to the forward position and repeat this gesture a few times. The goal is to give you momentum that will be enough to get your vehicle out of the snow.

*Warning :

spinning the tires can damage the transmission and the mechanics of your car. Before proceeding with the back-and-forth technique, consult your car manufacturer's manual to verify the maximum speed not to be exceeded in a skating situation. Above all, do not press the accelerator all the way out of desperation to get your vee out.