When your Car is Stuck in Snow

More winter driving advice from Popular Mechanics, Get a Car Unstuck When you’re stuck.

Don’t gun the engine to get out—the tires will only dig in deeper. Instead, straighten the steering wheel, then dig out as much sand, snow or mud from around the front or rear of the tires as you can, depending on the direction you want to go. Place a floor mat snugly under a portion of each drive wheel (if your vehicle is 4wd, position a mat under each wheel). Ease the vehicle onto the mats. If there’s a passenger, have him push the vehicle in the direction you want to go. Repeat the procedure as needed, slowly progressing in the direction of travel until the vehicle is free.

If you're really desparate,

”lower the tires’ air pressure by 10 to 15 psi or until the sidewall begins to bulge. This spreads out the footprint of the tire, helping the vehicle float over terrain. Drive slowly and air the tires back up as soon as possible.” —Ben Stewart, PM auto editor

Bottom Line

A few winters ago, I slide off the road near my house and the car became stuck in the snow. A policeman stopped and watched. Would he help push? No, not allowed to! But he could call for a tow truck. Fortunately I was right across the street from a volunter fire department - they pushed my car free. Since then I've learned to use the car floor mats for traction, I carry a small snow shovel in the car and a bag of kitty litter for traction.