1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
First things first — don’t panic. Take a deep breath and evaluate your surroundings. Is the snow deep? Are your tires completely buried? Is your exhaust pipe clear? Remaining calm helps you think clearly and avoid making mistakes that could worsen the situation.
2. Clear Snow Around Your Tires
Grab a shovel (a small folding shovel is a great item to keep in your trunk during winter). Clear the snow from around your tires and underneath your car. This creates space for your wheels to gain traction.
Pro Tip: Pay extra attention to clearing snow from the front and back of your tires — your car will need room to rock forward and backward.
3. Use Traction Aids
If your tires are spinning, they lack grip. Boost traction by placing sand, cat litter, gravel, or even your car floor mats under the tires. This gives your wheels something to grip onto.
4. Rock Your Car Back and Forth
If the snow isn’t too deep, gently shift between drive and reverse to create some momentum. This rocking motion can help your tires gain traction. Be gentle with the gas pedal — spinning your wheels aggressively will just dig you deeper into the snow.