Driving in snowy conditions can pose serious risks, and being prepared for potential emergencies is crucial. If you find yourself stuck in the snow, it’s essential to know how to handle the situation safely to avoid damage to your vehicle and ensure your safety. Here are steps to follow if your car breaks down or gets stuck in the snow:
1. Assess The Situation:
Before taking any action, evaluate why your car is stuck. If it seems too risky or challenging to address, stay in the car and call for professional assistance. Utilise your online car insurance provider’s roadside assistance if available.
2. Clear The Exhaust Pipe:
Check for snow accumulation in the exhaust pipe and remove it. Starting the engine with a blocked exhaust pipe can lead to a dangerous buildup of exhaust fumes inside the car, potentially causing carbon monoxide poisoning.
3. Remove Snow Around Wheels:
Use a shovel or a similar tool to clear snow from under the car and around the wheels. If the snow cover is substantial, consider using a towing service to help free your vehicle.
4. Enhance Tire Traction:
Improve traction by placing dirt, sand, or salt beneath the tyres. This will help the tyres grip the surface better. Disable traction control if needed.
5. Shift To The Lowest Gear:
Before starting the engine, put the car in the lowest gear. This increases traction control and prevents the tyres from spinning excessively. Automatic transmission drivers should be mindful of this step.
6. Activate All-Wheel Drive (AWD):
If your vehicle has AWD, engage this mode to distribute power to all wheels, aiding traction on snowy roads. For front-wheel-drive vehicles, move the wheels left and right to assist in the traction control of the tyres.
7. Seek Assistance:
If your attempts are unsuccessful, ask nearby individuals for help. Request assistance pushing the car through the snow, as sometimes a collaborative effort is the most effective way to free a stuck vehicle.
8. Stay Calm:
Remaining calm is crucial in snow-related emergencies. Stay composed, use all available resources, and seek help if needed. Keeping warm and safe should be a priority throughout the process.
For those frequently navigating snow-covered roads, thorough vehicle inspection and winter preparation are advisable. Keep essential safety items in your car and consider investing in comprehensive online car insurance with roadside assistance coverage. However, when purchasing car insurance, some individuals prefer the affordability of third-party insurance, covering potential damages and liabilities to others without the extensive coverage of a comprehensive plan. See whatever works best for you. *
You can utilise a car insurance premium calculator to estimate the costs of premiums to be paid. Opting for a zero depreciation, or zero dep, add-on in car insurance ensures that the policy covers the full cost of repair or replacement without factoring in depreciation, providing more comprehensive coverage for the insured vehicle. *
Professional assistance is always wise if you need help handling a snow-related emergency. Staying calm, persistent, and utilising all available resources will increase the likelihood of safely navigating challenging snowy conditions.
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