by Barb Hopkins

Created on: December 03, 2008   Last Updated: February 26, 2009

When your vehicle gets stuck in the snow or ice, don't panic. Instead, try one of the techniques used by drivers that live and work in the snowiest regions. Drivers that live in areas that routinely are blanketed with heavy snows or ices quickly become pros at dislodging their vehicles from snow banks, icy shoulders, or other winter weather hazards.

*Things you will need

When driving during the wintry season, all vehicles should carry certain supplies. Pack the supplies in a crate or small tote and store in the trunk. Some experts advise actually keeping the winter pack in the cabin of your vehicle for easy access in the event that the trunk may be frozen shut.

1. Sand, salt (quick-melt salt or even household water softener salt will work), dirt, cat litter, cardboard or carpet mat.

2. Small shovel (or the collapsible kind) and sturdy ice scraper.

3. Extra boots, gloves, hat, and earmuffs.

4. Flashlight or lantern.

*Tips to get unstuck

There are several methods for maneuvering a vehicle that is stuck in snow or ice but generally a few simple moves will release your vehicle and allow you to venture back onto the wintry roads.

1. As soon as you determine you are indeed stuck, turn on your hazard lights, and shut off your vehicle. It is recommended to place a call to your destination and let someone there know that you are stuck and will be late. If possible, they may be able to venture out to you and help remove your vehicle or even alert the authorities that you need assistance.

2. Bundle up for warmth and grab your shovel. Try to remove as much snow or ice as you can from in front of each wheel.

3. Decide which wheel(s) are slipping and place sand, salt, dirt, cat litter, or even a piece of cardboard or a carpet remnant or mat in front of the wheels. If you do not have any of those items, look for several small to medium sized sticks and arrange those in front of the wheels to use for traction. If there aren't any sticks or debris to be found, you can let a small amount of air out of the tires to provide more surface contact with the ground for traction but make sure you re-inflate those tires as soon as possible.

4. Get back into your vehicle and restart the engine. Gently accelerate using a low gear. Second gear has been recommended as the best gear for getting traction in the snow or ice. You may need to rock your vehicle gently and slowly over the placed sand or other traction aid. Do not accelerate quickly or too much as the tires will spin. Spinning the tires excessively

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