Don't know how to get out of snowdrifts in winter? Learn practical tips before you leave the car in a snowdrift!

There are various reasons why a car gets stuck in a snowdrift. Sometimes you have to stop abruptly to avoid a collision. In other cases, there is so much snow that there is a problem with sliding on the sidewalk under the house. There are many effective ways to get out of a snowdrift quickly and without damaging the car.. Apparently, in 9 out of 10 cases it is enough to go alternately forward and backward - at some point the wheels will acquire the necessary grip. The main thing is not to panic and not to wait with folded hands.

Car in a snowdrift - why is it difficult to get out?

After entering the snow tires lose contact with the road surface. They have zero or minimal traction. A kind of snow cushion is created, separating the wheels of the car in a snowdrift from solid ground.. The way to get out of the snowdrift depends primarily on the depth of this "cushion". The level of difficulty increases if the entire axle has lost contact with the road. Therefore, first check what and where prevents the car from leaving the snowdrift. Only after that start work.

How to get out of a snowdrift without calling technical assistance?

The most popular method is the so-called rocking, using inertia. This is a very simple method, and at the same time quite sufficient in most cases. How to leave a snowdrift alone?

1. Set the steering wheel straight.
2. Engage the lowest gear.
3. Try to drive at least a few centimeters forward, skillfully dosing the gas and avoiding driving with a half-clutch.
4. If the wheels are slipping and traction is breaking, try moving the car into a snowdrift for a “second”.
5. After passing the minimum distance, quickly switch to reverse and move back.
6. At some point, a well-rocked car in a snowdrift will be able to independently leave it.
7. The sway can be supported by passengers pushing the car in the right direction in the snowdrift.

Sometimes additional weight is needed on the front and rear axles to increase the pressure of the wheels on the ground.. Ask the people accompanying you to gently press the hood or trunk lid directly above the axles. It does not hurt to remind assistants to put their hands on the edges of the body - where the sheet metal of the body is the strongest.

Car in a snowdrift - what means will help get out of the snow?

Before you start moving back and forth, you can help yourself a little. It will be easier for you to grip if you remove some snow and ice right from under the wheels.. When leaving the snowdrift you will need:

• aluminum shovel or shovel for digging - hard and light at the same time;
• gravel, sand, ash, salt, or other loose material that will increase friction between the tires and the snowy surface; 
• boards, rugs and other things placed under the wheels;
• the help of a second person who will push the car in a snowdrift;
• a rope with a hook and handle in case another driver offers to help pull the car out of the snowdrift.

You can also increase the traction of the wheels by putting chains on them. It is better to do this before leaving on snowy roads. On a car in a snowdrift, it is almost impossible to fasten the chains normally. However, if other methods don't work, try this option as well.

How to get out of snowdrifts in a car with an automatic transmission?

Slot machine owners should avoid popular swings like the plague. With fast and frequent gear shifts, overheating and other damage to the transmission occur much faster. Below you will find an approximate recipe for leaving the snowdrifts automatically.

1. Disable the electronic traction control (ESP).
2. Lock the gear in first (usually L or 1) or reverse (R).
3. Drive a little forward or backward.
4. Apply the brake and wait for the wheels to come to a complete stop.
5. Wait a little and drive a little along the same line, only in the opposite direction.
6. Repeat until you succeed, being careful not to dig deeper.

You don't use momentum here, you also have much smoother throttle and gear control than with a manual transmission. This way of getting out of a snowdrift can work if there is not too much snow.. If the car is stuck deep, you need to reach for the above items or call for help.

No drive saves from getting stuck in the snow

Some people think that with a powerful engine and all-wheel drive, nothing will happen to them. This is a serious mistake! In such vehicles, aggressive attempts to drive out of snowdrifts increase the risk of damage to the drive control system, viscous couplings and axles.. These parts quickly overheat if used incorrectly.

Briefly and specifically - how to get out of a snowdrift? By means and technique, not by force. Of course, there are times when it is impossible to get out of a snow trap without outside help. That is why it is worth having these tools and items in the trunk that will make it easier to get out of the car and get back on the road.