If you live in Saskatchewan, you could probably use a few tips and tricks for getting your vehicle out of the snow after the amount that slammed the province over the last couple of days.
Over a 48-hour time-span, Environment Canada confirmed that Regina saw 35 cm of snow, Saskatoon saw between 20-25 cm and Melville saw the most at a whopping 43 cm.
Here are some tips from SGI for getting your vehicle out of the snow:
- If you are stuck in deep snow, try rocking your vehicle. To do this, start forward, gently accelerate and you will move forward a little. When your wheels spin, immediately stop accelerating and hold the vehicle with the brake to stop it from rolling back. Shift to reverse, release the brake and accelerate gently. You will move back. When the wheels spin again, stop immediately. Repeat the forward-backward rocking movement, increasing the distance you move each time until you gain sufficient momentum to keep moving ahead. Be sure the wheels have stopped turning before changing gears to avoid damage to your transmission.
- Search for traction. Look for sand or grit. Choose snow rather than ice. A small movement to one side will often move you from a low traction icy patch onto snow or sand. This motion can usually be completed in your lane.
SGI also shared some tips from the Professional Driver’s Handbook.
To improve traction, good tire treads are necessary. Start off slow and easy, and do not spin your wheels, because this only digs you in deeper. In deep snow, in order to get room to move, a good idea is to turn your wheels from side to side to push the snow away from the tires.
Another good trick is to move your vehicle back and forth four or five feet before you shut down. This packs heavy snow. When you are pulling out use a light foot on the accelerator, easing forward gently.
It’s recommended that at the very least, you should keep a small shovel and a set of traction mats in your vehicle during the winter.
FUN TIP: If you don’t have any salt on-hand, try using cat litter under your tires to improve traction!
CAA suggests that if you get stuck, stay with your car. It’s safer than standing at the side of the road and makes it easier for rescuers to find you. Of course, use common sense and assess if your vehicle is in a dangerous position and whether or not you are in more danger remaining inside of your car.
Some other tips from CAA to focus on your safety while stuck include:
- Use your hazards
- Run the engine for long enough to keep the car from getting too cold
- Ensure the tailpipe isn’t blocked by snow or ice and check the exhaust system for leaks to prevent carbon monoxide from leaking into the car
- To get fresh air, crack a window on the side of the car away from the wind
- Don’t over-exert yourself by trying to push your vehicle out
- Move your arms and legs and take deep occasional deep breaths, it will help with your circulation
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