Car stuck in snow or mud: what to do

What is the first thing to do when a car is stuck in snow or mud?

Stop and stay safe. Turn on your hazard lights and think before you press the gas. Spinning the wheels usually makes the hole deeper.

Look at where you are. If you are near a busy road, in a ditch or on a slope, safety comes before getting unstuck. Call for help if you are worried.

Why is the tailpipe important?

Snow or mud packed around the tailpipe can push exhaust fumes into the car. That is dangerous, and it can happen quietly while you sit there with the heater on.

Clear the tailpipe before you run the engine. If you wait for help in a snowstorm, check it again from time to time and open a window a little for fresh air.

What can I use to get more traction?

Anything that gives the tire a rough surface to grip will help. Sand, gravel and cat litter work well. Floor mats and sturdy boards can too.

Put them right in front of the drive wheels, which are the front, rear or all of them depending on your car. Keep people clear while the car moves, since things can shoot out from a spinning tire.

• Sand, gravel or cat litter.
• A floor mat or a sturdy board.
• A shovel or a small tool to dig with.
• Your owner's manual, for traction tips.

When should I call a tow truck for a winch-out?

Call when the car does not move after a few gentle tries, when it is in a ditch, when it is deep in mud, or when you are in an unsafe place. A winch-out uses a cable from a tow truck to pull the car back onto solid ground.

Let the driver choose where to hook up. Do not attach a rope or strap to a part of the car that is not made for it, since your owner's manual shows where the recovery points are, and stay clear of any cable or strap that is under tension.

Step by step

1. 1

   Turn on your hazard lights and check for danger

   If you are near traffic, in a ditch or on a steep slope, stay careful. Call emergency services if anyone is hurt or you are in a dangerous spot.

2. 2

   Stop spinning the wheels

   Spinning digs the tires in deeper and can overheat parts of the car. Stop and look at the problem.

3. 3

   Check that the tailpipe is clear

   Before you run the engine, make sure snow or mud is not blocking the tailpipe. Exhaust fumes can build up inside a car and are dangerous.

4. 4

   Clear around the tires

   Dig snow or mud away from the front and back of the drive wheels, and from under the car if you can. Do this away from traffic.

5. 5

   Add traction

   Put sand, gravel, cat litter or a floor mat under the drive wheels. It gives the tires something to grip.

6. 6

   Try to move slowly and gently

   Use light gas. Check your owner's manual for advice on your car, including any snow or traction mode. Stop if it is not working.

7. 7

   Call for help if it does not move

   Call your roadside assistance plan or a local tow company that does winch-outs. Tell them where you are and how the car is stuck.

Frequently asked questions

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