How to Get A Truck Unstuck From Snow
If you live in an area where snowfall is a regular occurrence, you know how frustrating getting stuck can be. In 2022, we have seen a lot of reports of record snowfalls, accidents, and unfortunately deaths related to vehicles getting stuck in the snow. We hate to see news reports like the winter storm in Buffalo, New York in 2022 and the deaths it brought. The good news, though, is there are things that can be done to get your vehicle moving again. A set of TruckClaws should be a part of every vehicle recovery kit; however, we assume if you are reading this you may not have a set. So, if you’re wondering how to get a truck unstuck from snow, keep reading! We have a few tips and tricks we have accumulated over the years.
Tip 1: Dig Around the Tires
The key to getting a truck unstuck from snow is wheel clearance. The first thing you will want to do is clear a few feet out from in front and behind your tires. The idea behind this first step is to prepare for the next step, which will involve rocking your truck back and forth.
Preparation is essential if you absolutely have to drive in winter conditions; common sense dictates that you should have a small snow shovel in your vehicle to help with this step. This is extra important if you haven’t recently changed your tires and the tread is low.
Tip 2: Rock the Vehicle Back and Forth.
Once you’ve cleared a decent bit around your wheels, the next step is to start getting some traction. The way to do this is to rock the vehicle back and forth. However, what you DON’T want to do is wreck your transmission in the process. The idea here is using the gas and the brake in tandem with the gas: put it in drive, accelerate lightly, and hit the brake at the peak. Then, repeat the process in reverse: put the car in reverse gear, accelerate lightly again, and hit the brake at the peak. This is especially helpful if you don’t have a team of folks like the picture here to help. If done right, each “peak” will get higher and higher, much like being on a swing set.
Tip 3: Easy on the Accelerator!
This is probably the most important tip of all on how to get a truck unstuck from snow: go easy on the gas! The idea here is simple: friction produces heat, heat melts ice and snow. And melted ice and snow reduces traction; which is counter productive. Go LIGHT on that accelerator when you are in the rocking process!
Tip 4: Use Available Materials Under Your Wheels
Dirt, sand, gravel, or cat litter. We have heard it all: many experts recommend having these materials in your trunk if you frequently traverse snowy roads. There is a lot of merit to these advices; in situations that could be life or death, you want to give yourself the best advantage for gaining traction. However, don’t forget one of the most common materials that can be used for traction: your floor mats!
You may drive away with ruined floor mats. However, that is better than not driving away for hours, or not driving away at all. Use those floor mats! It can spare a lot of grief, and can save time with the “rocking back and forth” process.
Tip 5: Enlist the Help of Others
There’s an old adage that says a man will die in the woods because of shame. Don’t let the same happen to you in the snow. It may be embarrassing to be in a predicament. However, swallowing your pride and asking for help could mean not having to pay an expensive tow bill, being stuck for hours, or worse, not making it home at all.
Chances are excellent, passers-by have also been in the same predicament. Therefore, they will be willing to help out. As they say, what goes around comes around. Flag someone down and ask for help!
Tip 6: Stay Calm
Getting stuck in the snow sucks. Getting a truck unstuck in not easy. However, with a cool, level head, it is POSSIBLE. It is impossible to see solutions if you aren’t calm. So take a breath, step back from the situation, and apply these tips! They just might save your life. And it wouldn’t hurt to invest in a set of TruckClaws!
