The fastest way to get a car unstuck from snow is to stop spinning the tires, which only digs you in deeper. The core strategy involves clearing space around the tires, creating a path for traction, and using gentle, rocking motions with the vehicle. You'll need a small shovel, cat litter or traction mats, and patience.
First, assess the situation. If the tires are spinning freely, stop accelerating immediately. Check how deeply the tires are buried and if the undercarriage is resting on the snow, known as being "high-centered."
Your first physical step is to clear the snow. Use a collapsible shovel or your hands to dig out the snow immediately in front of and behind all four tires. Clear a path a few feet long. You also need to clear the exhaust pipe to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide from entering the car.
Next, create traction. Pour cat litter, sand, or even your car's floor mats directly in the cleared paths in front of the drive wheels (front wheels for a front-wheel-drive car, rear for rear-wheel-drive). Traction aids like these provide the grip your tires need to start moving.
Now, attempt to drive out. Turn off traction control (it can hinder efforts in deep snow). With the transmission in the lowest gear (often labeled "1" or "L") or in "D" for automatics, apply the gentlest pressure on the accelerator. The goal is to "walk" the car out, not rocket out. If you feel the tires starting to spin, let off immediately.
If the car moves slightly but gets stuck again, try rocking the vehicle. Gently alternate between Drive and Reverse, using the car's momentum to create a larger rocking motion with each shift. Don't force the transmission; allow it to fully engage before switching directions.
| Traction Aid | Best For | Pros | Cons | Estimated Traction Gain |
|---|
| Cat Litter | All situations | Absorbs moisture, inexpensive, readily available | Non-clumping clay is best; clumping can be messy | High |
| Sand | Icy patches | Adds significant weight, doesn't freeze solid | Heavy to store, can be difficult to find | High |
| Traction Mats | Repeated use | Durable, reusable, highly effective | More expensive, must be stored in vehicle | Very High |
| Floor Mats | Emergency only | You already have them | Can be damaged or ejected under tire | Low to Medium |
| Salt | Melting ice | Helps melt ice for longer-term traction | Can damage car paint/concrete, less immediate grip | Medium |
If you're still stuck after multiple attempts, it's time to call for help. Pushing with others can work, but ensure everyone is clear of the wheels and the car's path to avoid injury.
