Life of an Internet Entrepreneur

One of my most satisfying traditions during the winter is to drive around searching.  What am I searching for? None other than poor souls who managed to get their car stuck in the snow and are growing frustrated.  I am always happy to lend a hand and use my experience of several years of “emancipating” snowed in cars.  There are dozens of methods out there, and I must admit that I resort to many different ways, but I’d like to share my favorite one with my readers.

Among the many emergency supplies one should always pack in a car, snow salt should be one of them.

Most people dig out their car, and then slip and slide in place while trying to get their car out.  They then turn the wheels in an attempt to gain more traction, making their situation even worse.  At this point, here is what you do:

Step 1

Take Snow Salt and pour it (generously) over the area where your tire is slipping, preferably near the back of the wheel.  As long as the temperature of the road is 15º F, the salt will melt the immediate area it lands on, for just a few moments.

Step 2

Grab your floor mat from your car and place it spikes-down over the melted spot, with the edge of the mat right under the wheel that is stuck.

Step 3

Wait a minute or two for the ice to re-solidify.  The mat will be firmly planted in the position you placed it in, due to the ice forming around the spikes.

Step 4

Shift into reverse if possible, since it will be the gear with most traction, and press slowly and evenly on the gas.  The key here is to avoid spinning the wheels wildly (that was what got you into the mess in the first place).  After you find just the right amount of gas on the pedal to get your car to move a bit, keep that pressure on the pedal.  You should move cleanly over the mat (which has great traction, especially if it is the rubber type) and be on your way.

Note of caution: Please be sure to exercise caution at all times and check that no one is standing near your car while you try to get out.  I’ve personally seen people struck when a car spun sideways while trying to leave a parking spot.

So, now you know how to get a stuck car out of the snow.  Maybe the next time I’m out in the snow partaking in my tradition, I’ll see you too.

Related Links:

- Why do they use salt to melt ice on the road in the winter? (HowStuffWorks.com)
- Top 5 Ways To Drive Safely In Snow (pinnycohen.com)

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