Having a car that is roadworthy during the winter is obviously essential when the snow starts to fall and sticks to the ground. But even the heaviest duty, four-wheel drive toting SUVs can get stuck in the snow. That is why it is important to keep other tools in your car in case you find yourself driving through heavy snowstorms. Having a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive system in your car is very beneficial when it comes to driving in snowy conditions. But though four-wheel drive and all-wheel drives will help you drive better in snowstorms by giving your vehicle better traction on the road, you can still find yourself getting stuck on the side of the road because those features won't help your car stop faster in snowy conditions. According to a report done by Forbes, drivers with four-wheel or all-wheel drive in their cars will drive recklessly because they become overconfident, which could result in your car getting stuck on the side of the road or in a ditch. That is why it is important to keep tools in your car that will help you out if you find yourself stuck as a result of driving in snowy conditions. Read on to see what tools are essential to keep in your car this winter:
Shovel
A shovel is essential to getting your car out of snow. A shovel will allow you to dig away snow from your car, giving it more room to move while you are attempting to get your car unstuck. A shovel can also be used to clear a pathway from where your car is, back to the road.
If you find your car stuck in the snow the first thing you will want to do is dig the snow away from your tires. The snow around your tires will only prevent your car from gaining traction, which is why it is essential to clear the snow away from you tires. You should also use your shovel to clear away as much snow from your car as possible in order to help it gain traction. By clearing away the snow your car will have a better chance of gaining traction, allowing you to get back on the road.
Tools to Facilitate Traction
If using a shovel to clear any snow away from your car doesn't help you get your car unstuck, then you will need something else to help your car gain traction. Laying something underneath and behind all of your tires will help your car gain traction when you are trying to get it unstuck. That is because the tools that facilitate traction for your car creates a layer between your car's tires and the snow and ice that your car's tires can't grip.
A few tools that can facilitate traction are sand, kitty litter or your car mats. Sand, when it is put down beneath your tires, will mix with the snow and create an area that will allow your car gain traction in order to get out of the snow. Kitty litter works in a very similar fashion as sand, creating a surface area that your car can gain traction on. If you find yourself without sand or kitty litter then you can also use your car mats, found on the floor of the interior of your car, to help your car out of a situation where you are stuck in snow. Simply place your mats as best as you can between your car's tires and the snow. This will help your car gain enough traction to get moving and help you get out of the snow.
Getting stuck in the snow is a situation that no one likes to find themselves in. But during the winter, if you make sure to leave a few tools in your car, you can ensure that you will be ready for any situation that the weather throws at you. You may even be able to help out those around you who are unprepared.
