While we typically don’t get a ton of snow in Greenville, it still pays to be prepared. This is especially true with Mother Nature getting more predictable all the time. If your car ever gets stuck in the snow – in Greenville or elsewhere – our Chevrolet service center has some helpful tips for you.
Clear a Path
The first thing to do is to take a shovel or whatever is available and clear as much snow as possible from around your tires. If there is any snow higher than the bumper in the front or ear, clear that as well.
Rock the Car
Once you’ve cleared as much snow as you can, it’s time to let the car do some of the work. Putting the car in drive and reverse repeatedly can help create more of a path. Just be sure to use your brakes frequently so you don’t hurt your transmission. And don’t floor the gas pedal; you’re just looking to create momentum.
Create Traction
If you’re still stuck, it’s time to add some traction. You can do this by putting things like dirt or salt under your tires. Even cat litter can work in a pinch. Then try rocking the car again. If that still doesn’t work, employ some folks to push.
Turn Off Traction Control
If none of the above works, check to see if your traction control is on. While helpful on slippery roads, it will actually be a deterrent to getting you unstuck from snow, as it prevents the wheels from spinning. Make sure you know when to throw in the towel; you don’t want to do any real harm to your engine, transmission, or tires with your attempts. A tow truck can fix the problem and is a lot cheaper than a new engine.
To avoid getting stuck in the snow, you may want to think about putting snow tires on your car. To have a set installed, contact the service center at Phelps Chevrolet.
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