How Should You Deal With A Snowy Roadside Emergency?

Winter driving is rarely anyone's favorite activity. Even light snow can leave roads slippery and treacherous, and icy conditions can develop seemingly out of nowhere. While getting stuck on the side of the road is never any fun, it can be incredibly stressful on cold, snowy nights. Getting through these situations requires a cool head and an ability to assess the situation thoroughly.

Since you may face towing delays on nights with heavy snowfall, it's crucial to understand what you should and shouldn't do while you're waiting on the side of the road for your tow. These three tips will help keep you safe, whether you're dealing with a blizzard or a minor snow squall.

1. Don't Try to Get Yourself Unstuck

If you're having a traction issue and your vehicle isn't obstructing traffic, it's best to stay where you are and wait for the tow truck. Cars can behave unpredictably when they don't have sufficient traction at their drive wheels, and this can cause your vehicle to spin or even slide laterally. Trying to force yourself back on the road can quickly move your car into a more dangerous position or even cause an accident.

Constantly revving your engine to try to regain traction can also cause numerous problems. In a best-case scenario, spinning your drive wheels will just turn the snow underneath them into even more treacherous ice. In a worst-case scenario, you can overheat your car, cause internal engine damage, or even start a fire.

2. Check Your Exhaust

If you can safely exit your vehicle, ensure that snow isn't obstructing your exhaust. Remember that your exhaust pipes are hot, so avoid touching them at all costs. Any obstruction can allow poisonous gases to enter your cabin, so always turn your car off if you spot a blockage. Never run a vehicle if you suspect an obstruction in the exhaust and you cannot clear it.

Because exhaust gases can be so harmful, it's often a good idea to carry a small collapsible shovel or some other digging tool with you during the winter. This critical piece of emergency equipment will allow you to clear an obstructed tailpipe or even help you dig your car out if you left your car parked during a sudden snowstorm.

3. Alert Friends or Family Members

You should always alert a friend or family member any time you're stuck on the side of the road, but it's particularly crucial when stuck in the snow on a wintry night. Let them know where you are and how long you expect to be waiting for a tow truck, and then inform them again when help arrives. Likewise, it's a good idea to ask for a detailed ETA when you call for your tow truck.

Getting towed out of a slippery situation can be frustrating and stressful, but following these tips will help you get through your winter ordeal quickly and safely.

For more information reach out to your local towing services professional.