Conquer the Snowdrift: A Comprehensive Guide to Digging Out Your Car After a Snowstorm

Winter storms can be beautiful to watch from the warmth of your home, but they can quickly turn into a headache when you need to leave. Finding your car buried under a mountain of snow can be frustrating, but with the right approach and some elbow grease, you can get back on the road safely. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of digging out your car after a snowstorm, ensuring you don’t damage your vehicle or yourself in the process.

Preparation is Key: Before You Start Digging

Before you even step outside, it’s important to be prepared. Attempting to dig out your car without the right tools or attire is a recipe for frustration and potentially injury. Here’s what you need:

• The Right Gear:
  • Snow Shovel: A sturdy snow shovel is your primary weapon against the snow. Opt for a shovel with a wide blade and an ergonomic handle to make the job easier on your back. A plastic shovel is preferred to avoid scratching your car’s paint. If you have significant snow accumulations, a metal snow shovel might be necessary, but exercise extreme caution when using one near your vehicle.
  • Ice Scraper: A good ice scraper with a brush on the opposite end is essential for clearing your windows. Make sure it’s durable and can handle thick ice. Look for one with a comfortable grip.
  • Small Broom: A small, hand-held broom or a brush can be useful for sweeping off light snow or clearing the roof of your car.
  • Gloves: Waterproof and insulated gloves are crucial for keeping your hands warm and dry. The last thing you want is frostbitten fingers. Consider bringing an extra pair if you expect to be outside for a long time.
  • Warm Clothes: Dress in layers. A warm hat, scarf, insulated coat, and waterproof boots are non-negotiables. Being warm and comfortable will make the task much more bearable.
  • Salt or Sand (Optional): If you anticipate needing traction after you dig out your car, keep salt or sand handy. This is especially useful if your tires are stuck on ice.
• Safety First:
  • Check the Weather: Before heading out, check the forecast to ensure conditions aren’t worsening. You don’t want to get caught in the middle of a new storm while you’re digging.
  • Inform Someone: Let someone know you’re going outside to dig out your car and when you expect to be back. This is especially important if you’re working alone.
  • Stay Hydrated: Even in cold weather, you can become dehydrated. Drink water before you begin and take breaks to rehydrate.
  • Listen to Your Body: Don’t push yourself too hard. Take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion. Shoveling snow is a strenuous activity, and it’s important to avoid injuries. If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, stop immediately and seek help.

Step-by-Step Guide to Digging Out Your Car

Now that you’re prepared, let’s get to the actual digging. Follow these steps for a safe and efficient process:

1. Clear the Exhaust Pipe:

   The first and most critical step is to clear the snow away from your car’s exhaust pipe. If the exhaust pipe is blocked by snow, dangerous carbon monoxide can build up inside the vehicle. Use your shovel to clear an area around the pipe at least a few inches away, ensuring that toxic exhaust can escape. This step should always come first, even if you’re tempted to start on the tires or the windshield.

2. Create an Escape Path:

   Begin digging around the tires and creating a path out of the snow. Start with the tires you expect to drive out with (usually the front tires if you have front wheel drive). Dig out a generous path – it’s better to have too much room than not enough. Make this path wider than the width of your tires. Don’t dig directly next to your car; give yourself some space to avoid scratching the paint.

3. Dig Around the Tires:

   Once your initial path is cleared, carefully dig out the snow that’s packed directly against each tire. You might encounter packed snow that’s hard to remove. Be patient and chip away at it with the shovel rather than trying to force it out. Continue to clear snow away from the tire, creating a pocket around it so the wheels can move freely. Clear about a foot or so around the tires.

4. Dig the Perimeter:

   After clearing a space around the tires, dig a perimeter around your vehicle. This doesn’t need to be perfectly clean, but creating this initial space will allow you to clear snow away from the car much easier. It will also allow you to move and position yourself better as you are clearing.

5. Clear the Roof (Carefully):

   Using your broom or a plastic shovel (use the utmost care if using a metal shovel), remove the snow from the roof of your car. It’s extremely important to clear the roof completely before you start driving. Not only is it illegal in many areas to drive with snow on your roof, but a large amount of snow can slide down the windshield while you’re driving, obscuring your vision and creating a dangerous situation. If you cannot easily reach the top of your car, it is best to not risk a fall. The risk of injury is higher than the need to remove the snow. The snow will most likely fall while driving, so if you do not feel comfortable doing it, it is best to leave it alone.

6. Clear Windows and Mirrors:

   Use your ice scraper and brush to thoroughly clean all the snow and ice off of all your windows. Make sure to clear the side mirrors as well. Ensuring clear visibility is essential for safe driving. Also, it is important to clear all of the car’s lights, including headlights, brake lights and turn signals.

7. Clear the Area in Front and Behind:

   Create space in front and behind the vehicle. This will allow you to move the car forward and backwards, if needed, to create space. Dig a wider area than your car’s width for easy maneuvering.

8. Rocking Technique (If Necessary):

   If your tires are still struggling for traction once you’ve cleared a path, you can try the rocking technique. Gently accelerate forward, then back, to create movement. This may require you to remove more snow from in front and behind your tires. Avoid spinning your tires aggressively, which will only dig them deeper into the snow or ice.

9. Use Traction Assistance (If Necessary):

   If your tires continue to struggle, use salt or sand if you have it. Sprinkle the salt/sand in front of the tires, allowing it to provide extra grip. You can also use a shovel to try and chip at ice or packed snow for more traction. Consider using your car floor mats under the tires to gain more traction, and make sure to remove them before driving your car.

10. Slow and Steady:

    Once you think you have enough traction, slowly accelerate your vehicle and try to drive out of the area. It may be necessary to try and rock the car again, and it is important to be slow and steady. Don’t floor it; you may lose traction and bury your tires again. Once you get rolling, be prepared for more slipping or sliding. Stay patient and drive slowly until your tires are gaining traction.

Additional Tips for a Successful Dig Out

• Patience is Key: Digging out your car is a time-consuming task, so be patient and methodical. Rushing will lead to mistakes and frustration.
• Take Breaks: Don’t overexert yourself. Take frequent breaks to rest and hydrate. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
• Work Smarter, Not Harder: Use the right tools and technique to make the process more efficient. Leverage your body weight while shoveling.
• Be Mindful of Your Car: Avoid hitting the body of your car with the shovel, and make sure you are using the proper tools to prevent scratching your paint.
• Clean Your Car After: After driving out of the snow, if possible, clean your car of any snow that remains. This will ensure your visibility and will make sure snow doesn’t refreeze to your car.
• If You Get Stuck: If you’re unable to dig your car out after repeated attempts, don’t hesitate to call for help. A tow truck or a friend with a truck or SUV might be necessary. Don’t endanger yourself trying to get out when it’s unsafe.

After You’re On the Road:

• Drive Slowly: Conditions are likely still challenging, so drive with extra caution and at a reduced speed. Don’t use cruise control on icy or snowy roads.
• Increase Following Distance: Give yourself extra stopping distance. It takes longer to stop in snow or on ice.
• Be Aware of Black Ice: Be extra careful on bridges and overpasses, which are susceptible to black ice.
• Monitor Your Vehicle’s Performance: Watch for any unusual noises or handling issues. Snow and ice can sometimes cause damage.
• Check Local Conditions: Stay updated on local weather conditions and advisories as the winter storm season can be unpredictable.

Final Thoughts

Digging out your car after a snowstorm is never a pleasant task, but by following these detailed steps, you can make it safer and more efficient. Remember that preparation and safety are paramount. With the right tools, a systematic approach, and a bit of patience, you can conquer that snowdrift and get back on the road.

Stay safe and drive carefully this winter!