When Winter Weather Strikes: Your Complete Guide to Freeing Your Car from Alaska’s Snow and Ice
Alaska’s winter driving conditions can turn from manageable to treacherous in minutes. When your vehicle becomes trapped in snow or ice, knowing the right steps can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation. This comprehensive guide will walk you through proven techniques to safely extract your vehicle from snow while keeping you warm and protected in Alaska’s harsh winter environment.
Immediate Safety Steps When Your Car Gets Stuck
The moment you realize your vehicle is stuck, your first priority should be safety. Stay in the car. Do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow. Display a trouble sign or flag. Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna.
Before attempting any extraction techniques, ensure your safety by clearing snow from your vehicle’s exhaust pipe. Also dig out the tailpipe before you start the engine. People have lost their lives from carbon monoxide building up inside a vehicle when they didn’t know the exhaust pipe was blocked. This critical step prevents deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
Essential Equipment Every Alaska Driver Should Carry
Preparation is key to handling winter emergencies in Alaska. Pack flares or safety triangles and don’t forget waterproof matches. You may need to dig yourself out so keep a shovel in the trunk with your tow rope and jumper cables. Salt is useful for melting ice and snow. And if you’re stuck in slush, kitty litter or sand can provide traction.
Your winter emergency kit should also include a sleeping bag for each traveler. In case of a breakdown, you will be surprisingly toasty and comfortable in winter clothes inside a sleeping bag inside your vehicle. Even if it’s unheated. This works. Additional essential items include packets of chemical hand and toe warmers. These work. Water in bottles. Cell phone charger.
Step-by-Step Vehicle Extraction Techniques
Step 1: Assess and Clear the Area
Start by examining your situation carefully. Turn off the car’s traction control system (usually with a button somewhere on the dashboard or console). Starting with the drive tires, dig the snow out from in front, underneath and in back. Digging the snow or ice that is built up around the tires and wheel wells of your vehicle is a significant first step. Make sure to clear a few feet in front of and behind each tire so that you can move the car back and forth. A shovel will make this easier, so it is valuable to keep a shovel on hand in the trunk of your vehicle.
Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle for Movement
Start your vehicle, roll down your window and take off your hat or earmuffs so you can hear clearly. Even better, stick your head out the window to watch your front tire. You’ll get the best traction by straightening the wheel, so do this as much as your parking situation allows. Put your vehicle in the lowest gear. If you’ve got a four-wheel drive SUV or pickup, engage the low-range gearing.
Step 3: Create Traction
If clearing snow isn’t enough, you’ll need to create additional traction. Things such as sandbags, salt, dirt or even kitty litter can be used when your car is stuck in snow. Throw several handfuls under your tires for improved traction, then try gently accelerating again. Another way to add some much-needed traction is by pouring a thin layer of sand or kitty litter around your tires. Both add a bit of grit to the surface and provide something for your tires to grip onto.
Step 4: The Rocking Technique
When basic acceleration doesn’t work, try the rocking method. Carefully switching from drive to reverse can help dislodge some of the snow around your wheels. But be careful not to wreck your transmission. Putting your foot on the brake at the peak of each “rock,” so the car is motionless when changing gears, this helps. It’s also helpful to shift to neutral for a second before making the transition.
You’ll always be tempted to floor it if you’re stuck in snow or ice, but don’t. Go easy on the pedal to give the vehicle just a little gas for a moment, then let off. Repeat to enhance the needed “rocking” motion. It’s momentum that sets you free, not power.
Step 5: Deploy Snow Chains if Available
If you don’t want to waste any time, the best way to get a car unstuck from snow is likely strapping on those snow chains. Snow chains instantly add traction to your tires, which is exactly what they need if you’re stuck. If you really want to be prepared, practice putting on your chains before you’re stuck in freezing temperatures.
Staying Safe While Stranded
If your extraction efforts aren’t immediately successful, focus on staying warm and safe. Occasionally run engine to keep warm. Turn on the car’s engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Also, turn on the car’s dome light when the car is running. However, beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.
Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Do minor exercises to keep up circulation. Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally. Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation.
When to Call for Professional Help
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, professional assistance becomes necessary. If you’ve tried all the above techniques and your vehicle remains stuck, or if you’re in an unsafe location, it’s time to call for help. For residents in the Wasilla area and surrounding regions, Tonk-A-Towz, the premier local towing company serving Wasilla, AK, and surrounding areas. With years of dedicated service under our belt, we’ve established ourselves as the go-to provider for reliable towing and roadside assistance services. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to delivering prompt, courteous, and efficient service, ensuring that you and your vehicle are in safe hands.
When you need reliable Emergency Roadside Service Houston, AK, professional towing services can provide the specialized equipment and expertise needed to safely extract your vehicle from challenging winter conditions. At Tonk-A-Towz, we prioritize prompt response times, ensuring that help is always just a phone call away. Trust in the expertise of our licensed and insured operators trained to handle towing situations with precision and care. With Tonk-A-Towz, you can rely on a team committed to providing safe and efficient towing services.
Prevention: Avoiding Getting Stuck in the First Place
The best strategy for dealing with stuck vehicles is prevention. Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
Slow Down! Drive according to road and weather conditions. Remember, the posted speed limits are for ideal conditions and dry pavement. Don’t get overconfident with four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive helps you get going quicker but it won’t help you stop any faster. Four wheel drive does not mean four wheel stop!
Before venturing out, plan long trips carefully. Don’t let your gas fall below a half tank. Let someone know where you’ll be going and when you expect to arrive or return. This preparation, combined with the right equipment and knowledge, will help ensure that your Alaska winter driving experiences remain safe and manageable.
Remember, Alaska’s winter conditions demand respect and preparation. By following these guidelines and knowing when to seek professional help, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever winter weather throws your way. Stay safe, stay prepared, and keep these techniques in mind for your next winter journey through the Last Frontier.