What To Do if You Get Stranded in Your Vehicle During a Snow Storm?

Driving in a blizzard can be a scary experience, and many Lehi drivers find themselves unprepared when big storms hit. If you’re not sure who to call when stuck in snow or how to handle snowfall driving safety, Ken Garff Chevrolet is here to help. Find out how to handle driving in a blizzard and how to prep your car ahead of time, so you can navigate Pleasant Grove with confidence all season long.

What To Do If You’re Stuck In Snow?

If you’re stuck in the snow, don’t panic. Driving in a blizzard is tough for even the most experienced drivers, and sometimes bad weather comes without much warning at all. The most important thing to remember is to stay calm and think strategically. If you’ve done your research ahead of time, you might even have lists of who to call when stuck in snow and supplies ready to go. Here are some pointers for how to handle a bad blizzard:

1. If you’re stuck in the snow, stay put. Unless you see a building or help nearby, it’s better to stay in your car where it’s safer and warmer. Instead, turn on your dome light at night or tie a bright-colored cloth to your antennae to signal for help.
2. Call for help on your cell phone. If you’re not sure who to call when stuck in the snow, consider getting roadside assistance for general help or call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
3. Clear out the exhaust pipe periodically. A clogged exhaust can keep dangerous fumes pent up, and it can increase your likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Conserve your gas, but run your engine for 10 minutes each hour during the night. This helps to ensure that your battery and your fuel lines don’t freeze.
5. Tap into your winter emergency car kit to get extra insulation, food, water, and other supplies needed for snowfall driving.

Driving in a Snow Storm Safely

Driving in a snow storm is a tough task, but there are some things you can do to help navigate the roads more safely – or maybe even avoid snowfall driving altogether!

Before You Drive

• Evaluate the weather before you get behind the wheel. Winter advisories can pop up overnight, so take a look at your phone before that morning commute to ensure that you know what awaits.
• Keep a winter car kit with supplies for the cold weather. This can include things like sand or kitty litter for emergency traction, blankets, non-perishable food, and other essentials.
• Don’t neglect your vehicle maintenance. Checking brakes and tires is crucial as the roads get slicker.

Snowfall Driving Tips

• If you get caught in a storm, the most important tip is to slow down. The roads might be slicker than they look, so drive with an abundance of caution.
• Know your car’s equipment. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal in case of skidding. Pumping the brakes will cause you to lose traction.
• If the blizzard is so dense that you can’t see, just pull off to the side of the road. Turn off your lights and flip on your parking brake, so any cars following you will know that you’ve come to a stop.

Stay Prepared with Ken Garff Chevrolet

Preparation is one of the most important parts of driving around Eagle Mountain or elsewhere in a snowstorm, and Ken Garff Chevrolet is happy to help you winterize your vehicle for the cold weather ahead! Contact us with any questions about driving in inclement weather, and we’ll help you assemble your winter car kit and complete all the maintenance you need. Schedule your appointment to get your American Fork daily driver ready for the snow today!