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How do you get your car out of the snow without a shovel?

I got stuck in some snow on the side of the road last week and I didn’t have a shovel. Luckily, my friend was able to come by and help me out, but I don’t want something like that to happen again. What should I do to get my car out of the snow without a shovel?

avatar
Joshua Levy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Getting stuck in the snow happens from time to time in cold climates. Luckily, you have plenty of ways you can get your car out of the snow without a shovel. Options include using snow chains or putting down kitty litter.
Here are our top methods for getting your car out of the snow without a shovel:
  • Put snow chains on the tires while you’re stuck. It’s a time-consuming process, but the chains could give you the traction you need to get unstuck.
  • Let some air out of your tires to increase the surface area of your tires in contact with the ground. Remember, driving on deflated tires is bad for your car. Only try this method if you’re near a tire-refill station.
  • Place kitty litter under your tires to increase your tire traction. The same result can be achieved with sand or wood planks. If you live in a snow-heavy area, keep a bag of kitty litter or sand in the back of your car for such occasions.
Getting stuck in the snow is a typical problem, but it’s also dangerous. If possible, keep
emergency supplies
like water and food in your car in case you get stranded. You should also get a roadside assistance membership with
Jerry
to make sure you’re always covered.
The Jerry app’s leading roadside assistance connects you with their nationwide network of over 55,000 service providers. Memberships include services like towing, jumpstarts, key replacements, and lockouts—and could cost as little as $4.16 a month!
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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