Winter Towing: 3 Things You Need To Know

Posted on: 31 March 2022

It's no secret that winter is the worst season for many drivers. Snow and ice often lead to hazardous conditions, and even experienced drivers in competent vehicles can find themselves in trouble. Unfortunately, knowing how to stay out of trouble doesn't mean that you can always avoid these situations, and you may occasionally need to call on the help of a local towing company.

If you find yourself in a challenging situation over the winter and you need to contact a tow truck, there are a few things that can help keep both you and your driver safe through the experience. These three tips will help you get through your winter tow as comfortably and safely as possible.

1. Getting Stuck is Better Than Getting Hit

Most people naturally want to avoid needing to call a tow truck. After all, why spend the money when you can get yourself home safely? Unfortunately, winter conditions can often blur the line between saving cash and taking actions that may be unwise or even unsafe. You usually want to steer clear of heavy snow and other areas where you might get stuck, but what about when conditions degrade?

White-out conditions are among the worst-case scenarios during the winter. These conditions can occur during heavy snow or even brief snow squalls. If you can't see ahead of you, it's always best to pull as far off of the road as you can and wait. You may find yourself on snowy and muddy ground and may even need a tow to get free, but this option is better than risking an accident when visibility drops to zero.

2. Safety Equipment is Critical

If you drive in an area that sees harsh winter conditions, you should always have some essential safety gear in your car. At a minimum, you should keep a blanket, warm clothes, and warning cones or triangles to place near your car. You need to ensure you remain visible when stuck on the side of the road, and warning triangles can help when snowy conditions make visibility challenging.

Since it may take a tow truck longer to arrive in a snowstorm, warm items are essential, especially for cases where your car breaks down and you have no heat. Likewise, you should never run your car if you cannot clear snow from your tailpipe. In these situations, it's crucial to keep your car off and rely on your safety gear to stay warm while you wait for a tow.

3. You Shouldn't Try to Force Yourself Free

If you're stuck on a snowy road, you should never rev your engine or try to force your car free. These actions can worsen the situation by turning the snow under your wheels into ice. You may also overheat or damage your engine, turning a frustrating situation into an extremely costly problem. Calling for towing cars is always a safer, easier, and potentially less costly choice.

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