What to Do if Your Car Gets Stuck in the Snow or Ice

If you like the occasional adventure, that could usually mean you traverse challenging road conditions. If that’s the case, you should be prepared for the unexpected.

At Harr Collision Center, serving Worcester, Auburn, and Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, we provide valuable information so you can drive with peace of mind. Read below to learn what to do if your car gets stuck in the snow or ice.

What to Do if Your Car Gets Stuck

Winter in Massachusetts can be unforgiving, especially for drivers navigating snowy or icy roads near Worcester, Auburn, and Shrewsbury. We understand how frustrating it is to get stuck in the snow. The key is knowing how to handle the situation safely and effectively without damaging your vehicle.

  1. When your car gets stuck, stay calm and assess the situation.
  2. Clear snow and ice from around the tires, especially in front of and behind the drive wheels, to create a clear path for movement.
  3. If you have sand, kitty litter, or traction mats, place them under your tires to help the car gain grip. Avoid spinning your wheels aggressively, as this can worsen the problem. Instead, gently accelerate your vehicle forward or backward, alternating if needed.

If these steps don’t work, enlist help from others to push your car while you apply steady pressure to the gas pedal. For vehicles equipped with “snow mode” or low-gear settings, activating these features can improve traction and reduce the likelihood of wheel spin. In extreme cases, calling a tow service may be necessary to prevent further damage to your car.

Tips to Prevent Getting Stuck

Preparation is your best defense against getting stuck in snow or ice. Winter tires are an excellent investment, providing the traction you need to handle icy or snowy roads. They can make all the difference when navigating Auburn’s roads during the colder months. Keeping an emergency kit in your car that includes a small shovel, jumper cables, and traction aids is also smart.

Driving cautiously is equally essential. Avoid sudden stops and accelerations, which can cause your tires to lose grip. Stick to steady speeds, and plan your route carefully to avoid unplowed roads or areas known for icy patches. Keeping extra distance from other vehicles can give you more time to react if conditions worsen.

We Perform Hail Damage Repair

Winter weather often brings more than just snow and ice—hailstorms are another common issue near Worcester and Auburn. Hail can leave dents and dings across your car’s hood, roof, and trunk, affecting its appearance and performance. Our expert team specializes in hail damage repair to restore your vehicle to its original condition.

Using techniques like Paintless Dent Removal (PDR), we can smooth out minor dents without affecting your car’s original paint. For more severe damage, such as cracked windshields or broken mirrors, our technicians have the tools and expertise to replace or repair these components. We thoroughly inspect every vehicle to assess the full extent of the damage and ensure comprehensive repairs.

Contact Us to Learn More


Driving in snow and ice can be challenging, but knowing what to do if your car gets stuck—and how to prevent it—can make all the difference. At Harr Collision Center, serving Worcester, Auburn, and Shrewsbury, MA, we’re here to help you navigate the winter months safely. Contact us to learn more about our online resources and how we can help you drive with peace of mind.

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