Left stuck in snow

where?what?how?

I was stuck in snow the other day. My wheels were spinning hopelessly so I phoned my breakdown people. They said that as I didn't have a mechanical fault they couldn't come out and help. Obviously I had bought cheap cover and I need to upgrade; however when I look at the different policies it isn't clear if they will help me in similar circumstances.
Does anyone know where I can get accurate info to ensure I'm covered?

rob7475

Maybe you could invest in some winter tyres.

Alternatively, keep a shovel and some old bits of carpet in the boot.

Sorry if it's not much help, but can't see any of the breakdown companies helping to get you out of the snow unless your car is in a dangerous location which could cause you or others problems.

SailorSam

The breakdown services must have been so busy the last few days that they've had to prioritise and at the back of their minds must be that they could get stuck themselves. Sounds like in normal circumstances they may have come out.

neilmcl

AFAIK breakdown cover is exactly that, to cover you when you have a breakdown or can't start the car. It's not for when you're unable to drive in the prevailing conditions.

Lum

I don't think any breakdown company is going to offer this level of cover. Can you imagine the size of the fleet they'd need just for a handful of days a year.

If you have the storage space then get some winter tyres and a set of cheap wheels and run on them from December - February. They are not just for snow, they offer improved traction in cold weather (below 7 degrees).

Alternatively, go out and practice in the snow. You shouldn't be spinning your wheels as that just polishes the snow and makes it slippier. Start the car in 2nd gear and ease it out gently, you may have to rock it back and forth to compress the snow a bit.

Final alternative, don't drive on the bad snow days. I know this sounds harsh but if your vehicle isn't capable of handling these conditions and the trip isn't life threatening essential it's probably best to just stay indoors with a nice cuppa

Edit: vvvv Forgot all about autosocks. Thank you Fivetide.

fivetide

For the boot:
AutoSocks (assuming you don't fit winter tyres)
Folding Shovel
Bag of Grit

For the cabin:
A bit of experience in driving in snowy conditions. Go out and practise in a car park. Remember to set off in second, not the rev the car to death in first.

SailorSam

Another tip if you're stuck is let some air out of the tyres.
(But don't forget to pump them up again asap)

dacouch

Put blankets under the wheels or The One Show were recommending cat litter as being good for giving grip in these circumstances.

where?what?how?

dacouch wrote: »

Put blankets under the wheels or The One Show were recommending cat litter as being good for giving grip in these circumstances.

We had plenty of blankets and sticks under the tyres but below the snow, on the verge, was soft soil. I doubt whether winter tyres would have helped.

vikingaero

where?what?how? wrote: »

We had plenty of blankets and sticks under the tyres but below the snow, on the verge, was soft soil. I doubt whether winter tyres would have helped.

Winter tyres use the sipes, grooves and tread to contain snow/ice. The compacted snow and ice is used to create traction.

forgotmyname

Snow only sticks to snow. Sticks under the tyres??

Cheap cat litter, Rocksalt, Sand, Dirt, Ash fro the fire. Anythiing like that not sticks.

Winter tyres were designed to work in these conditions. Snow socks are a cheap alternative but wear out fairly quickly from what i read.

Chains, But these are not really for road use over here. Get you off the lane to the road. But take time to fit and remove.

Find somewhere with lots of space and learn to drive in the snow. Nothing better than practice.