Even in Central California, Winter Driving sneaks up on people. Maybe you’re heading to Bass Lake, Shaver, Yosemite, the coast range, or you’ve got family out of town. One minute you’re on dry pavement, and the next you’re spinning tires in slush at a chain control area, a shady spot on the road, or a snowy driveway.
Getting stuck doesn’t always mean you did something “wrong.” Ice and snow change how traction works, and many vehicles feel confident right up until they don’t. This guide is a fun, practical playbook you can keep in your back pocket. It covers what to do first, how to use a shovel, how a sandbag can help, and the small moves that protect your vehicle from damage while you try to get rolling again.
First: Don’t Panic, Don’t Floor It
The fastest way to go from “stuck” to “really stuck” is to mash the gas. Spinning tires can dig down to ice, polish the surface, and create a slick rut that’s even harder to climb out of.
Try this instead:
- Take a breath and look around your vehicle
- Check how deep the snow is near each tire
- Notice if one side is on ice while the other is on slush
- Turn off traction control only if you know your vehicle needs wheelspin to move (more on that below)
If the tires are spinning, you need traction, not horsepower.
Winter Driving Check: What’s Under the Tires?
Before you do anything, figure out what you’re actually stuck on:
- Powdery snow: often easier to move if you can pack it and create a path
- Wet slush: heavy and sticky, can pack into the tread and act like a brake
- Glare ice: the “glass-looking” stuff that feels like a skating rink
- Snow over ice: the sneaky one, because it looks grippy until you try to move
Your plan changes depending on the surface. Ice calls for friction tricks. Slush calls for clearing and packing.
Winter Driving Traction Tricks That Work
Traction is friction, and friction is your friend. If your tires can’t bite, give them something to bite into.
Use sand, kitty litter, or traction mats
If you have sand or kitty litter, sprinkle it in front of the drive tires (and behind them if you plan to reverse). You’re creating a gritty surface your tires can grab.
No sand? Look for:
- Floor mats (rubber ones work best)
- Cardboard (works in a pinch, but it gets soggy fast)
- Small branches or pine needles (better than spinning on ice)
- Purpose-made traction boards (great if you travel to snow often)
If you use floor mats, place them as flat as possible and keep hands clear of the tire path. A spinning tire can launch a mat.
Clear the tire tread
Snow packs into the grooves and turns your tire into a smooth donut. Use your glove, a stick, or the edge of a scraper to knock packed snow out of the tread. This small step can change everything.
Drop tire pressure slightly (only if you know the limits)
Lower tire pressure can increase the contact patch and help traction. Keep it modest. Many drivers drop 2–5 PSI. Don’t go so low that the tire can unseat from the wheel, and remember you’ll need to air back up when you’re done.
If you’re not comfortable with this step, skip it and use sand + shoveling.
Grab Your Shovel: Clearing the Right Spots
A shovel is one of the best winter tools you can carry. The trick is shoveling the right areas, not just digging randomly until you’re tired.
Shovel these spots first:
- In front of the drive tires (where you want to go)
- Behind the drive tires (in case reverse works better)
- Under the front bumper if it’s packed with snow (a “snow plow” bumper stops you cold)
- Under the center of the vehicle if it’s high-centered on snow or ice
If the vehicle is sitting on packed snow under the frame, the tires can spin all day with zero movement. Clear under the vehicle and around the tires so the tire can actually push the car forward.
Make a path, not a hole
Instead of digging straight down, build a gentle ramp. Tires climb ramps. They struggle with vertical walls.
Rocking the Vehicle: The Gentle Back-and-Forth Move
If you’ve got a little movement, you can “rock” the vehicle to build momentum.
How to do it:
- Straighten the steering wheel (turned tires add drag)
- Shift to Drive and apply light throttle to move an inch or two
- Shift to Reverse and do the same
- Repeat, slowly increasing the distance as the ruts form a track
Keep it smooth. Hard shifting with heavy throttle can stress driveline parts.
If your vehicle has a CVT (common in many newer cars), rocking it aggressively is a bad idea. CVTs prefer gentle inputs.
Traction Control: On or Off?
This one surprises people. Traction control can help or hurt depending on conditions.
- If traction control is cutting power so hard that you can’t move at all, turning it off can help you get a little wheelspin to climb out.
- If your tires are spinning wildly, traction control on may help you regain grip.
Many vehicles have a button that turns it off “part way” with one press and fully off with a long press. If you’re unsure, try one approach for 10–15 seconds. If it gets worse, switch back.
Add Weight the Smart Way: The Sandbag Trick
A sandbag is old-school and still useful. The idea is simple: more weight over the drive wheels can improve traction.
Front-wheel drive vehicle?
- Weight is already over the front, so extra weight in the trunk often won’t help much for traction
- Focus on clearing the tires and using sand or mats
Rear-wheel drive vehicle?
- This is where sandbags shine
- Place one or two sandbags over or slightly forward of the rear axle area (not all the way at the back bumper)
All-wheel drive vehicle?
- Weight can help a little, but traction tricks and shoveling usually matter more
Keep the sandbags secured so they don’t slide. And don’t overload the vehicle. You’re looking for helpful weight, not a sagging rear end.
What Not to Do When You’re Stuck
Some moves feel “strong,” but they can create damage and a bigger bill later.
Don’t spin the tires until smoke
Spinning overheats tires and can damage tread. On ice, it also creates a polished surface that’s even slicker.
Don’t use a tow strap on a random hook
Many bumpers have plastic covers over tie-down points, and not every point is rated for pulling. Improper towing can tear bumper covers, damage brackets, or bend parts.
If you need a pull, use a proper recovery point and a rated strap. If you’re not sure, it’s better to call for help.
Don’t let snow pack into the wheels
Packed snow can throw off balance and create shaking once you’re driving. Clear snow from inside the wheel area when you can.
Winter Driving Prep Kit You’ll Be Glad You Packed
If you travel to snow areas even once or twice a year, a small kit can turn stress into a story you laugh about later.
Keep in your vehicle:
- Small folding shovel
- Bag of sand or kitty litter
- A pair of gloves (waterproof is best)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Small towel
- Tire pressure gauge
- Basic traction boards if you travel often
- A blanket and water (because kids always get hungry at the worst time)
This isn’t about fear. It’s about being the person who’s ready when everyone else is guessing.
When Getting Unstuck Turns Into Auto Repair
Most stuck situations end with a little shoveling and traction help. But sometimes a stuck event uncovers a problem that was already brewing.
After you get free, pay attention to:
- New warning lights
- A burning smell that wasn’t there before
- Steering that suddenly pulls
- A rhythmic clicking while turning (possible axle/CV joint issue)
- Vibration that starts once you’re back on the road (packed snow in wheels or a bent wheel)
If something feels off after your snowy adventure, it’s smart to have it checked. That’s where a trusted Madera Auto Repair shop helps.
Winter Driving Help From DADS Auto Repair in Madera
If winter travel is part of your routine, let’s get your vehicle ready before the trip. Tires, brakes, fluids, battery health, and a quick inspection can prevent problems that show up at the worst time.
If you got stuck and now your vehicle feels different, we can check it out and help you sort out what changed. At DADS Auto Repair, we focus on accurate diagnosis and repairs that last.
