How to Avoid Getting Stuck in Snow: Winter Driving Tips

Posted on Jan. 27th, 2026

Winter in Gainesville can look calm, right up until the road turns into a slick mess and your knuckles go white.

Snow is pretty from the window, but on the street it’s a whole different mood. One minute you’re cruising, the next you’re parked in a ditch all because of a patch of ice. If that sounds familiar, you’re in good company.

Good news: you don’t need to be a pro driver to handle winter roads; you just need the right mindset and a plan that matches real life. Your car has limits, the weather has zero patience, and your commute is not the time to see what happens.

Keep on reading to find out what to watch for and how to stay cool when things get sketchy, without turning this into a lecture.

Winter Driving Safety Tips for Snowy Roads

Snowy roads have a way of turning normal errands into a slow-motion stress test. Right now, Winter Storm Fern and the brutal cold behind it have jammed up travel across a huge stretch of the U.S., with deep snow reported from Arkansas to New England and plenty of closures, delays, and cancellations stacked on top.

In places like Connecticut, state police handled more than 1,000 storm-related calls in a single day, including hundreds of motor assists for cars that spun out or got stuck. Texas has also seen major disruption, with winter weather rippling into travel chaos well beyond the region. The takeaway is simple: snow does not care that you are “just going a few miles.”

Good winter driving starts before the tires ever touch the slush. Your goal is to stay predictable, calm, and boring, because boring drivers usually get home.

Sudden steering, quick throttle, and late braking are basically invitations for traction to leave the chat. Give yourself room, scan farther ahead than you normally would, and treat bridges, ramps, and shaded spots like they are guilty until proven dry. If the forecast is ugly, plan extra time and assume other drivers are not at their best.

Here are a couple of winter driving tips for snowy roads:

• Slow down early, not at the last second
• Leave extra space so you have options, not panic
• Use smooth controls; steering and pedals should feel deliberate
• Know when to skip the trip; the safest move is sometimes staying put

Once you are rolling, keep your actions gentle and your expectations realistic. Stopping distance grows fast on snow and ice, even at low speeds, so build a bigger buffer than your instincts want.

If your car has ABS, steady pressure beats frantic pedal work, since the system is built to help you keep steering control. Roads can also change mile to mile, with plowed lanes, drifting snow, or sudden glaze on top of packed powder, so stay alert for texture shifts and shiny patches. When visibility drops or traffic turns chaotic, pick a lane, keep a steady pace, and focus on avoiding sharp corrections.

Storms like the ones hitting the U.S. this week are a reminder that winter driving is less about bravery and more about judgment. Treat every trip as a short risk check, watch the weather alerts, and respect road crews and emergency responders who are already stretched thin.

Simple Ways to Avoid Getting Stuck in Snow This Winter

Getting stuck in snow usually starts with one small problem that turns into a full-blown headache. The culprit is often traction, but the real cause is prep that did not happen or gear that was almost good enough. Snow does not reward “close enough.” It rewards the boring stuff, like solid tires, a strong battery, and gear that actually works when it’s cold.

Start with what touches the road. Tires matter more than fancy features, and “still legal” tread is not the same as “snow-ready.” If you drive in frequent snow or ice, winter tires can make a real difference because their rubber and tread are built for cold surfaces. Keep tire pressure at the door-sticker spec, not a guess and not a number from last July. Cold air drops pressure fast, so a quick check can save you a lot of push-and-pray later.

Here are a few simple ways to reduce your chances of getting stuck in the snow:

• Check tread depth and replace worn tires before the first big dump
• Test the battery and clean terminals so starts are not a coin flip
• Use winter fluids, including washer fluid and proper coolant strength
• Carry traction help, like sand, kitty litter, or approved tire chains
• Keep the tank above half, so fuel flow stays steady in deep cold

Cold weather also messes with what you cannot see. Weak batteries quit without drama, and thick oil can make starts feel sluggish. If it has been a while, ask for the right oil grade for low temps at your next service. Top off coolant with the proper mix and use winter-rated washer fluid, because frozen spray plus road slush equals instant blindness. Wipers in rough shape just smear the problem around, so replace them before they turn into rubber noodles.

Finally, pack like you might need to solve a small problem on the shoulder. An ice scraper, compact shovel, gloves, and a bright flashlight cover the basics. Add jumper cables, a warm blanket, and a few snacks, since delays are common when roads clog up. Keep those items where you can reach them without unloading the trunk, like you are moving out. The goal is simple: stay mobile, stay prepared, and keep snow from turning your car into lawn art.

Snow Recovery Tips to Get You Back On The Road Quickly

Even with the best prep, snow can still pull a fast one. One wrong turn into an unplowed side street, one hidden rut, and suddenly your car is parked in a spot you did not choose. The trick is knowing when a quick self-rescue makes sense and when it’s smarter to call roadside assistance before you turn a minor problem into a bigger one.

Start by reading the situation, not your pride. If the car is lightly stuck and you’re in a safe place, a careful reset can work. If you are near moving traffic, on a slope, or the wheels are buried, that is a different story. Spinning tires can dig you deeper, overheat parts, and polish the snow into ice under the tread. That is also how people end up slipping, straining a back, or stepping into traffic while focused on the bumper. Safety first, always.

Here are a couple of tips that can help you recover from being stuck in the snow:

• Clear snow from the tires and under the car so you are not pushing against a wall
• Use gentle throttle and rock the car slowly, forward then reverse, if traction allows
• Add grip with sand, kitty litter, or a traction mat right in front of the drive wheels

Now, here’s how you know it’s time to call for roadside assistance: 

• Call if your wheels spin but the car does not budge after a couple of careful tries, since that usually means you are down to ice or high-centered on packed snow.
• Call if you smell something hot, see warning lights, or notice the engine revving with no movement, because that can point to stress on the drivetrain.
• Call if you are stuck where visibility is bad, traffic is close, or conditions are still getting worse, since staying in a safe spot matters more than saving a few minutes.
• Also pick up the phone if you do not have proper tools, like a shovel or traction aid, or if the snow is deep enough that digging would take serious effort.

Roadside crews have equipment built for winter recovery, which means safe pull angles, proper straps, and the right approach for AWD, FWD, or RWD vehicles. That reduces the risk of damage to bumpers, suspension, and undercarriage parts.

If you are waiting for help, stay inside the car when it’s safe, keep your seatbelt on, turn on hazard lights, and make sure the exhaust pipe stays clear. A calm call at the right moment beats an hour of tire spin and a new problem you did not start with.

Get Reliable Towing and Vehicle Recovery Services in Florida from Orlando’s Towing

Winter driving is rarely about hero moves. It’s about smart prep, calm decisions, and knowing when the safest choice is to stop fighting the snow.

Keep your car maintained, watch conditions closely, and stay honest about what you can handle. If the road turns ugly or your vehicle is stuck, your priority is safety, not pride.

Stay safe this winter and avoid getting stuck in the snow! If you need reliable towing and vehicle recovery, trust Orlando’s Towing for fast, professional roadside assistance. Contact us today for help when you need it most.

Need help right now? Call Orlando’s Towing at (678) 749-6073 for towing, vehicle recovery, and dependable roadside support across Florida.