i just saw an infomercial for a product called 'towtruck in a box'. it seems like a real good idea but I dont want to pay $30.00 for a sheet of metal. Does anyone know the best thing or at least a good thing to keep in your trunk that u can slide under your tires to get traction when you tire or tires are stuck in snow. I know I've used my car mats before but that was just b/c they were handy ??
2006-12-16 08:50:10 · 9 answers · asked by buckbucknumber2000 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
I always keep a large bag of scented cat litter in my trunk through the winter. It has come in handy more than once to give my tires that little bit of extra boost in packed snow, or on ice (ESPECIALLY on ice). As the cat litter is made of clay, it is also biodegradable. And I use scented simply because it makes the trunk smell nice, and costs the same as regular.
2006-12-16 09:00:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Car mats work, throwing a couple of old doormats in the trunk for winter would work well to.
If you don't have anything handy to shove under your tires, the best way to get out of snow or mud or anyplace you are stuck due to lack of traction, is to try to accellerate without spinning the tires much while turning the steering wheel back and forth. This gives your tires the best chance to find a little bit of additional grip. Applying the brakes while accellerating will help reduce your wheelspin.
Note, most cars do NOT have limited slip differentials. Those that do are usually purchased as an option when you buy your car, and typically are only options on sports cars and pick up trucks.
If your car has traction control, find the switch to turn it off, and disable it. It's much easier to get a car moving with just *a little* wheel spin. Too much wheel spin is just going to dig you a big hole, and ice up the snow under you tires.
And if you live in an area that gets a fair amount of snow or ice, seriously consider getting snow tires and wheels for the winter. They are a pain, but in reality the only cost is buying an extra set of wheels, which you can usually get for less than $100 if you are just looking for steel wheels for winter. While you pay for the tires up front, it's just like buying tires when your current ones wear out. Except now your current tires will last more time, because you aren't putting miles on them in the winter. Snow/ice tires are soooo much better than all season tires in snow and ice. I have been trying for years to convince my parents and siblings of this. Finally, I just went and bought a set of snow tires and wheels for my parents (after my dad spun the car out on his all season tires for the second time that year). They loved them, and now 4 of my 5 siblings have snow tires on their cars in the winter.
2006-12-16 17:57:18 · answer #2 · answered by Steve B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is even better and won't cost you a dime. Lightly apply your brakes and accelerate. What happens is ...
Most cars are equipped with a limited slip differential. What this means is the power travels to the path of least resistance. That is why one someone gets stuck only one wheel keeps spinning.
By applying your brakes you are evening the power distribution to both wheels or all four if it is four wheel drive.
Would also try the BumperBib . www.bumperbib.com It covers your bumper, but can also be removed for times such as this.
2006-12-16 16:55:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best best best way to get traction in snow ( for exsample when trucking in deep snow ) is letting air out of your tires , down to like 2-4psi ... go ahead and try it some day and say bye to the friends that are with you :)
If you like to offroad in snow then this is the answer.
You will be AMAZED !!
That's how we do it here in Iceland :)
2006-12-16 16:57:38 · answer #4 · answered by Karl - Iceland 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use the non scoopable cat litter. The scoopable is too slippery. As Steve said, Shut off the traction control. I know from experience.
2014-10-28 10:28:29 · answer #5 · answered by SueU 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cat litter is one of the best things out there if you get a couple sealabe containers you can keep it in the bed of your truck for extra weight till you need it
2006-12-20 11:48:18 · answer #6 · answered by shorty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you know someone that burns wood for heat, wood ash is awesome! I use it on my driveway all winter and it is especially good in ICE! :)
2006-12-16 17:47:49 · answer #7 · answered by alk99 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'd say sand or kitty litter will get the job done.
2006-12-16 16:58:42 · answer #8 · answered by 420 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cat litter. I live in FL now thanks for making me happy I left the north.
2006-12-16 16:59:28 · answer #9 · answered by shermynewstart 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋