What to do if your car becomes stuck in a blizzard

Top tips on what to do if your vehicle becomes trapped in deep snow.

Make sure you’re prepared for all weather scenarios this winter.

With this year’s cool summer and unusually warm October, it’s safe to say that Britain’s weather is anything but predictable. Ice, fog, sun, snow, sleet – this winter could bring all sorts of weather conditions which is why it’s a good idea to get prepared for all eventualities.

Blizzards are one of the most dangerous scenarios a driver can get caught in this winter. If you get caught in a blizzard or deep snow, there are some precautions you can take to ensure you and your car gets recovered safely.

Although your first instinct will probably be to rev or “gun” the engine when you get caught in deep snow, you should really avoid doing this. Revving the engine will only cause your vehicle to sink further into the snow, effectively hampering your recovery chances. Instead of rapidly revving the engine, put your car into as high a gear as possible and slowly manoeuvre the car backwards and forwards to ease the vehicle out.

When you get stuck fast in snow and help is not visible within 100 yards the best thing to do is stay put in your vehicle and wait for help to arrive. You can keep warm by running the heater but try to limit it to once every 10 minutes.

When you’re trapped in a vehicle it’s a good idea to keep yourself moving to maintain body circulation. Try doing a few simple exercises but avoid shovelling snow and pushing the vehicle because this can lead to over-exhaustion and can put extra stress on the heart.

Lastly if you get stuck in a blizzard be careful to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your exhaust is clear of snow and open a downwind window for extra ventilation.