What To Do If Your Car Is Stranded In Snow

Winter is an incredible time of the year in Bridgeton, Chesterfield, Oakville and St. Louis, Missouri, particularly when a new coating of snow covers everything. Winter may also be a rather hazardous season. If you are thinking of traveling during the cold winter, it is good to be totally prepared for winter driving and to have winter car supplies in your vehicle. Regrettably, being stranded along the side of the road in heavy winter conditions isn’t unusual. Car Craft Auto Body in St. Louis, Missouri has provided these tips to help you in case you ever find yourself in that situation.

Stuck In Winter Weather?

1.  If you’ve got access to a cell phone, call 911 to get assistance. When you speak with authorities, be prepared to:

  • Describe the place, condition of your companions and the problem you’re encountering.
  • Listen for questions.
  • Follow any instruction. You might be told you should stay where you are to guide rescuers or to go back to the scene.
  • Do not hang up until you know whom you have spoken with and what is going to happen next.

2.  Walking in a storm can be very hazardous. You can easily lose your way, wander out of reach, become fatigued, collapse, and risk your life. Your automobile itself is an excellent shelter.

3.   Switch on the dome light at night, but only when running the engine.

4.   Trying to push your automobile, trying to jack it into another position or shoveling snow takes great effort in storm conditions. You might risk heart attack or other injury.

5.   The storm will end and you’ll be discovered. Don’t work enough to get hot and sweaty. Wet clothing depletes insulation quality making you more prone to the effects of hypothermia.

6.   Keep your blood circulating freely by slackening tight clothing, changing positions regularly, and moving your legs and arms. Huddle close to one another. Rub your hands together or stick them beneath your armpits or between your legs. Remove your shoes from time to time and rub your feet.

7.   Keep fresh air in your vehicle. It is a lot better to be chilly or cold and conscious than to be comfortably warm and slide into unconsciousness. Freezing-wet or wind-driven St. Louis area snow may plug your automobile’s exhaust system causing dangerous carbon monoxide gas to get in your vehicle.

8.   Do not run the engine unless you’re certain the exhaust pipe is clear of snow or other objects. Keep your radiator free of snow to prevent the engine from getting hot. Run the engine at 10 minute intervals for heat.

9.   Do not expect to be comfortable. The goal is to survive until you’re found.

10.   Make yourself visible to rescuers. Tie a bright cloth to your antenna or door handle.

As soon as you get out of danger, your vehicle may have some cosmetic or internal damage. If so, think about taking your automobile to Car Craft Auto Body in St. Louis, Missouri. They have auto body experts ready to take care of any damage that your vehicle might have sustained.