From coast to coast, getting stuck in snow is a rite of passage for Canadian drivers. The good news? You’re not alone. When you find yourself stuck, you’ll find that Canadians don’t just share the road: they share solutions too. No matter how deep the snow, learn how to control it and gain traction on icy roads with confidence.
What to do if your car is stuck in snow

Clearing snow
One of winter’s greatest morning delays is finding your car coated in ice or buried in snow. Luckily, your driveway is the safest place to tackle the problem. Keeping a range of tools on hand is the best way to get you back on schedule.
Staying one step ahead of the snow before it has the chance to freeze turns a grueling scraping session into a quick brush-off. Fresh snow is easier to clear. Once it freezes, it bonds to the surface obstructing critical areas like windows and mirrors, and potentially damaging your winter wipers, seals, or your paintwork.
Keeping a snow brush on hand can help you tackle simple snow situations, but if you find that your tires are stuck, it’s time to dig deeper. A snow brush with an ice scraper attachment can help remove the ice around your tires. Keeping a foldable shovel in your trunk will help clear the snow away from your tires both at home and on-the-go.
Assessing your tires
Although winter tires help with winter driving, they can still get stuck. Try releasing a small amount of air from each tire and moving your car again. Then, once you’re out of the snow, use an electric air pump to correct your air pressure and continue your journey.
If you find yourself stuck in the snow often, assess the condition of your tires and consider a replacement. If your tires are in good condition, check your air pressure before you head out next time. A slight decrease in tire pressure will allow the surface of your tires to have more contact with the road’s surface.
What about tire chains?
For severe snow or ice, tire chains can be a game-changer offering the traction boost needed to avoid getting stuck. It’s important to check the regulations in your area, as tire chain laws vary by province. For example, in British Columbia, tire chains are required on certain highways while driving during winter, while in provinces like Ontario and Prince Edward Island, they’re prohibited except for emergency vehicle use.
Tire chains are typically permitted or mandated in areas where the benefits of improved traction on steep icy roads outweigh the potential downsides of road damage or vehicle wear and tear.
Adding traction
If you find yourself in need of a quick grip to get your vehicle moving, traction pads are the way to go. Remove the surrounding snow with a foldable shovel then place the traction pads below your tires as much as possible.
If you can’t continue forward and the only way to get unstuck is by moving backwards, place your traction pads accordingly. Slowly drive over the traction pads until your vehicle is free.
Melting ice
If your car still isn’t moving, using spreading salt or a synthetic ice melter around each of your tires can tackle the issue below your tires head on. Wait a few minutes after application and try moving your car again.
Rocking your car
If your car is still stuck in snow and your tires are spinning, rocking your vehicle back and forth can help. Start by turning on your car, putting it in drive, and gently pressing on the gas pedal. Next, put the car in reverse and gently push the gas pedal again. Repeat this a few times to free your vehicle. This solution should be done with caution as this method can damage the transmission on your vehicle.
Calling for help
If all else fails, don’t be afraid to call for roadside assistance! First, alert other motorists by turning on your hazard lights. If you have a brightly coloured item, tie it to the antenna or door handle for added visibility.
Since the priority is staying out of harm’s way, remain on the side of the road inside your vehicle to keep yourself safe. If you’ve found yourself stuck in a live lane of traffic and can’t pull off the road, turn on your hazard lights and call 911 immediately.
In an emergency situation where you have to exit the vehicle, never stand behind or directly in front of your vehicle as you risk not being seen by other drivers.
Whenever you need help, you can reach CAA via the CAA App™, request roadside assistance online, or dial *222 on your smartphone.