Author: Active Insurance

With winter’s grasp firmly upon us, the issue of getting stuck becomes more prominent in our daily lives. Whether you are just slipping a little or the wheels are buried to the axles, these 10 tips on how to get your car unstuck are not only helpful, but can prove to be a lifesaver. All of these tips have been compiled through years of getting stuck ourselves.

1. Don’t stop! If you are sliding off the road, headed towards a drift, slush pile, etc. and do not stop. Your vehicle’s momentum can carry you out of the mush. The same goes for when you are stuck and get some movement. Don’t stop until you are absolutely stuck. Even a little bit of constant movement is better than just spinning wheels.
2. Don’t spin the wheels. When you are stuck and your tires are just spinning, stop. Unless you are on solid ground (concrete or asphalt), stomping the pedal and spinning the wheels is just going to make it worse.
3. Apply proper power. Use your throttle sparingly and in the right way. If too much power is overpowering the tires and snow, use part throttle. You’d be surprised how less power might just get you out.
4. Shift to low. Make sure your automatic transmission is shifted into the lowest gear. For manual transmissions, you actually want to shift into a higher gear, such as 3rd or 4th, and use the clutch to control the spin. There will be less shock on the tires and you will have more control to keep the tires from spinning.
5. Turn off the traction control. This one might seem counter-intuitive, but when you are stuck and need power to the wheels, any slipping will cut the power right when you need it. Push the traction control button to turn it off. Some vehicles require you to push and hold the button for several seconds. With this off, you will be able to spin the tires all day. Watch out for using too much power though. (see #2)
6. Rock it, baby. The classic “unstuck” move is called rocking. This is a maneuver where you use the engine to roll the vehicle forward, put it in reverse, roll it backward, and then shift to drive and roll forward. Doing this several times builds momentum for the vehicle, often getting it out of the rut it is stuck in. Once you are over the hump and rolling in one direction, power out of the mess until you are on solid ground.
7. Use traction devices. It is too late to add chains or cables to your tires, but you can use other items to enhance the grip of your tires. Rocks (quarter size and smaller), sand, even small branches and sticks can give you the grip you need to get out. It is a good idea to carry a bucket or bag of sand, pebbles, kitty litter, etc. when you live in snow-prone areas. Kitty litter, in particular, is one of the greatest all-time fixes so keep a small bag in the trunk during the winter.
8. Go straight ahead. Make sure your tires are pointed straight. There is considerably more stress on the tires when they are turned. This means it is harder for the vehicle to move, and therefore easier for the tire to spin rather than get traction and push or pull the vehicle out of the mess.
9. Let some air out. When you just can’t get the grip, try letting some air out of the tires. This makes a wider contact patch and can give you the necessary grip to get out. Just don’t forget to inflate the tires to the proper specification as soon as possible. Until you get the tires inflated, keep the speed down so you don’t ruin your tires.
10. Life’s a snow garden, can ya dig it? Sometimes, you just have to get down and dig. Carrying a camp shovel will make this easier, but a stick, wood board, or even a plastic cup can get the snow and mud out of the way. The idea here is to dig a long ramp from the tire to the flat ground instead of a deep sudden rut that you likely find yourself in. Additionally, there may be a large mass of snow under the chassis, making it difficult to move. You need to try to remove as much of this as possible.

If you can’t get your car unstuck with these tips, call a tow truck for assistance. Make sure your tailpipe is clear of snow so that the exhaust fumes don’t back up into the cab of the vehicle. This is now the time to break out your winter emergency car kit, sit tight and wait for the cavalry. Stay safe!

Active Insurance is a Chicago car insurance agency that provides auto insurance options to fit the needs of Illinois drivers. We also provide roadside assistance for $39 per year, and it includes 24 hour emergency towing, tire service, battery service and lost key/lockout service. Contact us for more information.

*This article was originally published by Jefferson Bryant on Napa Know How Blog.

*Image Source: Napa Know How Blog

After years of decline in fatal car crashes, new data shows a rise in car accidents and auto-related deaths for the first half of 2015. What’s the cause?

Most experts agree the common causes for fatal auto accidents are speeding, intoxication and not wearing a seat belt. However this combination of factors can’t be the only reason for the rise. As stricter laws enforce the use of seat belts, drunk driving consequences and safer cars, fatal crashes were falling in numbers over the last several years up until this year.

According to the nonprofit National Safety Council (NSC), a combination of factors contributed to the upsurge of auto accidents for the first half of 2015: gas prices were lower than previous years, the unemployment rate decreased and unpleasant weather conditions in some parts of the country even played a role. With more drivers on the road there’s naturally a higher chance for mistakes and bad decisions to be made, which increases the occurrence of accidents. But one major contributor that continues to be analyzed is cellphones.

Though most states ban texting while driving and require hands-free devices when behind the wheel, distracted driving (specifically with talking, texting and other uses for smartphones like watching videos) continues to be examined as a contributing factor since the NSC estimates 1 in 4 crashes involve a cellphone. Even billionaire businessman Warren Buffett found it difficult to come to any other conclusion based on the data and has said, “If cars are better—and they clearly are—drivers must be worse (adjusted for mileage).”

The record number of car-related deaths for 2015, which is estimated to go above 40,000 for the first time since 2007, has resulted in higher premiums for drivers. Some of the largest auto insurers have raised their premiums to counter the expenses related to new accident claims. If the auto accident and auto-related death rates continue to increase, more car insurers may have to increase their premiums to offset the frequency and severity of insurance claims.

At Active Insurance, we can help you find cheap car insurance in Chicago so you will be covered in case of an accident. As an independent family-owned agency, we find cheap auto insurance rates that meet the needs of our customers. Contact us today to get a free quote, and remember when you’re behind the wheel, always practice safe driving to protect you and your fellow drivers on the road. It could save a life!