How to Prepare Your Car for Towing During a Snowstorm: Essential Tips

Published on Feb 17, 2025

How to Prepare Your Car for Towing During a Snowstorm

Understanding Winter Towing

Winter driving can be hazardous, especially when snowstorms hit. In such conditions, towing becomes even more challenging. It's essential to understand that the snowy and icy conditions require specific preparation to ensure the safety of your vehicle and the towing crew.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the necessary steps to prepare your car for towing during a snowstorm and why winter towing requires a bit more care than your typical roadside assistance situation.

Why Snowstorms Require Special Preparation

Snowstorms introduce unique challenges when towing a vehicle. Aside from the freezing temperatures and slippery roads, snow and ice can get into critical vehicle components like the brake system, tires, and exhaust system, which makes towing trickier.

Moreover, snowbanks, deep drifts, and other snow-related obstacles can block the vehicle, making it more difficult for a tow truck to reach it. This is why proper preparation for towing during a snowstorm is essential.

Tips for Preparing Your Car for Towing During a Snowstorm

1. Clear the Area Around the Vehicle

The first step in preparing for towing is to clear the area around your car. Snow can pile up quickly, especially during heavy snowstorms. Make sure the area where the tow truck will be operating is free of snow and debris. Use a shovel or snow blower to create a clear path for the tow truck to reach your vehicle safely.

United Towing Service Inc.
united towing
United Towing Service Inc.

26170 Adams Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562, USA

2. Inspect the Vehicle for Snow and Ice Build-up

Before towing, check your vehicle for any snow or ice accumulation, particularly around the wheels, exhaust pipe, and undercarriage. Snow or ice blocking the exhaust pipe can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup if the engine is started during towing.

Additionally, check the tires for any frozen snow that could make the vehicle harder to tow or cause the tow truck to slip.

Pick Your Part - Help Yourself
pick your part help yourself
Pick Your Part - Help Yourself

1232 Blinn Ave, Wilmington, CA 90744, USA

3. Ensure Your Vehicle Is in Neutral

If your car is not running or is stuck in snow, make sure it is in neutral before the tow truck arrives. This will allow the tow truck to pull your vehicle safely without damaging the transmission.

If the vehicle is unable to go into neutral due to ice or snow, try to gently rock the car back and forth to free up the shift lever. If that doesn’t work, inform the towing company so they can arrive prepared with the proper equipment to handle the situation.

4. Remove Any Loose Items from the Car

It’s always a good idea to remove any personal items from the car before towing, but this is especially important during a snowstorm. Loose items can get tossed around inside the vehicle, causing potential damage or becoming safety hazards during transport.

Choosing the Right Towing Service During a Snowstorm

Not all towing companies are equipped to handle snowstorm conditions, so choosing the right towing service is crucial. Look for a towing service that specializes in winter towing and has experience dealing with snowy and icy conditions.

Key Features to Look for in a Towing Company:

  • 24/7 Availability: Snowstorms can strike at any time, so a towing service that is available around the clock is essential.
  • Specialized Equipment: Ensure the towing company has the necessary equipment to handle snow and ice, such as chains, winches, and heavy-duty tow trucks.
  • Experienced Drivers: Towing in snowy conditions requires a skilled driver who can safely maneuver the vehicle in tricky conditions.

At Chuckles, we are equipped to handle towing during the harshest winter conditions, ensuring that your vehicle is moved safely and efficiently, no matter the weather.

Real-Life Snowstorm Towing Cases

In one instance, a customer’s car got stuck in a snowbank during a blizzard. The road was completely covered in snow, making it difficult for the regular tow truck to reach the vehicle. Chuckles’ team was prepared with special equipment, including snow chains and a winch, which allowed them to safely reach and tow the vehicle without further damage.

Another case involved a stranded vehicle with snow blocking the exhaust. Our team was able to clear the area and ensure that the car could be towed without risking any mechanical damage.

These examples highlight why preparation and choosing the right towing company are so important during a snowstorm.

Why Trust Chuckles for Winter Towing

At Chuckles, we specialize in winter towing, offering services that are tailored to snowstorm conditions. Our team of experts is trained in safely handling vehicles during the toughest winter storms, and we come prepared with the proper equipment to get your car to safety.

If you find yourself stranded during a snowstorm, don't hesitate to contact us for fast, reliable, and safe towing services. We are here to help, no matter how bad the weather gets!

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