How to Get Out of Ice & Snow on a Driveway

If you live in any of the snowy areas of the United States, be prepared to get your car out of an icy, snow-packed driveway during the winter. Unless you have a heated driveway or cozy garage, make sure you have the right equipment before winter sets so you can do it yourself and avoid an expensive tow truck bill.

Lock deicer
Soft-bristled broom
Plastic ice scraper
Snow shovel
Sand or bird seed

Instructions

- 1
  Start your car and turn on the front and rear defrosters. Use lock deicer if your locks are frozen.
- 2
  Clear the loose snow off the car using a soft-bristled brush and remove ice from the glass and mirrors using a plastic ice scraper. Remove snow from the trunk, hood and roof of the car, making sure your front and rear lights, mirrors and license plate are not obscured by any snow or ice.
- 3
  Shovel loose snow from around each of the four tires. If the snow is very deep, shovel to the end of the driveway to create an exit path for your car.
- 4
  Put your car into four-wheel drive, if available, or into the lowest gear possible. Try to move your car out of the driveway. If it does not move, try putting the car into reverse and see if you can back it up, or try to go forward again, slightly turning the steering wheel.
- 5
  Scatter sand or bird seed around the tires to create traction or place down some pieces of old carpet. Find someone who is willing to give you a push while you step on the accelerator.
- 6
  Call a tow truck when all else fails, or wait for the full sun to come out and begin to melt the snow and ice before you try to move your car again.

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