What can you do to protect it and get yourself unstuck?

Spin them wheels, baby! How frustrating is it when you get stuck in the snow such as when you’re trying to get out of your McHenry driveway. You’re counting on your car, truck or SUV to get you where you’re going. Instead, you can press the accelerator all day long and you’re not going to move.

This is one of the reasons that a McHenry winter is tough on car, truck and SUV transmissions. You’re spinning the wheels and suddenly the tires grab a little – not enough to get you free, but just enough to jolt the gears in your transmission. 

Even when you’re out on the road driving, you can hit a patch of ice and the effect on the transmission of your car, truck or SUV is a little like yanking a rug out from under someone. Or the other way around – you’re driving on an icy road when you hit a dry patch. The change in traction is sudden. 

If you are stuck, one of the ways to get free, hopefully with some big, strong helpers pushing, is to rock the car, truck or SUV – shift from forward to reverse again and again. This may help you to rock yourself free but, once again, it’s tough on the transmission.

You may want to consider keeping some tools handy to help avoid the strain that your transmission endures when you’re trying to get your car, truck or SUV unstuck. 

• A shovel to dig your way out of the snow or to dig enough of a runway to gain the momentum you need.
• Gloves to keep your hands warm and dry while you’re shoveling, pushing or otherwise working outside to free your vehicle.
• Portable traction mats that you can place under the car and against the tires so they have something to bite into when you go to move (carpet and other mats may work in a pinch).
• Traction straps to mount on the tires so they can dig their way out.
• A tow strap so you can hook onto someone else who can pull your car, truck or SUV free.

While considering how you’ll get unstuck when your car, truck or SUV gets stuck in the snow, you should also consider what you’ll do to protect your transmission.

The transmission in your vehicle is a significant investment. It’s a major component that keeps your car, truck or SUV moving. If it fails, if some part breaks in there, you’ve got a significant problem and, most likely, a significant expense.

Having your trusted McHenry area auto repair shop perform scheduled maintenance on your car, truck or SUV’s transmission is money well spent. Just ask someone who has had to replace a transmission.