Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be a serious situation. Stay with the vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use the Roadside Service (U.S. and Canada) or Roadside Service (Mexico). To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:
- Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
- Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
WARNING
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen
or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
- Clear away snow from around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking the exhaust pipe.
- Check again from time to time to be sure snow does not collect there.
- Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on the side of the vehicle that is away from
the wind to bring in fresh air.
- Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel.
- Adjust the climate control system to a setting that circulates the air inside
the vehicle and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust.
Run the engine for short periods only as needed to keep warm, but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off and close the window most of the way to save heat. Repeat this until help arrives but only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. Moving about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and then when you run the engine, push the accelerator pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed.
This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicle and to signal for help with the headlamps. Do this as little as possible to save fuel.
See also:
Automatic Door Locks
For vehicles with an automatic
transmission, the doors will lock
automatically when all doors are
closed, the ignition is on, and the
shift lever is moved out of P (Park).
The doors will auto ...
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned and balanced at the factory to provide the
longest tire life and best overall performance.
Adjustments to wheel alignment and tire balancing will not be necessary ...
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow. See “Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out” later in this section.
If the vehicle has a traction system ...






