Tips for getting your car out of snow and ice
 

Can anyone offer any advice on this subject?

Living in the city, it's street parking, so you get a huge build up of slush and snow that freezes. I had one heck of a time trying to get my car out, especially because it's a little Nissan and was going nuts from frustration until I finally got it out.

Wait until April? :p

I have had to dig my car out of snow and ice many, many times. I used to travel for work, and I'd often arrive home only to have to dig my car out of the airport parking lot after a foot of snow had fallen.

Get a good brush and ice scraper. I have one that is both combined. Brush off your windows, and remove ice with the scraper as necessary. Don't forget to remove snow from the car's hood, trunk, and roof - it poses a danger to drivers behind you if it flies off while you're driving, and it's illegal to drive around in a snow-covered car (at least here).

Get a portable snow shovel and keep it in your trunk. Also, get some sand or cat litter; you can sprinkle this on the ground for traction.

While I'm giving winter driving tips :) be sure that your car is stocked with water and non-perishable food (nuts, candies, energy bars, etc.) in case you are stranded for several hours. Carry a blanket and/or some warm clothing (sweatshirts etc). Also, be sure your cell phone is fully charged so you can call for help.

A piece of carpet in your car to put under the front wheels is good too. Of course, you have to get out to retrieve it afterward.

Rock the car forward and backward gently.

One time, I went forward quickly and it turned out that the big pile in front of my car was actually ice. My car was on top of it with no wheels touching the ground, like a teeter totter. Luckily some big strong college men came along and pushed it off and I didn't even lose my muffler.

I really really hate winter.

Dee

One of the reasons I got my 4 wheel drive SUV is so i could get out of the snow and ice here and not get trapped in my complex like I did so many times when i drove my civic. WE've had several snows since getting that CRV and I've never had a problem getting out and about. I did however have to invest in one of those longer ice scrapers with a brush, and De-icer works well too when you dont have time to let your vehicle run for 45 minutes to melt it off. You can buy both for cheap at Wal-mart.

Ouch.

Re: Tips for getting your car out of snow and ice
 

For clearing your windows - get a can of Heet De-Icer or anything similar. Turn on your car and let the defroster run for 10 minutes...spray the stuff on the window, wait two more minutes, than use a good scraper to get the ice off.

To get the car moving, get a good portable shovel. Even better, use a snowblower :)

wow. unbelievably stupid. you would think they would have stopped after you could hear it ripping the first time and they looked at it.