How to Get Your Car Out of a Ditch in Indiana Winters

Mr.Quickpick RSA
6 days ago
3 min read

How to Get Your Car Out of a Ditch in Indiana Winters

Tips for Staying Safe and Knowing When to Call for Help

Indiana winters can be brutal — with icy roads, heavy snow, and low visibility, it’s all too easy for your vehicle to slip into a ditch or get stuck off-road. If it happens to you, don’t panic. You’re not alone, and there are safe steps you can take.

At Mr.Quickpick Roadside Assistance, we’ve helped countless Indiana drivers get back on the road after a winter slip-up. Here’s what to do if your car ends up in a ditch — and when it’s time to call in the pros.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Before doing anything, make sure you and your passengers are safe.

Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers.
Stay inside the vehicle if it’s unsafe to get out (e.g., if you're near a busy road or visibility is low).
If you must exit the vehicle, do so carefully and only if it's safe.

When in doubt — call Mr.Quickpick Roadside Assistance at [Insert Number] for fast, safe help.

2. Check for Damage

If your car has hit a snowbank, curb, or landed at an angle, take a moment to inspect:

Are the tires intact?
Do you smell gas or see fluid leaks?
Is your vehicle at risk of tipping?

If there’s any sign of serious damage, don’t try to drive out — doing so could make it worse. Let a professional handle it.

3. Try These Safe DIY Recovery Steps (Only If the Situation Allows)

If conditions are safe and your car is not damaged, you can attempt to free your vehicle. Here’s how:

A. Clear Snow Around Tires

Use a shovel (or even your hands) to clear snow and ice from around the tires and under the car. Creating a clear path can help you gain traction.

B. Use Sand, Kitty Litter, or Floor Mats

Add traction under the drive wheels. Pour sand, salt, or even place your car’s floor mats in front of the tires to help grip.

C. Rock the Vehicle Gently

Put your car in low gear and try gently rocking it back and forth.

Shift from drive to reverse slowly.
Don’t floor it — too much acceleration will just spin the tires.

Important: If the car doesn’t budge or you're unsure what to do, stop and call Mr.Quickpick. Trying too hard can overheat your engine or damage your drivetrain.

4. Don’t Rely on Strangers for a Tow

It might be tempting to accept help from a passing truck or a well-meaning driver, but homemade tow jobs can cause serious damage to your car or theirs — and they’re rarely safe. Instead, call the pros.

5. Call Mr.Quickpick Roadside Assistance — We’ve Got You Covered

When your car ends up in a ditch, snowbank, or off the road in any Indiana winter storm, we’re ready 24/7 to pull you out and get you moving again — without causing more damage.

Mr.Quickpick offers:

✅ Fast Winch-Out & Recovery Services

✅ Safe Vehicle Extraction on Snow, Ice, or Mud

✅ Damage-Free Towing Techniques

✅ 24/7 Emergency Support Throughout Indiana

✅ Friendly, Local Technicians You Can Trust

Final Tip: Prevent Future Ditch Trouble

While you can’t control the weather, you can prepare:

Drive slowly and increase your following distance in winter conditions.
Equip your vehicle with quality winter tires.
Keep a winter emergency kit in your car (blanket, flashlight, shovel, kitty litter, snacks, phone charger).

And always keep Mr.Quickpick Roadside Assistance saved in your phone. We're here to make sure a slip in the snow doesn’t turn into a long, cold wait.