Snowed-In Car on a Toronto Street: A Calm, Step-by-Step Way Out
After a heavy Toronto snowfall, cars parked along the curb often end up inside a snowbank, with the plow's frozen ridge sealing them in. Rushing usually means a scratched bumper or wheels spinning on polished ice.
Check the tailpipe before anything else
Snow packed around the exhaust sends fumes, including carbon monoxide, back inside while the engine idles. Uncover it first, then start the car and run the defrost.
Clear the car from the top down
- Sweep the roof first, then the hood and trunk, with a soft brush or foam pusher; a metal shovel will mark the paint. Ontario can fine drivers when snow or ice flies off their vehicle.
- Wait for the defroster to loosen the windshield ice before scraping, and never pour hot water on frozen glass.
- Wipe off headlights, tail lights, mirrors and both plates.
Deal with the plow ridge
Shovel out a gap on all four sides of each tire, then chop up the frozen ridge between the car and the road. A car will not climb over packed ice; it has to be broken and moved.
When the wheels just spin
- Keep the steering straight and press the gas lightly.
- Slip a rubber mat, sand or kitty litter beneath the driving tires.
- Ease back and forth between reverse and drive to build a short track.
Handing it over
No shovel in the condo, an early shift, or a ridge that will not budge: ring us and a crew with brushes, ice choppers and salt usually reaches the car about an hour later.
Other notes: Holiday guests and snowy steps · Icicles above the entrance · Choosing a de-icer