Vehicle safety kits don't have to be large and bulky. Depending on the climate, equipment can be added or omitted as needed. Here are some suggested items: Flash light and extra batteries, jumper cables, tire chains, road flares, a can of fix-a-flat, some basic hand tools, spare fuses, a clean towel or rag, spare gloves or mittens, a can of sterno, matches, candles, trail mix and a first aid kit. Extras include a foldable shovel, compass, signal whistle, Meals Ready to Eat, a tow rope, an extra jacket, a wool cap, wool socks and chemical hand warmers.
Take your foot off the accelerator. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse � this is normal.
Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.
Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push sand out of the way. Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out. Use a shovel to clear sand away from the wheels and the underside of the car. Release some air from the Tyre then put some gravel or wood pieces in the path of the wheels, to help get traction. Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first � it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.
