I got a 03 SE Auto,tonight it is just stuck in the snow. So I turned off Traction Control, then gave it some gas, my tires were just spinning at the same spot with some smoke coming out of my car's bottom, and at one moment I hitted 6000rpm then the car started to move out. Now I am a little worrying about my car, did I do something wrong with my car?

 

The worst thing you can do is break traction. If you're stuck, try putting it in reverse and then in drive. The smoke you saw was probably snow touching the exhaust, and producing steam. If you're really stuck, get a shovel and dig yourself out.

The stock Potenzas aren't know for traction in wet/snowy/icy conditions. I have Dunlop Winter Sport M3s and steel rims on my car for winter, makes a world of difference. Check out tirerack.com to find out more info.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Uconn411
[B]The worst thing you can do is break traction. If you're stuck, try putting it in reverse and then in drive. The smoke you saw was probably snow touching the exhaust, and producing steam.

The smoke smells like something burning, i am sure it is not just steam. What's wrong?

 

What you smelt burning was your tires spinning while you had it up at 6000rpm. No biggie, just rubber burning. Try not to do this, it wont help to take it upto 6000rpm, in snow you want to ease it out with slower speed, high speed doesnt get the job done.

Dixit

 

Tires do "burn" easily if you lose traction. If the smell continues and you just got the car, bring it to the dealer.

Also, as a slight possiblilty, the hand break isn't on, right?

 

The handbrake isn't on, I am sure of it! Thank you for all the answer. And the other question is that, when the car was just sitting there with tire spinning and i hitted 6000rpm,is there any harm to my engine or transmission? I just got this baby for nearly three months, so.............

 

it's definitely not good for the tranny... it builds up a lot of heat. But don't worry too much... check the condition of the tranny fluid and don't do it again

 

No damage persay, but highly not recommended to go up high in the rpm range without the engine properly at normal temperature.

Dont worry about it, you are fine this time.

Dixit

 

well, I hope i didn't hurt it too much. I just hit the 6000rpm for about 2-3 seconds.

 

LOL,,, I got my Maxima stuck right infront of my house yesterday..... So I had to get my F250 Superduty To pull me out. I dont know why I just didn't take the truck out in the first place!

 

I wouldn't worry about it. If you did this for a week straight, then I'd say you seriously diminished your drivetrain's lifetime. However, once in a while, a 2-3 sec skimmish like that won't do much, so relax!

As others have said, if you get stuck, and digging it out with a shovel is not an option, try to rock it out by going into D then reverse, and repeat until you successfully get it out. Don't bring up the revs high, cause you'll just start spinning the tires on the snow/ice/whatever. Smooth and somewhat-gentle is the best method.

 

what sucks here is that he's got an auto. by the time it engages D or R, the car's already settled back to its original position, regardless of how quickly you shift. you really need a stick for this maneuver. pretty tough to do with an auto, tho prolly doable if you're so inclined. a lesson i learned with a rental for a ski trip.

the best thing to do in the future i learned is to simply toss a couple wooden planks in the trunk. when stuck, jam them under the drive tires as best you can and drive over them. they even sell steel planks just for this at auto shops. they've got traction ridges and stuff on em that work better than wood.

 

Just to add a few

BMW: Breaks My Wallet

FIAT: Fix It Again Tony

PORSCHE: Personally Owned Rocketship Carrying Hefty Engine

 

For A/T: Just torque brake (gently!) back and forth until you're out.

I was at my friend's house last week letting his dog out to do her business (he was away on business) and as I was pulling away, the car slid onto his lawn. It took me 20 minutes to get out and I destroyed his lawn in the process.

Heh.

 

Then how to do a torque brake gently? Thanks all for those answers!