Being stuck in snow can be a serious situation. Stay with the vehicle unless there is help nearby.

If possible, use the Roadside Assistance Program . To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:

• Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
• Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.

WARNING

Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to get inside. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.

If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:

. Clear away snow from around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking the exhaust pipe.

. Check again from time to time to be sure snow does not collect there.

. Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on the side of the vehicle that is away from the wind to bring in fresh air.

. Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel.

. Adjust the climate control system to a setting that circulates the air inside the vehicle and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See “Climate Control Systems” in the Index.

For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust .

Run the engine for short periods only as needed to keep warm, but be careful.

To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off and close the window most of the way to save heat. Repeat this until help arrives but only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. Moving about to keep warm also helps.

If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and then when you run the engine, push the accelerator pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed. This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicle and to signal for help with the headlamps. Do this as little as possible to save fuel.