Blizzard Conditions

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 (U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑8 or Roadside Assistance Program (Mexico) on page 13‑10. 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 on page 9‑22.

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.

    See also:

    Vehicle Reminder Messages
    ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE WITH CARE This message is displayed when ice conditions are possible. TURN WIPER CONTROL TO INTERMITTENT FIRST This message is displayed when attempting to adjust the intermitten ...

    Manual Rearview Mirror
    Hold the mirror in the center to move it for a clearer view of behind your vehicle. Adjust the mirror to avoid glare from the headlamps behind you. Push the tab at the bottom of the mirror forward for ...

    Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
    If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addi ...