How to rescue a car stuck in the snow.

[JAMAS]

This is the first winter that I will have the VX and I want to be prepared.

If I had a need to rescue someone who slid off the road, what do I need and how do I do it?

[Triathlete]

Tow strap and shackles. Connect between both vehicles and yank

Just need to connect in a way that will not damage the vehicles. You have tow points in both front and rear.

[JAMAS]

You have tow points in both front and rear.

Are those tow points or tie-down points for original shipping of the vehicle?

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

try to do it smoothly if possible....I had to resort to aggressive tugs to pull a stuck Ram and later had to replace my pinion seal as it started to leak very soon after....can't prove this caused it but.....................

[JAMAS]

for now, I just want to make sure I can help my Wife or Mother if they get stuck. I don't want to put the VX at risk for a stranger....Unless the situation calls for it.

[Triathlete]

for now, I just want to make sure I can help my Wife or Mother if they get stuck. I don't want to put the VX at risk for a stranger....Unless the situation calls for it.

I would take a look under both their vehicles before hand to familiarize yourself with potential tow points while it dry...might save you some discomfort in the nasty weather. Also throw a cheap tarp in the back of your VX in case you need to get down on the ground or crawl underneath on of the vehicles. Big cheap rubber floor mats work good for placing under tires for some sdded traction if needed also.

[nfpgasmask]

I pulled someone out the other day. I used my hook on my hitch and a tow strap. Make sure you are in 4x4, low gear and go slow and smooth.

Bart

[JAMAS]

I would take a look under both their vehicles before hand to familiarize yourself with potential tow points while it dry...might save you some discomfort in the nasty weather

Thats a great idea! That way I am not trying to determine tow points when its freezing and dark.

Do you have any suggestions for potential tow points?

Also, any suggestions for what to look for in a shackle and tow strap?

[alterastro]

If stuck in snow, then chances are that a gentle tug is all that is needed. The VX has a strong hook on the front and an eye on the rear - either are fine for snow pulling. Use the winter button to pull gently without slipping yourself.

Nick

[AlaskaVX]

I would say to hook up to the back right of the VX with a shackle (I have ripped the back left off with not that tough of a pull.) And put it in 4-lo, shouldn't have many problem then. A stretchy tow strap would be nicer than a non stretchy one, not so much jerk to both vehicles, but either will work.

[JAMAS]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WialC...layer_embedded

[BigSwede]

Heh, I saw that on another board, guys were saying the WRX manual pretty much says not to tow anything, anytime. But doing it on that slippery snow probably didn't hurt anything...

[JAMAS]

Where is a good place to purchase the shackles and strap?

[Triathlete]

Check your local 4x4 shops. They will have what you need. If not, you can hit up some of the internet sites...
Indy 4x
Poly Performance
4Wheel Parts
Just to name a few. You will find Indy comes highly recommended here...Matt does a lot of support for the Zu community and has great customer service.

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

wow...I feel vindicated. I told someone once about using "winter mode" while in 4-low and it was not taken seriously.

I just did it the other day while stopping on a very steep hill that hadn't been plowed or salted for a stop sign and then resuming with a sharp left turn....mainly because I was already in 4-low and it seemed moot to shift back to 4-high and hit winter mode too. Pulled out very smoothly with just the right amount of torque & no wheel spin.