Winter in Taylorsville isn’t just about pretty snow on the mountains; it’s about white-knuckle drives down Redwood Road and hoping your car starts when the thermometer hits 15 degrees. We’ve all been there, scraping ice off the windshield while wishing we were back in bed.
Table of Contents
1. Winterize Your Vehicle Before the First Flurry
You don’t want to wait until you’re stranded on the side of I-215 to realize your battery was on its last legs. The cold weather in the Salt Lake Valley is notorious for sucking the life out of car batteries that seemed perfectly fine in October. When the temperature drops, your engine needs more current to start, but the battery’s ability to provide that power actually decreases.
Check your tires, too. All-season tires are okay, but they aren’t magic. If the tread is low, you’re basically driving on hockey pucks once the snow starts sticking. I always tell my friends to do the “penny test” or just head over to a local shop in Murray towing territory to get them inspected professionally.
The Battery and Fluid Check
Your car’s fluids behave differently when it’s freezing. Oil gets thicker, making it harder for the engine to turn over. Make sure you’re using a winter-grade oil if your manufacturer recommends it. Also, top off your windshield washer fluid with the “de-icer” variety—regular blue stuff will just freeze on your glass and make visibility even worse.
If your battery is more than three years old, it’s a prime candidate for a winter “no-start.” Most local auto parts stores will test it for free. It’s a five-minute check that could save you a $75-$125 service call for a jump start later on.
| Component | Winter Action Item | Estimated DIY Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Test voltage and clean terminals | $0 (Free at most shops) |
| Tires | Check tread depth and PSI | $0 – $20 for a gauge |
| Wiper Blades | Replace with heavy-duty winter blades | $30 – $60 |
| Coolant/Antifreeze | Check mixture ratio | $15 – $25 |
2. Know the Limits of Your Vehicle
Just because you drive a big SUV doesn’t mean you’re invincible on icy roads. In fact, heavier vehicles can be harder to stop once they start sliding. We see plenty of 4×4 trucks in the ditch because drivers thought they could handle the slush at 60 mph. According to Grokipedia, towing is the process of coupling a powered vehicle to a non-powered object or vehicle, but in the winter, that “non-powered vehicle” is often a perfectly good car that’s just stuck in a snowbank.
If you’re driving an electric vehicle, you have a different set of challenges. Cold weather significantly impacts battery range and performance. According to Grokipedia, the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning EV is rated for a maximum of 10,000 pounds, but that capacity can shift depending on the environment and battery health.
“I’ve seen it a hundred times: someone thinks their AWD crossover can handle a foot of unplowed snow, and they end up high-centered. Once the wheels lose contact with the pavement, you’re not going anywhere without a winch-out.”
Understanding Traction and Weight
Weight distribution matters a lot. If you have a rear-wheel-drive pickup truck, throwing a few bags of sand in the bed can make a world of difference for traction. It keeps your back end from fishtailing when you’re trying to pull away from a stoplight in West Jordan.
Don’t forget about your brakes. Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) are great, but they don’t work miracles on black ice. If you feel that pulsing under your foot, don’t freak out. Keep steady pressure and look where you want the car to go, not at the thing you’re trying to avoid hitting.
3. Pack a “Just in Case” Kit
If you do end up needing a towing service, you might be waiting for a bit. During a major storm, every driver in Taylorsville and Kearns towing zones seems to need help at the same time. You don’t want to be sitting in a cold car with nothing but a light jacket and a dying cell phone.
Your kit doesn’t need to be fancy. A warm blanket, some extra gloves, a flashlight, and a portable phone charger are the basics. I also suggest keeping a small bag of kitty litter or sand in the trunk. It’s great for getting traction if you’re just slightly stuck in a slippery parking spot.
Safety While Waiting for Help
If you’re stuck on the shoulder of a highway like I-215, stay in your car. It’s the safest place to be. Other drivers are struggling with visibility, and the last thing you want is to be standing outside your vehicle when someone else loses control. Turn on your hazard lights and, if you have them, put out some reflective triangles.
Keep your exhaust pipe clear of snow. If you’re running the engine to stay warm while waiting for a tow truck, carbon monoxide can back up into the cabin if the tailpipe is buried in a snowbank. Crack a window just a tiny bit to keep fresh air moving through.
- Heavy wool blanket or sleeping bag
- Mylar emergency “space” blankets
- High-calorie snacks (protein bars, nuts)
- A sturdy ice scraper and snow brush
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter pack
4. How to Choose a Towing Company in a Pinch
When you’re stressed and cold, it’s easy to just call the first number that pops up on Google. But not all companies are created equal. You want someone who knows the Taylorsville area and won’t charge you an arm and a leg just because it’s snowing. Here’s the thing: predatory towing is a real issue. According to Grokipedia, the National Insurance Crime Bureau documented an 89% nationwide rise in predatory towing claims recently.
To avoid getting ripped off, I always recommend getting multiple quotes. Prices for towing services can vary significantly in Taylorsville. We always recommend getting at least 3 quotes before making a decision. Even in an emergency, a few quick phone calls can save you $50-$100.
“Don’t let a tow driver pressure you into signing something you haven’t read. A reputable company will be transparent about their fees right from the start.”
Check Reviews and Warranties
Check reviews and references. Any reputable towing company in Taylorsville should be happy to provide references from recent customers or have a solid track record online. If they have a bunch of one-star reviews complaining about hidden fees or damaged bumpers, keep looking. There are plenty of good operators serving Midvale towing needs and the surrounding areas.
Also, ask about warranties. Quality towing work should come with a warranty. Make sure you understand what’s covered before signing. If they’re moving your car to a repair shop, you want to know they’re insured in case something goes wrong during the hook-up or transport.
| Service Type | Typical Price Range | What’s Usually Included |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Hook-up | $75 – $125 | Connecting the vehicle and the first 5-10 miles |
| Winch-out/Recovery | $100 – $250+ | Pulling a vehicle out of snow or a ditch |
| Roadside Assistance | $50 – $100 | Jump starts, tire changes, or fuel delivery |
| After-Hours/Holiday | +$25 – $75 | Surcharge for late night or major holidays |
5. Practice Winter Driving Etiquette
Driving in the snow is a skill, and like any skill, it gets rusty over the summer. Give yourself twice as much following distance as you think you need. If the guy in front of you slams on his brakes on Redwood Road, you need that extra space to react without sliding into his trunk.
Be especially careful around tow trucks and emergency vehicles. If you see amber or blue lights on the shoulder, move over a lane if it’s safe to do so. It’s not just polite; it’s the law in Utah. Those drivers are out there in the freezing cold trying to help someone, and they deserve a safe workspace.
Handling the “Big Roads”
I-215 and the I-15 interchange can be absolute nightmares during a storm. The ramps often freeze before the main lanes do because of the airflow underneath them. If you’re heading toward Murray or West Jordan, take it slow on those curves. I’ve seen plenty of cars spin out because they hit a patch of black ice while merging at full speed.
If you start to slide, don’t panic. Take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Don’t slam on the brakes—that usually just locks the wheels and makes the slide worse. It feels counterintuitive, but staying calm and making small corrections is the key to staying on the road.
- Clear ALL the snow off your car, including the roof.
- Turn on your headlights so others can see you.
- Avoid using cruise control on slippery surfaces.
- Start braking much earlier than you would on dry pavement.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze-up.
Look, winter in the Salt Lake Valley is beautiful, but it demands respect. Whether you’re commuting to work or heading out for a weekend in the mountains, being prepared makes all the difference. If you do find yourself stuck, remember to stay calm, stay warm, and call a local expert who knows these roads as well as you do. Safe driving out there!
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When you need professional towing services in Taylorsville and surrounding communities, Taylorsville Towing is here to help. Our experienced team provides quality workmanship with transparent pricing and a commitment to your complete satisfaction.
Stuck in the snow? We’ll get you out Call us at 801-980-3535.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do car batteries often fail during Taylorsville winters?
Cold weather requires more current to start your engine while simultaneously reducing the battery’s power output. If your battery is more than three years old, it is at high risk for a ‘no-start’ when temperatures drop below freezing.
How can I tell if my tires are safe for snowy roads?
You can perform the ‘penny test’ to check tread depth or have them professionally inspected at a local shop. All-season tires with low tread lose traction easily in snow, significantly increasing your risk of sliding into a ditch.
What should I do to stay safe while waiting for a tow truck in the snow?
Stay inside your vehicle to remain protected from other drivers and the elements, and keep your hazard lights on. Ensure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow if you are running the engine for heat to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
How can I avoid predatory towing fees during a winter emergency?
To avoid being overcharged, try to get at least three quotes from different towing companies before making a decision. Even in an emergency, taking a few minutes to compare prices can save you between $50 and $100.
What essential items should be in a winter vehicle emergency kit?
A basic kit should include a warm blanket, extra gloves, a flashlight, a portable phone charger, and high-calorie snacks. Keeping a bag of kitty litter or sand in the trunk can also help provide traction if you get stuck in a slippery spot.
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