By the end of January 2026, the University of Waterloo weather station had recorded 206.5 cm of snow for the season. That’s more than double the long-term average for that point in the winter, and a new record.
If you drove through it, you remember. Unplowed side streets, ruts on King Street, cars spun out on the Conestoga Parkway and a lot of drivers digging themselves out of snowbanks.
Here’s how to avoid needing a tow in the snow, what to do if you get stuck, and how winter towing in Waterloo works when you do need help.
Key Takeaways
- Winter tires, a healthy battery and a half tank of fuel prevent most winter calls.
- If you’re stuck, don’t spin your wheels. It digs you in deeper.
- If you’re in a ditch, stay in your car, keep the exhaust clear and call for help.
- Expect longer wait times during storms. Providers help drivers in unsafe spots first.
- AWD cars and EVs usually need a flatbed tow in winter.
Get Your Car Ready Before the First Storm
Most winter towing calls start with a car that wasn’t ready.
Put on winter tires. All-season tires lose grip as temperatures drop. Winter tires stay softer in the cold and grip snow and ice much better. In Ontario, insurers must offer a discount if you use them.
Test your battery. Cold weather cuts a battery’s starting power. If yours is more than three years old, have it tested in the fall.
Check your wipers and washer fluid. Use winter-rated fluid that won’t freeze.
Keep at least half a tank. It gives you fuel to stay warm if you’re stuck and reduces moisture in the fuel lines.
Pack a winter kit. Include a shovel, ice scraper, booster cables, a blanket, gloves, a hat, a flashlight, a phone charger, snacks and water. A bag of sand or cat litter helps with traction.
Driving Tips for Snowy Waterloo Roads
- Slow down and leave space. Stopping distances on ice can be up to 10 times longer than on dry pavement.
- Brake and steer gently. Sudden moves cause skids.
- Watch for black ice on bridges, overpasses and ramps like those on the Expressway.
- Clear all your snow. That includes the roof, lights and windows. Ontario drivers can be fined for driving with snow blocking their view.
- Give plows room. Never pass a plow on the right.
- Check conditions first. Ontario 511 shows highway closures and road conditions.
During declared snow events, Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge often ban street parking so plows can get through. Cars left on the street can be ticketed or towed, so check local alerts.
What to Do If You Get Stuck in Snow
Don’t spin your wheels. Flooring it heats the snow, turns it to ice and digs the tires deeper.
Straighten your wheels. Turning the wheel while stuck makes it harder to get out.
Clear around the tires. Shovel snow from in front of and behind each tire, and from under the car if it’s sitting on a snow pile.
Add traction. Sprinkle sand, cat litter or salt in front of the drive wheels.
Rock gently. Shift between drive and reverse with light pressure on the gas. Stop if you’re not moving after a few tries. Rocking too hard can damage your transmission.
Know when to call. If the car is high-centred, sitting at an angle or stuck in a deep bank, it’s time for snow towing services Waterloo drivers can rely on.
If You Slide Into a Ditch
A slide into a ditch is frightening, but it’s one of the most common winter calls we get.
- Stay in your car unless it’s unsafe. It protects you from traffic and the cold.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Check that your exhaust pipe isn’t blocked by snow. A blocked exhaust can fill the car with carbon monoxide. If you can’t clear it safely, don’t run the engine.
- Run the engine in short bursts, about 10 minutes every hour, with a window open a crack.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the car is near a live lane.
- Call for a tow and give your exact location.
Don’t try to drive out of a deep ditch. You can damage the suspension, steering or undercarriage.
How Winter Towing Works
Winching and Recovery
When a car is in a ditch or snowbank, the tow operator uses a winch to pull it back onto solid ground. Done carefully, this avoids extra damage to bumpers and the underbody. If the car is drivable afterward, you may be able to go on your way.
Flatbed Towing
If the car isn’t safe to drive, it goes on a flatbed. Flatbeds are the best choice for all-wheel-drive cars, EVs and vehicles with damaged wheels or steering. They’re especially useful in winter because they keep salt and slush away from the drivetrain during the tow.
Battery Boosts and Tire Help
Not every winter call is a ditch. Dead batteries and flat tires from potholes hidden under snow are just as common. Winter roadside assistance Waterloo drivers call for often starts with a quick boost.
Why Winter Wait Times Are Longer
During a big storm, every tow company in the region is busy at once. Roads are slower and calls pile up.
Most providers deal with the most dangerous situations first, such as drivers on highway shoulders, in ditches or with children in the car. If you’re safe at home with a dead battery, you may wait longer.
Help the driver find you by giving your exact address, cross street or highway exit, and keeping your phone charged.
Know Your Rights Before a Tow
Ontario requires tow operators to be certified. Unless police direct the tow, the operator must give you their rates and a list of your rights, and get your consent before moving the car. You can pay by cash, debit or credit card and ask for an itemized invoice.
FAQs
How long does a winter tow take in Waterloo?
On a calm day, often under an hour. During storms, waits can be longer as demand jumps and roads slow down.
Can a tow truck pull my car out of a ditch?
Yes. Tow trucks use winches to pull cars out of ditches and snowbanks safely, often without needing a full tow.
Should I wait in my car if I’m stuck in snow?
Yes, in most cases. Keep the exhaust pipe clear, run the engine in short bursts and keep a window slightly open.
Do I need a flatbed tow in winter?
For AWD cars, EVs and damaged vehicles, yes. A flatbed protects the drivetrain and keeps the car off salty roads during the tow.
Final Thoughts: Be Ready Before the Snow Flies
Waterloo winters aren’t getting easier, as this past season showed. Prepare your car, drive for the conditions and know what to do if you get stuck.
For winter towing Waterloo drivers trust, call WR Towing at (519) 861-1211, 24/7. See our 24/7 roadside assistance and flatbed towing services, or contact us online.
