5 Reasons to Dig Your Car Out of the Snow Today

October 25, 2019 · 3 min read

If there's a heavy snowfall and your car gets buried, you might not want to drive it anywhere while road conditions are poor. It's tempting to leave the car covered in snow until it thaws out, but here are five reasons for getting a shovel and digging your car out sooner rather than later.

Drained Battery

Your car's systems depend on its battery, which has to work harder in freezing temperatures. Having the lights and heating on most of the time takes its toll, but at least the battery is getting charged. When you leave the car sitting under snow for a long period, the battery can drain completely, especially if it's older. You may be able to jump-start your car, but, once the battery has been fully discharged, you might need to charge it slowly or replace it. If your battery dies, you will have to reset the memory settings in your car. Dig your car out as soon as possible and run it for 10 or 15 minutes to keep the battery charged.

Brake Problems

When packed snow gets in and around your brakes, it can cause problems. The calipers, pads, and seals can get damaged. If the snow is left long enough, it can cause the discs to rust. When you eventually dig out the car, you might find that the brakes will squeal and screech until you've used them a few times. If a caliper fails, it was most likely going to need to be replaced anyway, but the snow can speed up its demise.

Packed Snow

The weight of a load of snow on your car is not going to affect it — it's designed to carry people and luggage. But, when new snow falls on old snow, it gets compacted and will be forced into every orifice, making it harder to clear. Doors and locks can stick and, if you don't clear packed snow from the exhaust tail pipe, carbon monoxide can be forced into the cabin. Make sure to clear ice from the engine bay as it can damage moving parts.

Damage to Bodywork

If there's any damage on your bodywork, such as dents and scrapes that have left exposed metal, you could be in for some more expensive repairs. The snow can absorb salt or chemicals that are used on the roads and those substances will find their way into any weak spots. Your paint job can also be damaged by prolonged exposure to chemicals. Even if you do dig your car out, it's advisable to clean it to get rid of harmful substances.

Hard Work

The longer you leave your car under its coating of snow, the harder it's going to be to dig it out. Fresh snow is relatively easy to shift, but packed snow can freeze to be hard as concrete. After your car has been under the snow, if you think there are any problems with your engine, brakes, or battery, the service department at Chestatee Ford can check it over for you. Image via Pixabay

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What Is Ford Pro Power Onboard? How Your Truck Can Become a Mobile Powerhouse

What Is Ford Pro Power Onboard? How Your Truck Can Become a Mobile Powerhouse Ford Pro Power Onboard turns your truck into a mobile power station, giving you reliable energy wherever your drives take you. Available at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA, this built-in generator system lets you run power tools, appliances, and electronics directly from your vehicle without hauling a separate generator. Reach out to Chestatee Ford today to discover how this capability can transform your daily drives. What Ford Pro Power Onboard Actually Does At its core, this truck generator system channels electrical power from the running engine or battery pack to integrated outlets. You can charge tools on the way to a job site or keep equipment running at a remote location. It turns your pickup into an essential utility tool for both work and recreation. How It Works in the F-150 The system feeds power to outlets in the cab and truck bed. Standard gas configurations offer 2.0 kW of output, which handles power tools, lights, and small electronics. Stepping up to the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 powertrain provides a standard 2.4 kW or an available 7.2 kW system that features multiple 120V plugs and a 240V outlet for heavy-duty equipment. What You Can Power With It Contractors can run circular saws, drills, and air compressors directly from the bed. Outdoor enthusiasts can operate refrigerators, electric grills, and camp lighting deep in the woods. In emergency situations, the system can provide temporary power for essential household appliances during an outage. Which Ford Trucks Offer It Ford Pro Power Onboard comes on select F-150 models across several engine options, including the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6. Selecting the right setup depends on your routine power demands. A representative can guide you toward the ideal output level for your lifestyle. Why It Makes Your Truck More Valuable Integrated power reduces equipment bulk, saves bed space, and eliminates extra fuel cans. Built directly into the vehicle to factory durability standards, it provides seamless power monitoring through the SYNC© display screen and FordPass© smartphone app. Visit Chestatee Ford to Learn More If you want to see Ford Pro Power Onboard in action, Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA, is ready to assist. You can browse current inventory online or contact the dealership directly to schedule a test drive and explore available configurations.

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What Makes the 2026 Ford Super Duty Stand Out for Towing When considering a heavy-duty truck, the 2026 Ford Super Duty is engineered to handle massive jobs effortlessly. Drivers in Dahlonega, GA, trust Chestatee Ford to provide vehicles built to perform when the weight gets serious. If you are hauling equipment to a job site or pulling a loaded trailer across the state, this truck delivers the power you need. The 2026 Super Duty earned the No. 1 ranking for new-vehicle quality among heavy-duty trucks, according to J.D. Power©. This recognition proves the truck is highly capable and remarkably refined. Super Duty features provide drivers with total confidence from the moment they hook up a trailer. Ford Towing Technology That Works for You A major advantage of the 2026 Ford Super Duty is its packed towing technology. From integrated trailer brake controllers to available camera systems offering a clear rear view, the Super Duty removes the guesswork from towing. Ford Co-Pilot360© technology brings available driver-assist features that help manage heavy loads. These tools keep you aware of your surroundings and maintain control in challenging conditions. Heavy-duty truck towing becomes highly manageable with the right technology supporting you. Super Duty Features Built Around Heavy-Duty Performance The available 2026 Super Duty features cover everything from powertrain options to trailer management tools. Drivers can choose multiple engine configurations to match specific towing needs, ranging from consistent torque for long hauls to a massive 40,000-pound maximum capacity for the toughest loads. The available 6.7L High Output Power Stroke Diesel provides 1,200 lb-ft of torque for incredibly confident pulling. Inside the cab, technology integrations like available touchscreen displays featuring Apple CarPlay© and Android Auto© keep trailer settings and vehicle data easy to access. Connected navigation and Wi-Fi© hotspot capabilities mean you stay informed even when work takes you off the beaten path. Why Dahlonega, GA Drivers Trust the 2026 Ford Super Duty for Towing Mountain roads and rural terrain are part of everyday life in North Georgia. A reliable truck must handle elevation changes, unpaved surfaces, and heavy payloads without hesitation. The towing performance of the Super Duty matches its build quality and durability. When your plans depend on transporting a load safely, this truck gives you a solid foundation. Ford towing technology is built into every detail to ensure you maintain complete control. Experience the 2026 Ford Super Duty at Chestatee Ford The 2026 Ford Super Duty towing lineup represents the engineering that serious truck owners rely on. With award-winning quality, advanced features, and innovative towing technology supporting every trip, this truck stands out. If you are ready to see what the 2026 Super Duty can do for your heaviest hauls, contact the team at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA, to schedule a test drive today.

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Two Great Trucks, One Big Decision When choosing a Ford pickup, the 2026 Ford Ranger and the Ford F-150 are two of the most popular options available. Both are capable, well-equipped trucks, but they serve different driving needs. Understanding what sets them apart can help you land on the right choice before you visit Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA. Size and Everyday Usability The 2026 Ford Ranger is a midsize truck, which makes it easy to maneuver in parking lots, city streets, and tight spaces. If you drive daily and do not always need a full-size hauler, the compact footprint of the Ranger makes a noticeable difference. The 2026 Ford F-150 features a larger cab and bed, offering extra interior space and payload capacity for those who regularly haul heavy loads or need room for additional passengers and gear. Capability and Performance Ford Ranger features include a turbocharged engine lineup designed to balance power with efficiency. It delivers solid performance for weekend adventures, light towing, and everyday driving. The Ford F-150 features a broader range of engine options, including an available 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and powerful configurations that support heavier towing and hauling demands. If your work or hobbies push traditional truck limits, the F-150 steps up to the challenge. Technology and Comfort Both trucks come equipped with modern technology. Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist features are available across both lineups, and you can add available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving capability on select F-150 trims. The 2026 Ford Ranger brings a tech package that supports Apple CarPlay© and Android Auto© integration, a large touchscreen, available wireless charging, and an available Wi-Fi hotspot. The F-150 offers additional trim variety and luxury upgrades for drivers who prefer a premium cabin experience. Ford Truck Comparison: Towing and Payload When comparing capability numbers, the difference is clear. The F-150 is built for heavy-duty work, offering higher maximum towing and payload ratings than the Ranger. If you regularly pull a large boat, camper, or heavy work trailer, the F-150 is the ideal fit. The Ranger handles light-to-moderate towing with ease, making it a smart choice for occasional hauling without full-size truck fuel demands. Which One Is Right for You? The answer comes down to how you plan to use your truck. If you want a versatile midsize option that covers everyday driving and weekend capability, the 2026 Ford Ranger is a great fit. If you need maximum towing capacity, extra cargo space, and a wider selection of trims and powertrains, the F-150 is worth the step up. Visit Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA If you are leaning toward the 2026 Ford Ranger or ready to explore everything the F-150 offers, the team at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA, is here to assist you. Stop by, take a test drive, and find the truck that fits your life.

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Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable taxes. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.