the tires turn and nothing

[English4everyone]

When it snows a lot, cars have difficulty moving without tire chains. Usually drivers push the gas pedal but it doesn't move. Just the tires turn.
What's the suitable verb / phrase to describe this?

 

[emsr2d2]

The wheels spin.

Note that it's important to say that it's the wheels that are spinning, not just the tyres. It would be very odd if just the tyres were spinning as that would mean they were spinning around the rest of the wheel.

 

[English4everyone]

Thanks a lot, big help.
But is there any other way to say that?

 

[Gillnetter]

When it snows a lot, cars have difficulty moving without tire chains. Usually drivers push the gas pedal but it doesn't move. Just the tires turn.
What's the suitable verb / phrase to describe this?

Spinning or slipping.

 

[HanibalII]

Thanks a lot, big help.
But is there any other way to say that?

Spinning or slipping.

Or 'The wheels have lost traction'.