How to Get a Car Unstuck from Mud

Posted on by Defensive Driving | in Defensive Driving Online, Defensive Driving Tips, Driving and Safety Tips

shutterstock_403033996

Roads were made for driving, and cars were made for roads. Over the years people have worked hard to make sure that we have the most pleasant driving experience possible, but sometimes you face that unfortunate situation where your woefully ill-equipped car gets stuck in a puddle of thick mud, some slippery snow, or even a sandy beach. When this sort of situation comes about, it is important to know what to do, because how you approach it could be the difference between getting unstuck in a couple of minutes, and waiting hours for a tow truck.

As such, here are some tips for when you get your wheels stuck in some mud.

don’t panic

Well, simply panicking won’t necessarily have a negative effect, unless you act rashly as a result of that panic. For example, if your first instinct is to slam your foot on the accelerator, you are going to run yourself into a much deeper rut, both literally and figuratively. So if you feel you are going to panic, try and compose yourself first and foremost, get out of the car to assess the situation (if possible) and then decide what to do.

slow and steady does it

As mentioned, slamming your foot on the pedal is the last thing that you want to do. Instead, try to gently accelerate out of the rut, perhaps rocking the car a little as you go. If you are lucky, you will ease out of the mud, and you won’t have to take any further action.

seek help

If that doesn’t work, the next best course of action is to seek help from either a passenger or a kind passerby. You will want to use the same method as before–slowly accelerating and rocking–only this time there will be others pushing to help you out of the initial dip. Once again, be careful not to accelerate too hard, as now you have another potential problem in that you will splatter your helpers with mud.

create traction

The main reason why your wheels are stuck in the mud is probably as a result of a lack of traction. If you can create some tread around the wheel or wheels that are stuck, you should have a better chance of getting out of the mud. Look around for twigs or leaves, anything you can lay in front of the wheels. If you want to be prepared for future times when you might get stuck in the mud, cat litter is actually an excellent tool in this situation. Other things that might help create traction around you could be an old coat or piece of clothing, a car mat, a blanket, gravel a board, or even a piece of cardboard.

admit defeat

After you have tried all of the above, and it still hasn’t worked, you might have to simply admit defeat. Call for a tow, or ask a friend, and maybe in the future simply stay away from that area in the future!

For more tips and advice, check us out on Facebook.

|

Customer Reviews

Defensivedriving.com has a ShopperApproved rating of 4.6 based on 134969 ratings and reviews.

Thomas Sowell None, united states
Good
Vanessa Barrera
Easy and managable
Galiguer Manjarrez united states
it was efficient
Sallie Elliott TEXAS, united states
So far easy site to navigate
Mario Navarro Gonzalez Texas, united states
Thanks
Jose Gonzalez None, united states
super easy to start and very upfront
Channing Quincy None, united states
Good
Faith Edwin iyoha None, united states
it was easy and fast
AMITAVA CHATTERJEE None, united states
Good
Payton Cummings None, united states
Quick and easy
Stephanie DeSandro None, united states
Easy to use and pay.
Marc Meza None, united states
Fast and easy
Syed Ahmed None, united states
Simple and easy
Michael Meadows None, united states
Good
Barbara Cespedes Texas, united states
Greato
Gary Flores TX, United States
Registration was easy. But I am unable to get video to work.
Stephen Vasquez None, united states
Good so far. Should have survey at end of course.
Robert Arriaga Texas, United states
Good
JAMIE THIBODAUX Texas, United States
Signing up was easy, I'm about to take my course now!
Angel Memije Monge None, united states
its okay
Conrad Denton None, united states
You guys are awesome!
timothy stout united states
It's good
Michael Borrego None, united states
So far so good. Hope it goes pretty quick.
Marlin Foster None, united states
great job
Jamia Benjamin Texas, united states
Good
Ediover Lacle Garland tx , united states
Excelente
Sidney Smith None, united states
SIgning up was easy
John Simpson None, united states
Easy to use.
Eric Talley None, united states
It seems very easy and straight forward
Jackson Herber None, united states
Simple
Catherine Kong None, united states
Easy
BRIANNA ALLEMAN TX, united states
Easy to use and follow along.
Rhonie Robin united states
Smooth
Ashley Burch Texas , united states
It's cheap and good
Guillermina Hernandez None, united states
excellent
Rachel Maxted None, united states
Great
See all reviews on shopperApproved.com
Why DefensiveDriving.com
  • 20 Years in Business
  • Over 2 Million Customers Served
  • Highest Possible Better Business Bureau Rating
  • Award Winning Course