How to Self-Rescue When a Car Gets Stuck and Skids in Mud?

[StEvelyn]

When a car gets stuck and skids in mud, you should stop immediately, then shift into reverse gear and back the car out of the mud pit. While reversing, pay close attention to controlling the throttle and steering wheel, avoiding any hasty movements. Once the car is safely out of the mud pit, change the direction of the wheels, shift into a low gear, and use the engine's momentum to drive out of the mud pit. Measures to take after a car gets stuck and skids in mud: You can use the car's built-in jack to lift the vehicle, then place rocks, bricks, branches, firewood, wooden planks, etc., in front of and behind the drive wheels. Alternatively, you can wrap ropes around the drive wheels to increase traction, helping the car drive out of the mud pit smoothly. Reducing tire pressure makes the tires flatter, thereby increasing friction between the tires and the ground. If only one side of the tires is skidding in the mud, the driver should gently pull the handbrake while increasing the throttle. By applying the handbrake, the skidding tire on one side will stop spinning freely, while the non-skidding tire on the other side, due to the increased throttle, gains more driving force, potentially allowing the car to escape the mud pit.

[CalvinDella]

I remember getting stuck in a mud pit in the countryside once. If the front wheels are slipping, shift into reverse and slowly back out. If the rear wheels are slipping, shift into drive and gently press the accelerator—don’t jerk the steering wheel, or you’ll sink deeper. Keeping gravel or old blankets in the car is really helpful; you can stuff them under the slipping wheels. The most crucial step is turning off the ESP system, otherwise it will limit power output. Slowly rock the car back and forth while using the padding—never panic and floor the accelerator. Last year, I used this method to escape during a heavy rainstorm, and in the end, only a layer of tire tread was worn off.

[DanteLynn]

Last time I got stuck in a mud pit, I tried the trick of lowering tire pressure. Unscrewing the valve core with a key to release air down to around 25 psi increased the tire contact patch by 30%, and gently steering left and right helped gain traction. Always check the mud depth—if it's above the wheel hub center, don't force it; call for recovery first. Reinflate tires immediately after escaping, as driving at high pressure can damage rims. If you have an entrenching tool, dig a small ramp in front of the tires to reduce resistance.

[Corey]

As a seasoned driver who has been stuck four times, I recommend trying manual recovery first: find branches to wedge into the tire treads for better traction, or use car floor mats if none are available. Engage L gear or manual first gear when starting, lightly press the brake with your left foot to control torque, and maintain the throttle with your right foot to hold the RPM at 2000. Observe the wheel direction and steer toward the direction the front of the car is leaning. If three attempts fail, don't drain the battery—call 122 for a tow truck, which is safer.