How to Self-Rescue When a Car is Stuck and Skidding in Mud
2 Answers
When a car is stuck and skidding in mud, the self-rescue method involves using the car's built-in jack to lift the vehicle. Then, place rocks, bricks, branches, firewood, wooden planks, or wrap ropes around the drive wheels to increase traction, allowing the car to smoothly exit the mud pit. Additional tips: 1. Avoid gear changes when driving on muddy roads: When driving on muddy terrain, the driver should try to avoid shifting gears. This is because pressing the clutch pedal to change gears may cause the vehicle to suddenly stop due to excessive resistance. 2. Reduce tire pressure appropriately to navigate muddy roads: If both wheels are skidding and the entire vehicle is stuck in mud, you can use a homemade jack to lift the vehicle and place wooden planks or rocks under the wheels before attempting to start the car. In the absence of a jack, the best self-rescue method is to deflate the skidding tires.
After years of driving, I've encountered situations where the car gets stuck in mud and starts skidding. Never stomp on the accelerator, as this will only cause the wheels to spin and sink deeper. First, stay calm and try shifting into reverse to slowly back out at low speed, seeing if you can inch your way out. If that doesn't work, find nearby objects like gravel, wooden planks, or branches to place under the drive wheels to increase friction and aid traction. After getting unstuck, remember to check the undercarriage for any damage. Inspecting tire tread wear before driving on muddy roads can effectively prevent similar issues—safe driving is always the top priority.
