What are the methods to get a car unstuck in the desert?
4 Answers
Dig out the sand that is burying the car tires and clean the sand around the tires to form a relatively gentle slope around them. First, try reversing, then slightly accelerate forward, shift into reverse to move backward, and then shift into drive to accelerate forward. Adding weight can also increase the friction of the tires, thereby providing more power to the vehicle.
I've had my fair share of experiences with getting stuck in the desert while off-roading in Xinjiang. Each time I got bogged down, I learned something new. First, turn off the engine to let it cool down and prevent overheating damage to components. Then, have all passengers exit the vehicle to reduce weight. Use a shovel to quickly dig out the sand in front of the wheels, especially around the rear wheels, digging deep enough to expose firm ground. Reducing tire pressure is crucial—lowering it to 15-20 PSI flattens the tires and increases the contact area for better traction. If you don't have sand tracks, use carpets or wooden planks under the wheels as support points. Engage low gear and gently press the accelerator to try to drive out—avoid sudden bursts of speed, which can dig you in deeper. Teamwork is essential, with someone pushing the vehicle in sync with the drive wheels. Always carry ample water and a GPS locator. Before setting out, double-check that you have all necessary tools, like shovels and tow ropes, to avoid panic in emergencies. These lessons have made my later off-road trips much smoother.
The risk of getting stuck in the desert is high. As a long-distance driver, I particularly emphasize prevention and operational safety. In case of danger, turn off the engine and stop immediately, staying calm and avoiding panic. After exiting the vehicle, quickly assess the terrain to ensure there is no quicksand or other hazards around. Use a small shovel to clear the sand in front of the wheels, especially the drive wheels, and reduce tire pressure to around 15 PSI for better tire grip. Tools are crucial—place sand tracks or hard objects under the wheels before starting slowly. When pushing, choose early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower to avoid heatstroke. Before departure, prepare an emergency kit, water, and a satellite phone; choose routes that avoid loose sandy areas, and check tire pressure and the radiator. In emergencies, prioritize personal safety—don’t push too hard, and call for rescue if necessary.
That desert off-road trip really gave me a scare when the car got stuck. Luckily, my friend taught me some simple tricks. After stopping, turn off the engine to let it cool down, and don't delay—jump out quickly. Grab a shovel to dig out the sand in front of the wheels, especially in deeply stuck areas. Lowering tire pressure helps a lot—reduce it below 20 PSI for better traction on sand. Wedge wooden planks or car mats under the wheels for support, then get back in the driver's seat, shift to low gear, and gently press the accelerator to slowly reverse out. Remember to bring enough drinking water to prevent dehydration, and don't skimp on tools—a small shovel is a must. Learn some basic techniques before heading out so you can handle emergencies if you're alone. Avoid risky drives into unknown sandy areas.
