What to Do When a Car Gets Stuck in Mud?
2 Answers
Use the built-in jack to lift the vehicle, then place stones, bricks, branches, wooden boards, etc., in front of and behind the drive wheels to help the car smoothly drive out of the mud pit. You can deflate the car tires to reduce tire pressure. Lowering the tire pressure makes the tires flatter, thereby increasing the friction between the tires and the ground. You can shovel away the mud in front of and behind the wheels, shaping the mud pit into a slope. If there is water in the pit, try to remove the water as much as possible.
I remember last time my car got stuck in a mud pit, I was so anxious but finally got out safely. The key is not to stomp on the accelerator, which will just spin the wheels and sink deeper. Try gently rocking the car back and forth—sometimes that can loosen it enough to escape. If the wheels are slipping badly, look around for planks, branches, or rocks to place under the tires for extra traction. If none are available, use the car’s jack to lift the vehicle slightly and stuff sand, dirt, or clothing under the wheels. Call a friend or flag down a passing vehicle to help pull with a tow rope, making sure to coordinate the direction to avoid damage. For safety, turn off the engine to ensure ventilation and set up a warning triangle to alert others. Assess the terrain—rainy days make mud pits more likely, so keeping tools handy is a big help.
