What to Do When the Rear Wheel Falls into a Ditch?
3 Answers
If the car is stuck in such a ditch, you can use the jack from the trunk and find a thick, flat wooden board nearby to place under the wheel in the ditch, then slowly drive out. This is the safest and most professional approach, regardless of the ditch's depth. It is also quite convenient. Moreover, it allows you to move the car out without damaging the chassis. This situation usually occurs when the car is stuck in a relatively deep ditch. For safety and to minimize damage, it is best to take this measure.
I was just driving around when my rear wheel accidentally slipped into a ditch. It gave me quite a scare, but I immediately reminded myself that staying calm is key. I quickly turned off the engine and pulled the handbrake tight to ensure the car wouldn't slide. After getting out, I carefully checked the depth of the ditch—if it was shallow, I'd look for wooden planks or stones by the roadside to place under the wheel; if it was deep, no hesitation, I'd directly pull out my jack, find the proper chassis support point, and slowly lift the car. Once the wheel was off the ground, I'd wedge some sturdy objects underneath, then release the jack to see if the wheel came up. If all else failed, I'd call a friend or professional towing service for help, never forcing it. Afterward, I reflected: such incidents often happen when roads are slippery after rain, so I need to pay more attention to the roadside while driving and maintain my tires more frequently to avoid accidents that could harm the car or endanger safety.
When encountering a situation where the rear wheel falls into a ditch, my first reaction is to stop the car steadily to avoid causing more trouble. I would turn off the engine, engage the handbrake, and turn on the hazard lights to alert others. After getting out of the car, I would assess the depth of the ditch and attempt a simple self-rescue using tools like placing a wooden or plastic board in front of the wheel for cushioning, then slowly jacking up the wheel with a car jack to insert something underneath. When jacking the car, it's crucial to place the jack on a hard surface to prevent sinking. If the ditch is too steep or tools are unavailable, I would immediately call for a tow truck or seek help from nearby people without delay. I've tried this method a few times, and the key is to stay calm and patient. By the way, developing the habit of keeping spare tires and tools in the car can be a lifesaver, and avoiding rough roads during normal driving can save a lot of trouble.
