What to Do When Your Car Gets Stuck in Mud

[LaRebecca]

First, gently press the accelerator. If there is a tendency to move forward, maintain low-speed driving to pass through. If unable to move forward, try shifting into reverse gear and slowly back out. Utilize auxiliary tools

[SamuelFitz]

I've encountered this situation twice. The first time, I panicked, but later I got smarter. When your car is stuck in mud, never stomp on the accelerator—it'll only sink deeper. Immediately turn off the engine and get out to check for branches or wooden planks around. Last time, I used a folding shovel from the trunk to dig out the mud around the tires, then laid broken branches from the roadside in front of the drive wheels to increase traction. Try gently pressing the gas in reverse; if that doesn't work, shift to first gear and apply steady throttle—front-wheel-drive cars tend to get out easier this way. If you have companions, it's best to have them push (but avoid the tire rotation direction). If you really can't get it out, don't force it—calling a tow truck is much cheaper than wrecking your transmission. Keeping an entrenching tool in the trunk is incredibly useful.