What To Do When Your Car Is Stuck In The Mud

If your car is stuck in the mud, you may not be sure whether to gun the engine or give up.

It’s frustrating when your wheels spin and you don’t go anywhere, but it helps to approach the situation calmly. Use the most effective tactics for your situation, so you can get it back on the road quickly.

Prepare for This Scenario

If you live in a region where mudslides and flash floods are a threat, don’t leave home without a few critical items.

First, make sure you have a shovel. You can buy a sturdy, foldable shovel that fits into your trunk if you need to save on space.

You should also get a quality tow strap, but make sure you buy one that doesn’t have metal hooks on the ends. If one end comes loose, it could cause injury.

Also make sure you attach both ends to each vehicle’s frame, not the bumper or body. Otherwise, you could tear off parts of your car.

Don’t Make it Worse

When your car is stuck in the mud, you may think you should try flooring the gas pedal until you work your way out of the rut. Don’t do it — it’s a bad idea.

Not only will this only get you more stuck, it can seriously damage your tires, the car’s axles and your transmission. Fixing all of those is much more expensive than paying for a tow.

Dig Out Your Wheels

Before you call a professional, see if you can dig the mud out from around each stuck wheel. You can use your hands if you have to, but a shovel would get the job done quickly and effectively.

Add Traction 

After you’ve removed the mud, try filling the rut with sticks, rocks or leaves. If you have any cardboard or wood on hand, this could work too. In desperate times, consider using your car’s rubber floor mats. Place whatever dry material you have in front of each wheel, and it may give you enough traction to power out of the mud.

Call for Recovery Services

When all else fails, there is no shame in calling for a tow truck. Find a local towing company that offers recovery services and explain the problem. They will arrive with a truck that has a powerful winch and a strong tow strap, and you’ll be back on the roadway quickly.

Depend on Stauffer’s Towing when your car is stuck in the mud, and get on-the-spot professional service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.