There are a lot of things your car can get stuck in: mud, snow, even a ditch. While every situation is different, there are some principles you can follow that may help you become unstuck without needing to call for a tow. So, we enlisted Wyatt Knox from Team O’Neil Rally School to help us put this guide together should you ever find yourself in one of these sticky situations.
- Assess the situation. Get out of the car, inspect, and make a plan.
- Drive out. If you don’t have traction, you need momentum. Rocking the vehicle back and forth may help, as may “sawing” the wheel back and forth.
- Landscape. Determine what obstacles are causing the problem and eliminate them. Build up rocks, gravel, logs, etc, in front/behind tires to aid traction and clearance.
- Push. Manpower is often the quickest way to get a vehicle moving. Safety is key; know what the driver is doing.
- Winch. If you’re stuck in a ditch and have a winch available, now is the time to use it — hand winches, come-alongs, etc.
- Pull. If all else fails, you’ll need to be toward out.
Like this illustrated guide? Then you’re going to love our book The Illustrated Art of Manliness! Pick up a copy on Amazon.
Thanks to Wyatt for the help; if you’re in the Northeast, check out Team O’Neil’s awesome rally, off-roading, and even tactical driving courses!
Steve Dee
Submitted by: Steve Dee in Missoula, MT
Submitted by: Steve Dee in Missoula, MT
