How to Get your Car Unstuck from Mud

Cars are designed to drive best on paved roads that provide traction. Even vehicles designed for off-roading, like Jeeps, can still get stuck in mud.  You risk getting stuck in the mud whenever you drive on wet or unpaved roads or even when you go out four-wheeling. If you ever find yourself in this type of situation, there are a few tips you can follow that may help you get out of such a sticky mess.

As soon as you reach mud and get stuck, don’t panic. Avoid pushing hard on the accelerator in an attempt to get out of the mud, as this will cause your car to get stuck even deeper. Instead, gently press on the accelerator to try and ease out of the muddy pit. If your car has automatic transmission, put it in the lowest gear and give it a little bit of gas to see if your tires will get any traction.  If your car has a manual transmission, put it in a higher gear and gently let out the clutch, while moving your tires inch by inch.

If the above steps fail you, rock the car back and forth. Turn your steering wheel so the wheels are straightly aligned, and then rapidly switch back and forth from reverse to drive about 8 or 10 times. Only do this no more than 8 or 10 times because you can damage your vehicle. Try letting a small amount of air out of your tires. A tire that is slightly flat will increase the amount of surface area that comes in contact with the ground and could provide the extra traction you need to get yourself out of the mud. Remember to fill up your tires once you get out to safety.

Try to find something that you could place under the tires to provide extra traction. This includes a blanket, old coat, floor mats, sand, tree branches or boards (make sure to check for nails). Place the items under the front tires and slowly drive over them. This trick will usually get a car out of the mud but if it doesn’t, you may need to seek help.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.