How to Get Your Vehicle Moving if Stuck

Here are ten top tips from the experts at the Alconbury Driving Centre for getting going again if you are stuck.

  1. Best way: If other cars/trucks are present, ask for help from them .They might tug your car out of the mud/sand/ice/snow.
  2. Put the transmission into four-wheel drive and active the differential locks (if equipped).
  3. Shift into the lowest gear available (if wheels spin try a higher gear ie 2nd gear).
  4. If the car won’t get out in one direction, drive back and forward alternately.
  5. Turn the steering wheel slightly and try driving in a different direction.
  6. Clear the soft silt or sand under the driving wheel to gain traction.
  7. Reduce the air pressure of the slipping wheel(s) & use less acceleration
  8. Place wood, pebbles or a piece of old carpet in front of the slipping wheel(s) (if driving forward) or behind the slipping wheel(s) (if driving reverse)
  9. Be prepared to steer and brake after you get your car out.
  10. Switch off momentarily the ESP/ESC system (Always consult your vehicle handbook)