What To Do If Your Car is Stuck in Mud

Whether you are out for a weekend of fishing and camping, or in the middle of a cross country road trip, sticky, sludgy mud can become a problem at any time along the way. If you find yourself stuck in mud, try this method for a safe and convenient way out.

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Step ❶

As soon as you are sure that your car is stuck, your first step is to ensure your safety and the safety of others. This is mostly important if you are on the side of a busy street or highway. If you are in an isolated area away from traffic, you may not have to follow all the recommendations in this step.

For those stuck on the side of the road, the first thing you need to do is protect your passengers. It is recommended for everyone to stay in the vehicle with seat belts on to avoid getting hit by a car. The additional weight will also help get you free your car from the mud.

If you believe you are in a particularly dangerous position, contact the highway police for added protection. They can ensure that traffic is directed away from your vehicle.

Once everyone knows to stay seated with their seat belts on, it is important put your hazard lights on to warn oncoming traffic that you are immobile. If you have a roadside assistance kit, use any traffic cones, triangles, or lights as well. Place them around your vehicle so that oncoming drivers can see them.

Step ❷

Now you are ready to use the rocking method to free your car from the mud. Slowly and steadily transition from DRIVE to REVERSE until you get your car into a rocking motion. Continue to do this until you gain enough traction to spring forward or backward from the mud. According to Consumer Reports, it is important to keep the wheels straight while doing this. Avoid spinning your tires because this will only dig you deeper into the mud.

If the rocking motion is not working, you can try to add fresh, dry soil behind and in front of each tire. You can also jack up the car and add wood boards, floor mats, trunk liner, gravel, sand, or any other material you have that could work as a surface. Keep in mind that this is not recommended if you are on a busy highway or street. It can be very risky and dangerous.

Step ❸

When all attempts fail, or you are in a hurry and have no time to spend digging yourself out of the mud, contact an Indianapolis towing and roadside assistance company for safe and professional help. They have everything you need for prompt and specialized service that will not damage your car nor put you in danger.

Indianapolis Towing and Roadside Assistance

Indianapolis Towing

Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice. Request a free estimate, anytime.