Driving on muddy roads is a challenging activity, but there are several things you can do to make the journey safer for you and your vehicle. Start by fitting tires of the right type and pressure. Check the depth of the mud before you go through it and drive slowly and steadily. If you start to slip, point the front of the car in line with the front tires so you can control the vehicle. Call emergency services if you need them.
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Method 1 of 3: Making Safe Driving Choices
Step 1. Check the mud depth
Before you hit the muddy road, if it looks deep, get out of the car and check. Take the wood and check the depth by putting the wood in the mud. Try to detect objects submerged in mud, such as large rocks, which could damage the undercarriage of the car.
You'll get a little dirty while checking your way, but this process can save you some trouble. Make sure the traffic and surroundings are safe before you get out of the car
Step 2. Turn on the thrust control
Many new model vehicles are equipped with thrust control options. This feature may turn on automatically when you go through bad road conditions. If the feature does not turn on automatically, you need to activate it by pressing a button which is usually located in the dashboard or console area. Read the vehicle owner's manual for more information about your vehicle.
However, be aware that the thrust control may make it difficult for the car to get out when stuck in the mud. If this is the case, turn the feature off and on when you've moved back
Step 3. Switch to 4WD
Look for gears or switches in the dashboard or console area. You'll see labels, such as 2H, right next to them. When you need more thrust, shift the gear or switch to position 4H or 4L. When you select 4H, all four wheels will work entirely. However, if the road conditions are very bad, move to 4L. This will make the tires move slower, but with more grip.
- All all-wheel drive vehicles do not have the 2H option because they always use all four wheels simultaneously.
- Some 4WD systems can freeze and dry up if they are not used for a long time. Use your 4WD system once every two months even if only on wet roads.
Step 4. Choose a smaller gear
If you drive 2WD, shift to second or third gear. Depending on the vehicle design, shift gears to the point numbered “2” or “3”. This will maintain your speed when going through the muddy roads. Shift to a higher gear when you are on a more stable road to reduce stress on the engine and wheels.
Step 5. Reduce the use of gas and brake pedals
Keep going as long as possible by taking advantage of the initial momentum. Maintain medium speed. If you must step on the gas pedal, do so slowly so that the wheel doesn't spin out of control. You can slip if you press the brake pedal too hard.
Do not change speed suddenly. Give the wheels time to adjust to the terrain and grip the surface well
Step 6. Don't drive in deep ground
Position the wheel in the highest part of the basin. Otherwise, your vehicle could sink into the basin or even get stuck in the middle. This is an important step you should take if you are driving on a road frequented by large vehicles, such as a cargo truck.
Know the car's ground clearance or the distance between the underside of the car and the road. Take this information into consideration how well your car can cope with a certain depth of dip of dirt or mud
Step 7. Fix the front wheel slip
If the vehicle continues to go straight or sideways, even when you turn the wheel, your vehicle has slipped. Reduce the gas and wait for the vehicle to slow down. When the vehicle slows down, wait until the front wheels are under control again. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the wheel. This process will allow you to control the vehicle again.
- Don't apply the brakes when you slip. This will make you lose control more quickly.
- The ice area under the mud can make you slip. Apply the same steps if you are on an icy road.
Step 8. Check the car for damage afterwards
When you are on dry roads, pull over and circle the car to detect any damage. Check the underside of the car to make sure the brake system and other components are not damaged. Take the time to clean the mud from the mirrors and car windows.
Drive slowly as you get out of the mud so your tires have a chance to dislodge lumps of mud
Method 2 of 3: Removing a Trapped Vehicle
Step 1. Turn on the emergency light
If you get stuck, make your vehicle visible by turning on the emergency lights. If you have a beacon, turn it on and place it around the outside of the car.
Step 2. Watch the vehicles that are coming towards you
Before getting out of the car, check the mirrors to see if any vehicles are approaching. Step slowly when you get out of the car to avoid slipping. If conditions are too dangerous, stay in the car and call emergency services.
Step 3. Try rocking the car
Turn the steering wheel so that the tires are straight forward. Step on the gas pedal slightly and shift gears between forward (drive or D) and reverse (reverse or R). Stop if you feel the tires keep turning. Turn the steering wheel so the tires are slightly tilted and try again.
For manual cars, use this maneuver in the highest gear. For automatic or automatic cars, use the lowest gear
Step 4. Reduce tire pressure
If you get stuck in the mud, reduce the entire tire pressure. Press the tire valve to reduce tire pressure. Wait until you hear the hissing of air coming out, then recheck the tire pressure. Reducing tire pressure will increase traction / thrust. Increase the pressure once you are on a hard road surface.
Step 5. Sprinkle regular sand or cat litter on the surface of the mud
Before each mud season, keep a bag of sand or a small container of cat litter in your vehicle. If you get stuck, sprinkle regular or cat litter around the tires to increase traction.
Step 6. Place the car mat under your tires
If you get stuck, shift gears to the parking position (park or P). Remove the mats and place one mat under each tire. Place the mat slightly against the tire and the rest pointing forward. This mat provides a solid surface on which your tires can grip. When you're on a hard surface, go back and get your mat.
If you don't have a mat, you can use two to four pieces of carpet or even pieces of cardboard
Step 7. Dig with a shovel
Have a collapsible outdoor shovel in your vehicle. When you get stuck, use the shovel to dig out the area around the tire. If you can remove moisture from the area, the tires will be able to grip the dry ground.
If you're desperate, find something in the vehicle that you can use as a shovel. For example, a spare tire cap can be used to lift wet soil
Method 3 of 3: Anticipating Muddy Roads
Step 1. Avoid areas that tend to be muddy
Roads with potholes with poor drainage can turn muddy quickly. You have to be extra careful if the area gets heavy rain or snow. Before driving, especially in unfamiliar areas, check the weather forecast via a mobile phone app for potential rain or snow.
Step 2. Choose the right tires
If you know that you will face bad road conditions, replace the standard tires with snow or mud tires. Mud tires have a deeper tread and stronger grip. This feature minimizes the risk of sinking and increases thrust. These tires will sound noisier on the road than standard tires. However, in the muddy season, the benefits of mud tires outweigh the disadvantages of their sound.
When buying mud tires, make sure you choose tires that perform well on wet roads. Due to their deep tread, some mud tires tend to lose traction on smooth and wet surfaces
Step 3. Use proper pressure
Refer to the car owner's manual or the panel on the inside of the car door for information on tire pressure. Keeping the tire pressure right, or slightly below it, will increase tire traction. Check the pressure of each tire every time you do monthly maintenance.
Step 4. Bring safety equipment and traction aid
At the start of the mud or rain season, check your safety gear. Make sure you have a flashlight, a flare, and a warm blanket. To deal with muddy conditions, prepare ropes and a crane jack. The jack is likely part of the tire changing equipment.
Step 5. Take a driving course
Some course providers concentrate on driving in rough terrain and inclement weather. Search for a course provider using the keywords “off-road driving courses” or “safe driving courses” and your location.
For example, some driving course providers will show drivers how to attach a tow rope and how to use other rescue strategies
Tips
If you know that you will face very dangerous conditions, make sure the mobile phone battery is fully charged
Warning
- If you will be driving in muddy or snowy areas, have extra clothes and blankets ready in the car. You may need it if you are stuck and need to warm up.
- Wash your car after it gets mud. Mud buildup on the brake system or other components can cause problems later on.
