Mudding: The Joy of Getting Stuck

Mudding: This is one of the greatest joys of owning a truck, Jeep, or 4×4 that small car owners won’t experience. Your vehicle will eventually get stuck, just like the cars that have to navigate through dirt and grime. What can you do to get out of this sticky situation? There are a few things you can do. First, let’s make a quick aside.

Measure The Mud

There are hundreds of types and varieties of mud. It is important to stop and assess the mud.

* What other off-roaders have done it and left ruts?

* How humid is it?

* How deep is it?

* Are there rocks in the mud?

Although you are likely to get stuck, understanding the area will allow you to avoid getting stuck or give you an idea of how to get out. Before you go, do your research and ensure that you have the right equipment. Proper tires, like Cooper, designed for the mud; a winch and tow straps; water to cool your radiator; extra fuel; a portable air compressor. Learn more about what you should bring off-roading.

Rock The Tires, But Don’t Turn Them

You will eventually get your truck or 4×4 stuck. The first thing you should do is throw it into reverse, then lock your differential (if applicable) and slowly accelerate, keeping the wheels straight. If your tires are still spinning, you can shift to low and accelerate slowly forward. If the wheels spin on their own, you can turn your tires to the side. The treads’ edges should be able to grip the tires. Keep the car running if you can get out of the rut. You should not spin the wheels – it will cause more damage than good and heat up your radiator. This is why extra water is recommended.

If you are traveling with passengers, ask them to get up and push the car, particularly if you’re moving forward. This will also reduce your weight. Avoid ruts that haven’t dried out. You’ll likely get stuck and need to start the whole process over again.

Grab Hold

Try adding traction if rocking back and forth doesn’t work. If you have a truck with rear-wheel drive, you can add traction by putting weight over the rear axle. You can do the trick with rocks in a cooler. Place dry, solid objects behind or in front of the tire, depending on which direction you are going. This is a great way to use rocks, tree limbs, and wooden planks. You don’t have to ruin a car’s floor mat, but that will provide the necessary traction. To lift the car out of the mud, use a jack and place the boards or tree limbs under the tires.

These methods will help you get out of the mud quickly and get back to off-roading. Enjoy your off-road adventure by having a friend and some communication.

This post was written by a wheel and tire expert at Tennessee Tire. Tennessee Tire & Wheel is Clarksville Tennessee and Fort Campbell Kentucky’s leading tire and custom wheel shop. We proudly offer Southern Hospitality combined with the lowest prices in town! Come see us, call us, or message us for a quote today. You won’t be sorry you did. Click Here to learn more!