Getting your car stuck in mud, snow, or a ditch is a frustrating and stressful experience. Whether you're driving on a rainy day, through heavy snowfall, or off-road, losing traction can leave you feeling helpless. However, before you panic, there are several steps you can take to free your vehicle safely and effectively.

If you find yourself stuck, follow these steps to get back on the road—or call Shawn Towing for professional winching and recovery services when you need expert help.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

First, stay calm and assess your surroundings.
✔ Check if your tires are deeply buried in mud or snow.
✔ Look for any obstructions around the vehicle.
✔ Make sure it’s safe to exit the car before attempting to free it.

If you’re in a dangerous spot—such as the side of a highway or an area with poor visibility—stay inside the car and call for roadside assistance immediately.

2. Avoid Spinning Your Tires

One of the biggest mistakes drivers make when stuck is pressing the gas pedal too hard. Spinning your tires can:
❌ Dig your car deeper into mud or snow
❌ Overheat and damage your transmission
❌ Make recovery more difficult

Instead, gently press the gas while shifting between drive and reverse to create a rocking motion that may help free your car.

3. Create Traction Under the Tires

If your wheels are spinning with no grip, you’ll need to increase traction. Try placing these items under your tires:
???? Wooden planks or sticks
???? Cardboard or floor mats (place them in front of the tires)
???? Gravel, sand, or cat litter (pour near the tires for grip)

If you’re in snow, shovel away excess snow from around the tires and underneath the car before attempting to move.

4. Deflate the Tires Slightly

Lowering tire pressure by 2-3 PSI can increase surface contact, giving the tires better traction. However, don’t let too much air out—just enough to help your car regain grip.

5. Use a Gentle Push (With Caution!)

If you have passengers or bystanders willing to help, a gentle push can sometimes help your car get out. However, make sure:
✔ The car is in neutral
✔ The driver is in control of the steering wheel
✔ The pushers stand at the back (not the sides) for safety

6. Call a Professional Towing Service

If none of these methods work, or if your vehicle is deeply stuck in a ditch, it’s time to call a professional towing service like Shawn Towing. Our team is equipped with specialized winching tools to safely pull your car out without causing damage.

Need Help? Call Shawn Towing Now!

At Shawn Towing, we offer 24/7 emergency towing, winching, and roadside assistance to get you back on the road quickly. Whether you’re stuck in mud, snow, or a ditch, our expert team is just a call away.

???? Call us now or visit ShawnTowing for fast assistance!