Stuck in Mud or a Ditch? Here Is What To Do
A step-by-step playbook for freeing a stuck vehicle — and a clear line for when to stop and call a recovery truck.
Getting stuck happens to careful drivers too. One soft shoulder, one icy patch, and you are not going anywhere. The next ten minutes determine whether you drive out or dig deeper.
Stop spinning the tires
Wheel spin digs holes and melts ice into slippery glaze. As soon as the tires start to spin, get off the throttle.
Try the basics first
- Turn the wheel straight
- Rock gently between drive and reverse
- Add traction under the drive wheels — floor mats, gravel, kitty litter, or sand
Know when to stop
If you are leaning sideways, near water, or on a steep shoulder, do not try to get out on your own. Call for a winch-out. Our vehicle recovery trucks are built for exactly this.
Staying safe until help arrives
If traffic is moving fast nearby, stay in the car with your seatbelt on and hazards flashing. If the vehicle is safely off the roadway and it is cold, conserve fuel and keep your phone charged.
Rural roads around Enumclaw and Sumner are common recovery calls for us — we know the terrain.
Need a tow right now?
Pacific Towing & Recovery dispatches 24/7 across the South Puget Sound. One call is all it takes.
Call (253) 350-3874More articles
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