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CAR TROUBLES

Getting Unstuck…

Grandpa TJ: I've located videos which deal with stuck vehicles. These videos will give you enough information to decide if you can get unstuck without calling for an expensive tow truck.

There are lots of methods to get unstuck without calling for a tow truck. Some require preparation; others can be improvised.
Best advice: try to avoid getting stuck in the first place — and know your options before you need them. - Grandpa TJ -

Ways to get unstuck

Getting out of mud or wet sand

Several types of traction boards get a truck and an ATV out of sandy mud. Boards work in mud, sand, and snow. Grandpa TJ notes the roll-up version worked well in the demo.

Watch on YouTube

Deep sand — crawl / traction modes

Several ways to get out of sand. Crawl mode is similar to traction control or snow mode — sensing wheel spin and using brakes (and sometimes power) to find grip.

Thanks to Rhinohide for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube

Deep sand — steering for traction

Driving out of sand by turning the front wheels back and forth until traction is found. Shown on 4WD; can also work for FWD.

Thanks to Kelvin Ang for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube

Deep sand — tire deflation tricks

A 4WD truck uses tire-deflation and driving tricks to get out of deep sand where all four wheels are stuck.

Thanks to Guilt Performance for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube

Snow — salt, litter, and boards

Slow driving tips, road salt or kitty litter for traction (don't forget traction boards), or windshield washer fluid tricks.

Thanks to DPCcars for finding the Ford YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube

Snow — low-tech methods

Low-tech ways to get unstuck from snow.

Thanks to 4DIYers for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube

Snow — traction control electronics

How to use your car's traction control electronics to get unstuck from snow.

Thanks to Driving.ca for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube

Snow — hand brake technique

Using the hand brake when one wheel is spinning in the snow.

Thanks to Team O'Neil for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube

Snow and ice — more options

A slightly different look at several ways to get yourself unstuck from snow and ice.

Thanks to Outside for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube

Traction gadgets for snow

Emergency tire traction gadgets tested. Not replacements for tire chains, but they can help in slippery conditions.

Thanks to Taras Kul for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube

Snow chains vs zip ties

Three 'snow chain' solutions on a snow-covered hill. Spoiler: zip ties destroy themselves; true snow chains work best.

Thanks to Sergiu Gabor for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube

Winching tips

Winching tips and techniques for recovery.

Thanks to The Weather Channel for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube

No winch? Improvised recovery

What to do if you don't have a winch.

Thanks to The Weather Channel for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube

Back to hubs & supplies

Car Is Stuck hub Tow Truck for Being Stuck General Store — car stuck

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