5 Tricks for Mud Driving
From the archive: Always try to avoid deep mud if you can – it can damage your vehicle's parts and cause rust in the long run. But on the day, you have to drive through it, remember these five tips by Alan Goodway to get you safely to the other side. and see what type of mud it is. It might have a hard, rough surface that looks safe, but you will get stuck once your tires penetrate the top layer. Soft mud sometimes has a harder base a bit deeper.
Do not hold the steering wheel too tightly and force the vehicle in one direction. Feel the feedback from the wheels on your steering wheel and follow the path of least resistance. Your wheels should spin to get you through the obstacle, but not too much, as you won't have enough traction. Mud tires especially need a quick spinning action to throw the mud out of the grooves.
If the wheels start spinning too fast, reduce your power so the wheels can regain traction. You can also gently move the steering wheel from left to right to utilise the grip of the knobs and grooves on the tire’s edge and sidewalls. This works best with an aggressive tread pattern like that of mud tires.If you get stuck, try driving back in your own tracks. It might also help to gently move your vehicle forward and backward. If that doesn’t work, don’t bury yourself further.
Instead, start the recovery. Use sand ladders, branches, grass, or wood to get some traction under the wheels. You can also try digging yourself out, but if you're really stuck, use a kinetic rope or a winch. Deep mud sometimes “sucks” your vehicle in, so it also helps to lift it with a high-lift jack. But the above actions have an element of danger, so it’s advisable to avoid mud with a detour where possible.
This article originally appeared in August 2016. Facts and details may have changed since then – feel free to let us know at Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
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